Perched atop the hills of Saddleworth Moor, a unique rock formation grabs the attention of hikers from all over.
Known as The Trinnacle, this fork-shaped gritstone pillar rises dramatically above Dovestone Reservoir, becoming a must-see spot for adventurers recently. 🥾
A hotspot for thrill-seeking hikers, many climb atop The Trinnacle to soak in the breathtaking views 🌄.
Shaped by glacial forces 14,000 years ago, the rugged valleys and jagged cliffs around it tell the story of an ancient landscape.
Separated from the main cliffs after years of weathering, The Trinnacle rises alone, like a trio of natural skyscrapers, best explored via the circular Trinnacle Trail.
Packed with sparkling reservoirs, stunning waterfalls, steep climbs, fun scrambles, and jaw-dropping scenery, this trail truly has it all!
Dovestone Circular Walk Route Info
Length: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7.2km (4.5 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 288 metres
Starting Point: Binn Green Car Park (RSPB), Oldham OL3 7NN
Location
Just east of Greenfield Village in Oldham, The Trinnacle sits along the walking trail stretching over the moors above Dovestones, Yeoman Hey, and Greenfield Reservoir.
The best place to start is Binn Green Car Park (RSPB). From there, follow the trail to the reservoir and climb the hillside path that leads straight to The Trinnacle. 🥾
Parking at Binn Green can be tricky since the lot is tiny and fills up fast during busy times. If you can’t find a spot, Dovestone Car Park down the road is a good alternative.
Keep in mind, starting from Dovestones adds a few extra kilometres to your hike, so plan your time accordingly. This car park isn’t huge either, so arriving early gives you the best chance of securing a space.
Step-by-step guide walk guide
From Binn Green Car Park, make your way to the reservoirs and cross the bridge connecting Dovestone and Yeoman Hey Reservoir.
At the far end of the bridge, turn right toward Dovestone, then quickly take a left to climb the steep Saddleworth Moor trail.
After the steep, rocky climb, keep an eye out for the trail on your left at the top—it leads straight to The Trinnacle.
Once you arrive, pause to admire the rugged beauty of The Trinnacle and soak in the breathtaking views from above 🌄.
Continue past The Trinnacle, following the trail down toward Greenfield Brook. Hop across the rocks to cross the river, then take a left.
Carefully make your way down the rocky path alongside the river, keeping your balance on the uneven terrain.
When you reach the bottom, hop across the river using the rocks, cross the bridge over the beck, then take a left toward Greenfield Reservoir.
From here, just follow the trail around Greenfield and Yeoman Hey Reservoir, and soon you’ll find yourself back at the starting point! 🎒
How hard is the walk?
While the Trinnacle Trail isn’t extremely difficult, it’s important to be prepared and confident with exposed scrambles.
The scramble beside Greenfield Brook has caught hikers off guard over the years, leading to accidents.
Most of these mishaps happened because people underestimated the route. Always wear proper walking boots and exercise extra caution, especially in bad weather.
How high is The Trinnacle?
The Trinnacle rises roughly 10 metres (33 feet) tall. Sitting atop the hills of Saddleworth Moor with an elevation gain of nearly 300 metres, you’re definitely standing pretty high up! 🏞️
Is climbing on The Trinnacle safe?
With The Trinnacle gaining popularity, taking a photo atop the three-pronged pillar has become a must for many hikers 📸.
⚠️ Warning: Climbing The Trinnacle is at your own risk. Only attempt it if you’re fully confident and the weather is safe—the drop on the far side is serious.
The Northern English weather can be unpredictable, and accidents have happened here over the years. Oldham Mountain Rescue advises that “it can be slippery when wet, and extremely exposed when windy.”
It’s simple common sense—if it doesn’t feel safe, don’t do it ❌.
How long is the trail?
Starting from Binn Green Car Park, the Trinnacle Trail stretches just over 7 kilometres and typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on your break stops 🥾.
If you begin at Dovestone Car Park, add an extra 2–3 kilometres to your hike. Here’s a Strava recording from our latest walk to The Trinnacle starting at Dovestone for reference.
Preparing for your walk
First and foremost, a solid pair of walking boots is a must for The Trinnacle Trail. With steep, slippery, boggy, and rocky terrain, strong footwear keeps you and your ankles safe and stable 🥾.
Since rain is common in England, bringing a waterproof jacket is also a smart move.
The trail can get tricky to navigate at times, especially in fog, so bringing a GPS and having basic navigation skills is essential.
Greenfield Waterfall
While spotting The Trinnacle is the main highlight for most hikers, the Greenfield Waterfall and scramble is another popular stop near Dovestone 🌊.
As you descend along Greenfield Beck on your return from The Trinnacle, don’t forget to turn around and enjoy the stunning waterfall views along the way.
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