Uppermill, a village on the edge of the Saddleworth Moors, offers a scenic canal-side walk, a charming high street, and a pub with a large beer garden—ideal for making the most of the late summer sunshine.
With the final week of the school holidays beginning on Monday for many families, and sunshine forecast for the rest of Sunday and into the start of next week, the village provides a convenient escape. According to the latest Met Office forecasts, sunny intervals are expected in the coming days, with temperatures climbing to highs of 24C by Wednesday. A few showers are forecast for Thursday and Friday, before dry weather returns over the weekend.
A Village Apart from the Urban Sprawl
Thanks to its location, Uppermill feels a world away from the urban sprawl of Greater Manchester. The civil parish was historically part of the former West Riding of Yorkshire, but in 1974 it was brought under the administration of Greater Manchester. Today it is part of Oldham, although many residents still maintain that the village is in Yorkshire, and they celebrate Yorkshire Day on August 31.
The village’s high street features a handful of pubs, cafes, and bakeries, offering plenty of spots for a bite to eat. An outpost of Grandpa Greene’s in Saint Chad’s Gardens serves ice cream, perfect for the late summer sunshine.
Canal Towpath and Countryside Views
Both the River Tame and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal flow through the village. Following the canal towpath offers a different perspective on the village compared to the high street, taking walkers past colourful barges, across stone bridges, and beside neat terrace houses. In some sections, there are glimpses of the Saddleworth Moors and the famous 'Pots and Pans' hill.
On the outskirts of the village, the Cross Keys Inn on Running Hill Gate has a large beer garden with views of the surrounding countryside. The pub serves traditional pub grub, including pies, lasagne, and fish and chips—ideal for refuelling after a family walk.
