Greenfield
After Lock 17W, the canal passes below Division Bridge, the boundary
between Mossley and Saddleworth and at one time between Lancashire and
Yorkshire. Immediately after this, the canal crosses the Royal George
Aqueduct over the River Tame. The valley bottom is wider at this point,
with steep-sided hills to be seen in every direction. Immediately ahead
is Wharmton, surmounted by a television mast. To the north of the canal
after Lock 18W are the houses and church of the Friezland area of Greenfield.
The bulk of the village of Greenfield is to the south of the canal.
However, the railway station is about 100 yards north. Trains run to
Ashton, Stalybridge, Marsden and Huddersfield.
After the reconstructed bridge at Mann's Wharf, the Greenfield skyline
opens out to the right and the Pots and Pans monument can be seen on
the hill ahead. The massive hill to the right is Alphin Pike, over 1500
feet above sea level. At the next bridge the canal passes between the
village of Greenfield to the south and its railway station, a short
distance to the north.
The canal then continues to Uppermill with a steep wooded hillside to
the left and the River Tame and playing fields to the right.
Uppermill
The village has a chemist, a Nat West bank, two butchers, two bakers,
a launderette, post office, Co-op Lateshop, Spar supermarket and a wide
variety of restaurants, cafes, tea shops, gift and general shops. A
small but very well stocked Health Food Store (St Mary's Gate, access
via Bluebells on the High Street) opened in July 2002, which sells organic
produce and other goods. A small market, with 6-7 stalls, selling fresh
vegetables, clothes and bric-a-brac takes place every Wednesday. Other
facilities include a library and local history centre.
There is an hourly bus service (353/355) to Ashton. (Two hourly on Sundays)
There is an hourly bus service (365) from Uppermill to Marsden and Huddersfield
(Two hourly on Sundays).
Uppermill is the home of the trip boat "Pennine Moonraker",
which was used to perform a number of the official events for the re-opening
of the canal. It operates from the basin (winding hole) near the Saddleworth
Museum and Art Gallery, where there is also the local Tourist Office
There is another Moonraker, which is a floating tea room.on the other
side of Standedge Tunnel. A story is told which suggests why the
name is popular in these parts. A group of locals dropped some
contraband in the canal. As they were trying to rake it out the
revenue men came upon them. On being asked what they were doing
they replied that they were trying to rake the moon from the water,
the Revenue men went away shaking their heads and the name stuck, though
as some observe, it probably has more to do with the local's view on
the gullibility of law enforcement officials than anything else.
To the east of Uppermill, under Saddleworth Viaduct, is the Old Sag
aqueduct, so named because shortly after its construction one side of
the arch began to sink into the ground. On the right after Old
Sag Aqueduct, the stonework of which forms part of the entrance to lock
23W, is the Brownhill Visitor Centre.
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