Unexpected Adventures: Hiking the Saddleworth Trig Circular
One thing I'd definitely recommend is to steer clear of planning your hike at 1 am after indulging in a few too many cocktails – it's a recipe for unexpected adventures, as I learned a couple of weeks ago. Tom and I have this Sunday tradition where we embark on a brief hike (usually around 1-2 hours) followed by a climbing session at Rockover Central. Scrolling through Instagram, the Trinnacle Rocks caught my eye a few times, and I was convinced I'd found a trail leading to them. But alas, in my slightly tipsy state, I failed to realize that the hike would take around 6 hours from where I parked. However, serendipity led me to stumble upon another breathtaking set of rocks, making the unplanned detour entirely worthwhile.
For those curious about the trail I inadvertently stumbled upon (which includes the Dovestone rocks, not the Trinnacle rocks), it goes by the name of the Saddleworth Trig Circular. We parked near the Cross Keys Pub in Saddleworth, which was surprisingly peaceful on a Sunday morning, offering the perfect starting point for a tranquil stroll.
The hike starts with quite a steep incline – my knees were definitely feeling the burn. And then there was the mud. Oh, the mud! At one point, I found myself sinking shin-deep into the muck after an almost graceful tumble – not exactly a moment I'm proud of, but hey, it's all part of the adventure! About 45 minutes into the trail, we stumbled upon some imposing rocks boasting a breathtaking panoramic view of the peaks. It was an exhilarating spot to scramble up, although the wind threatened to whisk me away! It seems this spot is a favorite among dog walkers, so be prepared for some company. Later research revealed that this particular rock formation goes by the name of Pots and Pans Rock.
Close by, you'll find a memorial known as the Pots and Pans Memorial, steeped in local folklore regarding its origin. It's definitely worth delving into its history – a quick Google search will uncover some fascinating tales. The villages surrounding the Saddleworth district united to create this collective memorial after World War I. Completed in 1923, the rock bears the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war, with plaques positioned to face their corresponding villages. It's heartening to see that the site is still utilized for events such as Memorial Sunday, keeping the memory alive.
For those seeking a quieter escape, we veered off the main trail towards Dovestone Reservoir, stumbling upon more captivating rock formations along the way. The surrounding area offers endless opportunities for exploration if you're craving a more serene hike. Despite losing track of time while immersing ourselves in the scenery, we eventually retraced our steps back to the starting point. However, if you stick to the designated trail, it forms a circular route that can be completed in approximately 2 hours.
Though it wasn't the hike we initially envisioned, it turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. And fear not – we did manage to visit the Trinnacle Trail the following weekend, so keep an eye out for a future blog post detailing that escapade!
