THE FOOTNOTES
Every print from Marking The Wild comes with its own trail story, this is yours.
Here you’ll find sketches, route details, reflections from the walk, and a few extra notes I couldn’t quite fit on paper.
Think of it as a companion to the artwork; a small way to step into the moment with me, and maybe take the journey for yourself.
The Trinnacle: A Gritstone Myth in the Making
Some places build their reputation slowly, and if you’re quick you can experience this wonder before it becomes too popular. Three gritstone pillars rising from the edge of Greenfield’s steep walls — not dramatic in size, but dramatic in attitude. They stand like they’ve decided they’re not going anywhere, even if the moor around them keeps shifting with every season, surely, these pillars would remain.
This walk eases you in, taking a slight detour past cottages, into woodland and through rolling pastures that are well worth the diversion. Then there’s the climb, the surprises at the top and the dramatic descent. This is now the kind of place where you automatically square your shoulders a little, as though matching the mood of the moor.
The Trinnacle appears suddenly exactly as it should and without fanfare. A jagged arrangement of stone that feels mythic; like it was used in some ancient ritual to the moorland Gods. There’s something satisfying about standing at its base. The wind lifts around you and ravens arc across the cliffs like they're waiting for you to begin chanting. It’s not a place that needs interpretation. You simply stand there and feel something new in your bones.
The river path down is a bit trepidatious (feel free to return the way you came if you’re unsure). Take caution if you continue, as it’s not uncommon for people to stumble and have a cool plunge at the river crossing (one of my friends did, but they weren’t hurt so we can laugh about it now). The Trinnacle is a landmark that doesn’t care what you think of it, because it knows something we don’t, and while you may not figure out what that is exactly, you’ll leave feeling changed.
Waypoints Through The Wild
Start: Begin at Dovestones Reservoir car Park and immediately move in the opposite direction from the water and detouring down Bradbury’s Lane to admire the northern cottages. Turn left up a footpath into woodland moving through and turning left at the top track.
Exit the woods and follow the path through rolling pastures admiring the large boulder strewn across the grasslands. Continue by crossing the Chew Brook and climbing Chew Road all the way to the eerie, haunting Chew Reservoir.
Walk across the dam walkway and head across the moors where the path does exist, but may need reminding of it. Reach the cliff edge and follow this all the way around to the right before a final climb reveals the Trinnacle.
Your return journey crosses Brichen Clough and then follows it all the way down through the valley - this can be a bit of a downward scramble at times so caution and bravery is advised.
You’ll reach the firmer path adjacent to Greenfield Brook before Greenfield Reservoir (the first of the three). The second is Yeoman Hey Reservoir, whose dam walkway deserves a walk across, though we’re not following the path on the other side. Instead, return to the original path and continue down.
Finish: Reach the waterside path of Dovestones Reservoir following to round and back to the car park.
Sense The Scene
See: sheer drops, dark gritstone towers, ravens cutting across thermals, the long sweep of Saddleworth Moor, the eerie atmosphere of Chew Reservoir.
Hear: wind hitting the cliff edges, wingbeats echoing off rock, water carrying cascading through the clough below.
Smell: cold stone, dry heather, peat lifted by the breeze
Feel: grainy gritstone under your palm, coarse moorland grass brushing against your boots, wind tugging at your layers.
Taste: the mineral tang of upland air, dry peat carried on the wind, cool water on the breeze.
Practical Parts
Parking: Limited parking near the Dovestone Reservoir access points; arrive early at weekends. Follow local signage for permitted areas.
Facilities: Toilets and there’s usually a small kiosk at Dovestone Reservoir Car Park.
Hazards: Extremely steep drops near the Trinnacle, high winds common - avoid the edge in gusty conditions, slippery gritstone when wet, poor visibility can descend quickly - stick to clear paths, bring map/compass. Not advised for those uncomfortable with heights.
Have you been here? What's Your Story
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