Blackstone Edge Walk
Climb to this gritstone escarpment in the Pennine Hills and enjoy wonderful views over Greater Manchester and Yorkshire. The high point stands at 1,549 feet (472 m) with Manchester city centre, Winter Hill and the mountains of north Wales visible on a clear day.
You can start your walk from the car park near Blackstone Edge Reservoir. From here you can pick up the Pennine Way and follow it to the summit. If you continue south along the path it will take you to Rock Stones Hill and Green Hole Hill. Heading north will take you to White Holme Reservoir, Warland Reservoir, Langfield Common and Withens Clough Reservoir.
If you prefer you could start the walk from Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough. There are footpaths across the moors to Blackstone Edge from the town.
At the lake you can also pick up the South Pennine Water Trail which is a great way of exploring this area of the South Pennines.
Postcode
OL15 0LE - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsBlackstone Edge Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Blackstone Edge Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Blackstone Edge OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Blackstone Edge Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The White House is conveniently located right next to the car park at the start of the walk. This remote pub is in a fabulous location in an elevated position on the Halifax Road with panoramic views of the surrounding moors and Hollingworth Lake far below. It also has a wonderful history being originally an old coaching house dating from 1671. It is situated 1,300 feet above sea level and includes an outdoor seating area where you can relax on warmer days. The pub has an extensive menu and a nice cosy interior. You can find it at postcode OL15 0LG for your sat navs.
Just up the road is the Moorcock Inn, located at the foot of the Pennines in Littleborough. There's more great countryside views from the garden area with home-made food and fine real ales on tap. It's also located on the Halifax Road at postcode OL15 0LD.
Dog Walking
The Edge is a great place for a dog walk and the Moorcock Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Blackstone Edge Reservoir has a nice trail running alongside the water. It's a nice little walk to try if you have time. The Warland Reservoir Walk visits the reservoir before heading north across Chelburn Moor to visit the neighbouring Warland Reservoir. It's a good way of taking in several lakes while enjoying some lovely heather moorland scenery.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Blackstone Edge Reservoir. The reservoir was created in 1798 to supply the Rochdale Canal.
The cairn stands on the highest point of Blackstone Edge. The Long Causeway here was is thought to be of Roman origin. Others theorise that it could be an 18th century turnpike or packhorse route.
A sea of boulders at Blackstone Edge, in Greater Manchester, England.
The summit in winter. Looking west towards Rochdale.
The White House Public House on Halifax Road
The Aiggin Stone. The noteworthy stone is a gritstone pillar, possibly a way-marker, standing alongside the road. This area could have been an ancient packhorse route. The stone marks the county boundary. It has a cross and the letters I and T cut into it and the name is said to derive from the French aiguille for a needle or aigle for an eagle.
Looking across the moor
Looking south from the Pennine Way. The trig point is top left of picture and has a man dancing on it.