The leader of Oldham Mountain Rescue has issued urgent advice to walkers about a trail in Saddleworth seeing a surge in popularity.

Rob Tortoiseshell said: "There has been a lot of publicity in recent months about the newly named ‘Trinnacle Trail’, a walking route in the Dovestones area of Saddleworth that takes in ‘Greenfield Waterfall’ (in Birchen Clough) and the spectacular three-pronged gritstone pillar known locally as the Trinnacle. 

“Although it has always been a popular destination for those in the know, exposure on social media, along with local and national news outlets, has meant the number of people tackling the trail has surged."

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He added: "While we always encourage people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, it is important that they understand the potential risks that may be encountered; something that the various media outlets often fail to mention.

“Although the Trinnacle Trail may be advertised as one of the best walks in the UK, it must be understood there are some parts that are more than a walk: the section up Birchen Clough past Greenfield Waterfall is a scramble that often requires the use of hands and feet to make progress up the rocky steps; it is not for the faint-hearted."

He also stressed the weather in the hills 'can change in an instant' even on the brightest days.

The rescue team leader went on: ”At Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, we have seen a huge increase in the people we have had to assist in the Birchen Clough/ Raven Stones (Trinnacle) area.

“In 2021, of the 50 incidents we attended, seven were in that area, with three of those involving serious, potentially life-changing injuries.

“One of the common spots is in the vicinity of Greenfield Waterfall, which is compounded by the lack of mobile phone signal in the gully.

"This means that it is not always possible to contact emergency services when they are required.

“It is almost a pre-requisite of visiting the Trinnacle that the hiker gets a photo of themselves on top of the pillar, but please use caution; it can be slippery when wet, and extremely exposed when windy.”

Advice when walking in the Saddleworth hills

• Check the route and what is involved. Is it within your capabilities? Do you have enough time to finish in daylight? Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

• Take the right kit. Do you have waterproofs and spare warm clothing? Wear appropriate footwear for the terrain. Take a map and compass (and know how to use them)- mobile phone apps and GPS devices are useful but cannot be relied on in cold/ wet conditions. Carry a torch in case you do get caught out by fading light.

• Check the weather. Be prepared to adapt or postpone if the weather is poor.

• Fully charge your mobile phone. In case you do need to contact the emergency services.

If the worst happens and you need emergency assistance in the hills, dial 999, ask for police, then mountain rescue.

Having some basic details will help the response:

• Exact location. Preferably an OS grid reference. ‘OS Locate’ is an free app which will provide this. Downloading the app before heading out will save valuable time and battery power (as well as there being no guarantee of good signal on the hill).

• Nature of injuries or illness. Plus any pre-existing health issues.

• Name and age of casualty

• Number in party

Mr Tortoiseshell added: “When you have summoned help, stay where you are, minimise movement of the casualty, and keep warm until assistance does arrive.

"Taking the appropriate precautions beforehand will help to ensure that you have an enjoyable and memorable outing in our beautiful surroundings.”