Nestling between the Saddleworth villages of Greenfield, Uppermill, Dobcross and Diggle the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is a firm favourite for visitors and for family days out.

Visit the canal marina at Greenfield and enjoy a canal side drink or bite to eat in the pub, or head to Uppermill for a boat trip on the Pennine Moonraker (also available for hire for group bookings - day and evening events, visit www.saddleworth-canal-cruises.co.uk)

Walking along the canal towpath you can follow the Huddersfield Narrow Canal sculpture trail. Reflecting images of life on the Canal, pieces of public art have been designed by local artists and school children. It includes two canal themed play areas at Diggle Fields (near the village duck pond), where mini sculptures and interactive games lead the visitor on a network of paths to the Standedge Tunnel entrance (the longest, deepest and highest above sea level in the country).

Just before the tunnel, Grandpa Greenes canal-side ice cream cabin provides the perfect spot for a family treat, offering the chance to indulge in locally made luxury ice-cream and the chance to read the informative Towpath Guide published by the Huddersfield Narrow Canal Society whilst having a break.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal, through the Saddleworth area of Oldham, re-opened in May 2001 following a £30 million restoration project funded mainly by the Millenium Commission and English Partnerships. It is more than 50 years since the waterway was last open to through navigation.

The Canal played an important part in the devleopment of the area during the Industrial Revolution. Now it's role has changed to that of a major attraction for visitors, providing leisure opportunities for towpath walks and canal boat rides aboard the Pennine Moonraker through breathtaking countryside.

The waterway runs for 20 miles between Ashton-under-Lyne and Huddersfield - passing through scenic Saddleworth villages of Greenfield, Uppermill and Diggle - before entering the Standedge Tunnel - the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in the country.

This location can be reached by catching the Saddleworth Hopper Bus Service, on weekends and bank holidays during July and August, which runs from the Long Stay car park at Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre to Dove Stone Reservoir, every 30 minutes. Offering a reliable, affordable (tickets from just 15p!) and hassle free way to spend a day visiting the attractions in Uppermill and Greenfield. For more details on the Hopper bus service, including a timetable, head to the Travel section of the Visit Oldham website.