Windy Hill

278m Elevation
278m Prominence
Scotland Country

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M62 to Windy Hill

A direct route from the busy M62 with a steep ascent leading to spectacular views.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill SIB

Elevation

278m

912 ft

Prominence

278m

Coordinates

55.8820, -5.1295

NS043698

OS Map

63

Explorer: 362S

At the Summit

The summit features a substantial trig point, perfect for the obligatory selfie that will surely earn you a few 'likes'.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and heather-covered moorland with some grassy patches.

Primarily composed of Pennine sandstone, Windy Hill boasts rugged outcrops and sweeping heather-clad moorlands, typical of the area.

Views & Scenery

You can see the distant peaks of the Pennines and the sprawling cityscape of Manchester.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Windy Hill is aptly named, reflecting its breezy summit conditions.

Historical Significance

Historically, the hill served as a lookout point during past conflicts, giving vantage over the surrounding area.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a layby on the A672 where you can park, but don't expect a five-star car park.

Public Transport

Buses run from Manchester city centre to nearby Saddleworth, a short walk from the starting point.

Nearby Facilities

There are a couple of charming pubs in nearby Dobcross, perfect for a refreshing pint after your hike, as well as public toilets at the village centre.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for unpredictable weather, as the name suggests, and beware of slippery rocks after rain.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Windy Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Windy Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Windy Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Windy Hill search or of course create your own walk for Windy Hill

Can I organise a walk to Windy Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Windy Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Windy Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Windy Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NS043698

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.