The road
Once you’re past the reservoirs, it’s open moor for miles, with long bends, dips and very few buildings. The road has a bad accident record, and the weather changes quickly on top: fog and rain can come in with little warning. In winter it closes in snow.
What usually goes wrong here
Crashes on the fast bends, overheating on the climb from Greenfield on summer weekends, and bikes stopping in heavy rain with no shelter for miles.
If you’re stuck right now
Use one of the lay-bys and get well away from the road; traffic is fast. Tell us whether you’re nearer Greenfield or Holmfirth. If you’ve crashed and anyone is hurt, call 999 first.
Where to stop and phone signal
At the Greenfield end, the Dove Stone reservoir car park is a far safer wait than the moorland verge. Up on the moor, use a lay-by and stand well back from the fast traffic. Signal comes and goes over the top, so share your pin as soon as you can and tell us which reservoir or landmark you last passed.
- Get off the road, and get the bike off it too if you can.
- Send your location: a WhatsApp live pin, what3words, or the last landmark you passed.
- Call 07520 639867, hear the price, and we’ll send a bike-ready truck.
Nearest areas we cover
FAQ
Rider questions
How long does it take to get a recovery truck to the Saddleworth Moor (A635)?
It depends on where the nearest available truck is and the traffic. Remote roads take longer than towns. We give you an honest estimate on the call.
What if I have no phone signal?
Walk to higher ground or the nearest village. A single bar is enough for a text or WhatsApp pin. Note the last landmark you passed.