Saddleworth Art Trail 2025

Aidan Knight Pottery & Shelley Wood; Saddleworth Art Trail 3-5 May 2025

It may only be in its second year, but Saddleworth Art Trail has a formula that seems to ensure it will be a date in the calendar for many more.

Established and run by local artists, there is an honesty and integrity that resonates whether you just want to meet and talk with artists in their studios, are looking for an original work of art or a thoughtful hand-crafted gift, it will delight.

The beautiful setting of rural Saddleworth adds to the charm and affords visitors the opportunity to partake of beautiful artisan food and wander the cobbled streets of Uppermill and beyond. Slightly further afield, should you complete the trail with time to spare, you can enjoy the beauty of Dove Stone Reservoir, or the surrounding moors; where many artists find inspiration.

Exhibitions in local businesses, cafes, artists studios and homes make for a unique experience behind every door. Well worth a visit if you have a few hours to spare, for 2025 my personal favourite was the discovery of ceramicists Adian Knight and Shelley Woods; student and teacher exhibiting in Adians home; 132, High Street, Uppermill. A little further along the road, on the edge of Uppermill village is Glynis Thorpe’s work, which looks beautiful next to the canal in The Lime Kiln Cafe. Kryshia Adamiec, can be found a little further still, the next village of Dobcross in her beautiful studio overlooking open countryside. There are several artists exhibiting in Dobcross, so well worth taking the extra step for a visit.

Several artists from Woodend Mill are part of the organisation of the art trail including; Linda Edwards, Glynis Thorpe, Nancy Crilley, Susan Aggarwal and others including Rachel Woods of Pattern Maker Studio, are exhibiting. Great to see them at the heart of their local community demonstrating the importance of art, craft, creativity and happiness to us all. Ann Gilligan of Phantasmagoria has just taken residence in the new home for the community arts project at the old Co-op building in Greenfield, where imaginations young and old go to expand it is set to be a much loved addition to the community and we wish them every happiness and success in their beautiful premises.