With it’s name linked to the monument on its summit, this hill in Tameside is a great spot to blow off the cobwebs. Overlooking Ashton-under-Lyne, Mosely, Saddleworth, Lees and Oldham – and on a clear day Manchester, Cheshire and Snowdonia in Wales – the walking route is a relatively easy walk with accessibility for wheelchair users. You can start the walk from near Mossley train station, climbing past Luzley Brows to Mossley Cross before continuing to Hartshead Pike.
Hartshead Pike is a prominent hill located in Tameside, Greater Manchester, England, rising to about 267 meters above sea level. It overlooks the town of Ashton-under-Lyne and offers sweeping panoramic views across the surrounding landscape, including the city of Manchester to the west, parts of Cheshire, Oldham, and even distant glimpses of the Peak District or Eryri in Wales on clear days. The site has long served as a natural vantage point, with its elevated position making it a landmark visible from miles around along the edge of the Pennines.
The distinctive monument atop the hill is a stone tower built in 1863 to commemorate the marriage of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. This curious, rocket-shaped structure replaced an earlier tower from 1751 that had been damaged by lightning. The location itself holds deeper historical significance, as evidence suggests it may have been used as a beacon site since Roman times or even earlier, with legends linking it to ancient signals, druidic activity, or royal events dating back to figures like King Canute.
Today, Hartshead Pike remains a popular destination for walkers and visitors seeking fresh air and scenic beauty close to urban Manchester. The relatively easy trails leading to the summit provide a rewarding escape, where the tower stands as a symbol of local heritage amid the rolling hills. On sunny or clear evenings, especially at sunset, the views of the city skyline contrasted against the surrounding countryside create a striking and memorable sight.
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