Into Autumn


Dales Way Part 5, Wednesday October 28th

Report expected soon. Meanwhile here are photos from John Rattray.

 

West O' Worsley, Sunday October 18th

"A God-forsaken place, full of drunken, rude people with deplorable morals".  A description of Worsley by the Earl of Ellesmere a) in 1846, or b) last Sunday morning?

So here's the route taken by the baker's dozen of walkers who set out from Parr Fold Park in Walkden... South initially, disused rail line to Worsley, pause to absorb some of the heritage of the place.  Along the Bridgewater canal to the grade 2 listed Barton aqueduct - the only swing aqueduct in the world, apparently.  West now, as advertised in the walk title and under the other Barton Bridge carrying the M60 spectacularly above us.  Past the rugby stadium then a brew stop by City Airport, where we were buzzed by light aircraft and helicopters.  Under and alongside the M62, then fields, tracks, peat, the odd nettle and bramble, all surprisingly rural so close to the Manchester.  Over the East Lancs Road, on to Pennington Flash for a bit of a gander.  And other geese, ducks, swans, etc.  Then East on the Leeds - Liverpool Canal, becoming the Bridgewater through Leigh, with its sad, monolithic red brick mills looming alongside.  Through the ginnels of Astley, a final few fields and up another disused railway to bring us back to the delights of Walkden.

A distinct lack of hills made for a steady pace, which was perhaps as well because I misjudged the distance.  Having chopped and changed the route I reccied it in sections, then didn't measure it too accurately with my hi-tech paper edge so we ended up covering over 24 miles.  Apologies to anyone who found this excessive.  Hopefully the home-made cake and biscuits (admittedly, the home they were made in was my mum's, not mine) compensated for the exertions.

The answer to the question in the first paragraph was a).  Obviously.

Michael Bushby

Photos from Julie Spencer

 

Water, Waugh and Windmills : Another Good Side to Rochdale, Wednesday October 14th

Twenty one of us set out from Healey Corner in Rochdale, though the number fluctuated somewhat through the day as two friends joined later and two dropped out at various points. The October weather was more than kind: a perfect walking temperature and clear views from Warrington in the west to Oldham and beyond in the east, and from Pendle Hill in the north to the hills of Derbyshire and Cheshire in the south. Climbing steadily, we crossed Middle Naden Reservoir and rose to the top of Knoll Hill, then circled the huge wind farm to join the Rossendale Way and lunch beside the memorial well dedicated to Rochdale's most famous dialect poet, Edwin Waugh. We followed the tracks of the old steam trams around the disused stone quarries to the top of Hailstones Hill (thankfully still keeping dry), then descended Rooley Moor to return to Healey Dell. Thanks to all who took part, and it was especially nice to welcome some newer faces.

John Rowe

 

5 or More Reservoirs and Some Hills, Sunday October 4th

It was an 8.30 start or maybe a little bit later due to the fact that the leader had once again forgotten her packed lunch, but at least it gave everyone time to cover themselves with Avon's skin so soft. 15 walkers and a million midges set off on a warm but slightly misty morning making our way to Top Withens, passing our first two reservoirs Lower and higher Walshaw Dean before reaching our third reservoir Ponden. Another short climb through the bracken to have a break at Water Sheddies  reservoir number 4. With approx 8 miles under our belt all fed and watered ready for a trek over to Wycoller  we followed the river to reach Bulsworth near Trawden along the lower path on the Pennine Bridleway until we reached Thursden valley, with 14 miles on most people's GPX's we had a stop for lunch. The weather was truly beautiful with some amazing views over Higher Gorple, reservoir number 5 we pasted Widdop reservoir on our way back to the cars for an early finish approx 3.30pm everyone was invited back to the leaders home for some soup made from home grown produce with home made bread to soak it up. We all sat on the decking in the garden and enjoyed the lovely autumn weather and view over the valley to Lord Savilles hunting lodge. Thank you to everyone who made the journey to join me for my walk, and to Clive for warming the soup for our return.
Brenda Walker

Photos from Brenda Walker

Photos from Julie Spencer