Fabulous February??


Wednesday February 27th. A Bridge No more. Plodder Walk. 10 miles. Leader: Ed Husband.

 

Ed Husband led a group of 14 on this walk, in exceptionally fine and warm weather for February.

From Ramsbottom, the route was through Nuttall Park to Holcombe Brook, and then along the Moorbottom Road, and uphill to Pilgrim’s Cross.

The route continued past Ellen Strange’s Cairn to Robin Hood’s Well, and onto Irwell Vale for lunch.

From Irwell Vale, the route was along the Irwell, noting the continued absence of the former bridge between Strongstry and Chatterton, through Stubbins and back to Ramsbottom, and for some, the Irwell Works Brewery.      

 

 

Wednesday February 20th. Mines?? A pint. 12 miles. Leader: John Thompson.

 

18 walkers and 2 dogs set off from the Horseshoe pub with the weather dry and light wind.

Down to the weir works then right to go over metal footbridge into Clifton Country Park and along the side of the lake. Here we turned right into the wood to Fletchers mine (the gal or engine pit at the wet earth mine). On then to the steps up to Fletchers Folly (chimney for the mine) and railway line, following the line to the new footbridge (near M60). Over this and up the hill the skirting Clifton Green and down to the tunnel under the railway to our first stop of the day. Moving on then to the Irwell via the factories at Clifton Junction, along the river and over the bridge into Prestwich Clough. We went along to the gardens where there are lots of  benches to sit on for our lunch break (and a strange dog tried to christen my rusksack).

After lunch we went back then along the Clough then right to walk behind the hospital. Turning left at the stables, up the lane and down to the tunnel under the hospital road and into Philips Park crossing the stream and up to the old Philips Park Hall. We dropped down to the Sculpture Trail and the footbridge over the M60 along the trail passing Nuttall Wood on the right . On then to the A667 where we left the trail to walk on Ringley road and back to the Horseshoe for a well earned drink.

Most enjoyed the walk (some said it would be a easy walk for Norman, so next time Norman !!!)

Thanks to all for coming

See you soon

John

 

 

 

Sunday February 17th. Winter: With a Hill. 19 miles. Leader: Hilary Scott.

 

As a leader, it's always reasurring to see cars arrive and boot lids go up as people get ready for a walk. There was a total of 30 people and 3 dogs today, far more than I expected but how wonderful! We were joined by Strider "celebrities" Julia and Ralph Warman plus a member who had not walked with the group before; welcome Athena.

As the title suggests we were walking up to Winter Hill and led by a Hil (just one l for me though). Leaving Ladybridge Estate we joined the Middlebrook Trail towards Horwich walking through Regents Park Golf Course. We walked past Bolton Golf course on the way up to High Rid Reservoir where a group photo was taken. Through Delph Hill and onto fields to walk up through Old Links Golf course. We then dropped down to Barrow Bridge car park for morning coffee. 

We then climbed the famous steps up to Walker Fold and across the road to get onto the moorland leading up to Winter Hill. The further up you walk, the more the evidence of last years devastating fires. There is still a lot of black vegetation but hopefully the coming spring will green this over. It was decided to use a newly made firebreak to walk up to the mast rather than the road, peat being much easier underfoot and it was relatively dry today. Chris left us here to walk back to Horwich via the Pike.

A quick look at the Air Disaster Memorial plaque and Scotsman's Stump and then we descended down to Belmont Road. Here Chris, Ed, Ellie and Maude were met by Chas for their return journey, it was far enough for the senior doggy ladies. The rest of us had lunch by a handy wall nearby.

We descended to Longworth Clough and followed the river eventually walking through Dunscar Golf Club. Turning, we walked past another Reservoir to ascend to Belmont Road and Horrocks Fold. We walked through Horrocks Wood and made our way to Smithills Old Hall via the Open Farm where many families were enjoying a Sunday afternoon with the animals.

A quick stop here and then onwards past the Barrow Bridge chimney onto Moss Bank park where more families were enjoying the mild weather. Over to Doffcocker Lodge where we saw a rainbow to our left though we didn't have any rain on us at all. Down through Markland Hill and Ladybridge Lane where we rejoined our outward path through Deane Golf club. Back to the cars for 4 'o' clock and over half the group had a refreshing drink in the Beaumont Arms before making their journey home. 

Thanks all for coming and I hope you enjoyed the day.

Hilary.

 

 

Wednesday February 6th. Two and a bit sections of the Red Rose 50. 13 miles. Leader: Ken Noble.

 

26 walkers and 2 dogs left Batridge Barn car park on a misty, but dry morning, with no snow or ice to worry about.

After the obligatory group photo, we left Entwistle reservoir behind, but we were soon passing Wayoh reservoir and starting the steady climb to the flanks of Black Moss.

Then it was time for our morning coffee stop, so we took 10 minutes at the ruin on the way down to Hawkshaw.

From Hawkshaw, another steady climb to Affetside, where we had a longer break for lunch.

The sun was trying to shine on us as we descended to Jumbles Country Park, but never really broke through the misty clouds.

After Jumbles we followed the RR50 route to Turton Tower, and then left it to add a few miles on (and a few feet of ascent) to bring the mileage up to a Wednesday walk level.

Thanks to Dave and Alma for looking after Norman.

Ken

 

Click here to see Ken's pictures of the day

 

Sunday February 3rd. Wadsworth Moor Circular. 20 miles. Leader: Andy Griffin.

 

It was certainly a walk of two halves.

Eighteen walkers set-off from Hebden Bridge in crisp cold clear weather. Care had to be taken on the climb up Lumb Bank to meet the Pennine Way above the village of Slack. Continuing to Lower Gorple Reservoir the views were outstanding.

After a short break at the Reservoir we continued to Walshaw Dean, ascending White Hill before a slippery descent into Hardcastle Crags. Snow grips were needed on these paths where the snow had turned to ice. Lunch was taken at Gibson Mill.

The walk continued to Lumb Falls through Crimsworth Dean before a steep climb up to Keighley Road. Climbing onto Wadsworth Moor we completed a circuit of the Moor in increasingly wet and windy weather which was turning the snow to slush.

Once off the Moor we continued along the road to Old Town before dropping back into Hebden Bridge. 20 miles and 3200' of ascent. I'd like to thank everyone who joined me on my return to leading walks for the club. Your support was much appreciated, Happy walking, 

Andy

 

Click here to see Howards pictures.

 

Pictures below from Andy

 

 

Pictures below from Hilary