Christmas Walk


South Manchester Christmas Walk and Meal. 2019
 
Quentin led five members of the South Manchester group (Duncan, David A, David W, Yasmina and I) at 10am from outside the Wren’s Nest pub in Glossop. The weather forecast had not been too promising and indeed there was a light drizzle as we began. This only lasted a few minutes and thankfully we didn’t see rain again during the walk. Visibility was excellent throughout and there was only a very light breeze. We made our way initially to Old Glossop and took a small detour to listen to the appealing pealing of the bells at All Saints church. Walking up the lane to Swineshaw reservoir, we stopped for a few minutes see the Rhea of the year (that's a South American Ostrich type bird by the way) at a farm just below the reservoir. That was a nice surprise. We then took a number of tracks towards Padfield, and along the Longdendale valley (these were not as muddy as I thought they might be), joining the path next to the reservoirs just up from the dam between Valehouse and Rhodeswood. We then walked to Botttoms reservoir and beyond it to Hadfield. Lovely views. Joining the Trans Pennine Trail we made our way to the impressive Dinting viaduct. It was then only a short stroll back to the Wren’s Nest. 8.7 miles in 3 hours 45 mins, with approx. 975 feet of ascent. It had been a very enjoyable walk. We were then joined for a Carvery meal in the Wren’s Nest by Steve O, Jean O, Roger H, Carol H, David G and Ann R. Great choice of venue as the food was tasty and plentiful. All in all a very good day out.”
 
Peter Whitehead
 
Peter also told us about where he used to work in Old Glossop and where he lived in Tintwistle, adding to the interest of a walk that showed us many new paths around Glossop.
 
A pity that the Rhea photos show mostly barbed wire so I have ommited them - not to standard - sorry.