2014 03 08 Stoodley Pike


                                                                   

Stoodley Pike is a prominent landmark overlooking Calderdale but seen for many miles from any direction. Originally built to celebrate the fall of Napoleon in 1815, it collapsed and was rebuilt in 1856 following the end of the Crimean War.

Todays walk was longer than normal with a distance of 33 miles on the agenda. The attendees ranged from hardened 100 veterans tuning up for this years event to relative novices who had not ventured beyond 25 miles before. Plenty of interest for a walk of this length though with 18 turning up at Brun Clough Reservoir for the 7.30am start, many having traveled a significant distance.to be there.

The route was extremely straightforward as both the Pennine Bridleway and the Pennine Way intersect at both Brun Clough and shortly after Stoodley Pike. Out therefore on the Pennine Way bagging 3 trig points (Millstone Edge, White Hill and Blackstone Edge) on the way to the Pike. Overcast with a strong Southerly wind which made for quick progess.

Return via Bridleway, which strangely involved considerably more mileage and ascent than the Pennine Way. Apart from a short cut to avoid Hollingworth Lake, the PBW followed for the rest of the day.

An unexpected bonus as club member Anne appeared near the Rams Head with proper coffee, hot sausage rolls and parkin. Very, very welcome believe me. The final 6 miles were plain sailing after this. Anne joined us for the final section of the walk.

Very few stiles and largely dry paths meant we finished ahead of schedule having completed the walk in under 11 hours, in spite of having several generous breaks.

On a personal note, this walk was the 50th walk I have led for South Pennine group since its formation just over 5 years ago. Thank you to everyone who turns up and makes the preparation worthwhile.

John

Three sets of photos:

Photos from Julie:

Photos from Steve:

Photos from Hazel: