2016 06 11 Ripponden Round The Lake


A poor weather forecast, Friday's East Lancs Group party and competition from other events gave me cause for concern that attendence would be drastically down.
 
I needn't have worried. Several 100 entrants were there gingerly trying out their joints and tender feet. I secretly hoped their exertions would slow them down and for the most part I was able to stay in touch with them.
 
A nice mixed group (6 male / 4 female) set off soon after 8.30am up the Ryburn Valley to eventually reach the Aiggin Stone, a medieval marker stone on exposed moorland. On to bag the summit of Blackstone Edge before a descent via Hoar Edge with glimpses of Hollingworth Lake through the morning mist. 
 
We circuited the lake using some paths which were new to me before taking a lunch stop at the cafe on the opposite side of the lake to the tourist attractions. Hollingworth Lake was once a major Victorian holiday resort and nowadays there are always scores of day trippers. Suitably refreshed with teas, coffees and in some instances ice creams we set off back along the Pennine Bridleway. The rain was now becoming more persistent and full waterproof gear was needed. Just before Summit we swung right to ascend to one of the Stanza Stones (Rain - how appropriate). On to the Turvin Road and our final climb of the day to the trig point at Great Manshead.
 
Downhill all the way back to Ripponden and back just before 5pm. Slight variations in GPS measurements but all agreed we had not been shortchanged and the walk was at least  the advertised 24 miles. Thanks Les.
 
John