2018 03 15 Belmont


Photos from Al

 

Ian

 

Group

 

Paul

 

Steve

 

Sitting in the car at Crookfield Road with the rain hammering down & a day in the Wet (sic) Pennine Moors in prospect was not exactly what I had in mind when I put forward this walk many moons ago . And so clad in waterproofs five set out ; it would have been six but a regular fan of my walks (apparently there are some !) was delayed in traffic despite setting off from home at 0645 for a 30 mile journey . Ahhh , the joys of Manchester motorways midweek !

A short stretch on the Two Crosses route then a left turn continuing across Darwen Moor as the rain stopped , views opened out & we reached Darwen Tower .

We had two newbies out , Paul from Whalley & Alan from Worsley & it was reassuring to see them making good progress & enjoying the brisk pace as we headed via Earnsdale & Roddlesworth Res's to take the first stop on some conveniently placed slabs near stepping stones . A faint moorland path with the rain still keeping away took us via Heapey Moor & to the side of Great Hill to follow a non descript paved highway towards the Rivington Road .

A steep ascent towards Winter Hill shrouded in mist for which Alan tendered his heartfelt thanks after eventually drawing breath … well it's all part of the service , my pleasure !!! After visiting the trig , the service road was followed briefly to leave the tarmac & use moorland paths to reach Holden's Plantation for the second stop as we sought shelter from the gusts which had suddenly whipped up .

Light rain briefly returned for the first time since early morning as we descended to Barrow Bridge then ascended near Smithills to reach Horrocks Fold with fine views across Manchester & beyond . A bridleway alongside the golf course & admiring glances of the elaborate stonework of Delph Res with a final short stop at Walmsley Chapel where waterproofs were discarded . The final four miles were along the Witton Weavers Way across Longworth Moor to reach the cars at 1550 having covered 24 miles with 3000 ft ascent in 7 hrs 15 mins with three stops . Thanks to regulars Steve & Ron and newbies Alan & Paul for entering into the spirit of another brisk paced march !

Ian