2018 06 21 Scrooge’s Sowerby Summer Skedaddle


Two Lads cairns with Stoodley Pike in background

 

Shooting Hut Higher House Moor

 

Dog Hill Trig

 

The fab four toddled off from Tod in the customary steep upwardly direction that seems to coincide with just about every walk I lead . Well I do have a reputation to protect , whatever next no beer at the end ! Dogs ???!!! And so nicely warmed up via the Calderdale Way we reached Gaddings Dam where the chairman was given the option of a cooling dip but for some reason declined . Onwards we marched on a glorious picture perfect gin clear sunny day , enjoying the very far reaching views off the tops which accompanied us all day , it was thought even the Clwydian Hills were visible .

Nearing Stoodley Pike we turned away from the edges & headed downhill to the end of Withens Clough Res . Here we crossed very rough ground to reach a faint moorland trod & worked our way back on to the uplands & the little visited Two Lads Cairns , which had been earlier glimpsed from across the valley . With no marked or on the ground path my party yomped across open moorland to reach a wonderfully isolated shooting hut preceding a gentle descent to the first stop bang on time after 7 miles . Refreshed it was onwards to the summit of Great Manshead Hill : the first of three trigs . With the onward route pointed out we strode purposefully down on permissive moorland paths to cross the A58 then head upwards along delightful Rag Sapling Clough & fine moorland trods to reach Dog Hill trig. Again the views were magnificent to reach the 2nd stop by a ladder stile & wall , preceding a lovely descent off Pike End & downhill into Rishworth .

Of course the climbing wasn't done with , an undulating route to Ripponden Bank Top then the Calderdale Way to Norland Moor trig . Finally leaving the moors behind to drop via Norland Town & field paths to Sowerby Bridge . By common consensus a fantastic route on a fabulous perfect weather day , again no hanging around with plenty of time to savour the wonderful porter in the Hogshead Tap , then a short train ride to Hebden Bridge to sample the delights of Crown fisheries & more top beer at the Fox & Goose . Thanks to Peter from neighbouring Mill Bank , Andrew & Ron with a couple of my regulars unable to make it .

22 miles ascent 3100 ft . Ian