Hollingworth Lake. Tues 9.1.18


 

 

 

Walk Leaders: Steve & Sue

Number on walk: 6

Weather: Bitterly cold

 It was bitterly cold in the car park at Hollingworth Lake and we were concerned about how the conditions would be on the tops.  On checking there had been a missed telephone call and a text from John who had been delayed on the motorway. We waited until John joined us before bracing the elements and setting off. Our route took us by the side of Hollingworth Lake, across the rugby ground and under the M62. Climbing gradually we made our way over the tops and down to Ogden reservoir. Walking by the side of the reservoir we then passed by Piethorne reservoir, before turning North to pick up the Peninne Bridleway. There was a significant amount of ice about and coffee was taken en route sheltering between a section of two stone walls to provide some shelter. The route continued to re-cross the M62 this time via a bridge across moorland and thence to cross the A58 before our lunchtime stop. 

Continuing along we descended to Summit on the Rochdale Canal. Summit is the valley, on the Rochdale canal and is the summit of the canal. We stopped for five minutes to chat with a lock keeper who was taking his barge through a lock and was very informative on the canal system. We continued along towards Littleborough before leaving the canal and passing through Ealees Valley back to the visitors centre at Hollingworth Lake. Conditions had been generally okay warming up slowly as the day progressed. We were joined for a coffee by our fellow walkers Jeff, Brian and Jean with John making a hasty return home.