Ascending
Hobson Moor we were able to clearly see Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor
far away to the south. Descending on the Stalybridge side of the ridge
the full vista of Greater Manchester lay before us and, as were turned
northwards, the line of hills leading to Saddleworth caught our
attention. Descending we reached the eastern edge of Walkerwood
Reservoir (the first of umpteen reservoirs to greet us on the hike).
Soon after we stopped for a tea break before we began to climb to Higher
Hydegreen.
It
was along this stage that I was able to check with Helen M that she was
still spot on with following our route on her map (nice to see someone
taking an interest in following the route - well done Helen!). Soon we
swung to the right, taking the broad but stony Pennine Bridleway around
Harridge Pike. Some members found this section tough and thus lunch was
taken soon after the crest had been passed.
After
a leisurely lunch we descended and crossed the flat section between
Higher and Lower Swineshaw reservoirs. Still following the Pennine
Bridleway we crossed the bridge over Ogden Brook to eventually enter
Tintwistle via Arnfield Lane. We called in at the lovely old Bulls Head
for refreshments; the leader much in need of his pint of Timmy Taylor's
Landlord. Eventually we bade the pub "au revoir" and headed in search of
Devil's Bridge (sorry, still haven't discovered the derivation of it's
name despite Googleing it this morning), which we reached via the path
around the top half of Arnfield Reservoir and skirting Hollingworth
Nature Reserve. In light drizzle now we battled our way up and through
the jungle-like terrain to Lower Bank where, to regain our breath and
because the drizzle had ceased, we took our final break.
On
reaching the private section of Hobson Moor Road near to Hall Farm we
turned westwards and headed along the fairly flat lane towards Higher
Landslow Green Farm accompanied now by some rain. A short climb on
tarmac brought us back to the start point at around 4.30pm. It had been
intended to visit the trig point at 399 metres at the top of Wild Bank
Hill as a final challenge but that will have to keep for another time!
Les Hodgson
