South Pennine Ring canal walk Ashton to Marsden : 11 September
It was a blustery start to the day as I set off along the Peak Forest
canal; but fortunately the forecast rain had not materialized. At Portland basin I was
greeted by the sight of Tracy, Sue, Linda and Kevin waiting on the bridge over
the canal – as pretty as a picture.
We set off along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal but soon had
to follow a towpath diversion through Asda’s car park; the store had rather
inconveniently been built on the course of the canal whilst the canal was
disused.
We proceeded past
numerous locks as the canal moved upwards towards the summit.
At Uppermill we stopped at the canal side tea shop and
partook of delightful homemade ice cream and scones.
Fortified by this various of us decided to try out the
obstacle course in the adjacent park. Unfortunately my camera jammed just as
Sue and Linda were scrambling over the raised netting and for some reason they
were reluctant to go back and repeat the feat.
We duly came to the entrance to Standedge Tunnel (the
longest, highest, deepest, etc canal tunnel). We carried on up and up over the
moorland and down into Yorkshire. Amazingly on
the way over we encountered a boat horse being led over the top of the tunnel;
no doubt hard work for the hardy souls legging the boat through down below.
We strolled along the canal into Mardsen in good time to
catch the train back; yes, without the need to run along the towpath to make up
lost time.
This completed an enjoyable day out. The next stage is
Marsden to Brighouse; why not come along; it’s not too strenuous and you also
get to experience the delights of the metropolis of Huddersfield…..
John H
More Photos Here
