Charlesworth Walk 13th January 2013
On Sunday the 13th January 2013 Matthew Lynn led a 7.3 mile circular walk from Charlesworth to Rowarth return. The 29-strong group (including 4 new lady members who joined on the day) were blessed with a cold but bright morning following the previous evenings frost. Around 15 people met at Torkington Park at 9:30am with the remainder of the group meeting at the start of the walk outside a Primary School on Town Lane in Charlesworth at 10:15am. Parking was free and on-street.
The walk itself started with a climb out of Charlesworth Village along a narrow road to the right and then a well marked stone bridleway followed by a climb along the ridge of Cowan Edge. It was a clear day so from the top of Cowan Edge itself spectacular views were afforded across to Glossop, Bleaklow, Snake and Woodhead Passes, and beyond. Campbell’s new hat was also noticeable due to its comedy value. We stopped here to take in the view for a cup of tea at ‘elevenses’.
For the next hour the group walked across open fields with the direction of views changing to take in Stockport and Manchester City Centre with Cheshire in the distance. The group dropped down into Rowarth Village to the sound of gunshot (clay pigeon club in the village) and then enjoyed a scenic walk next to the river to arrive at The Little Mill pub, our lunch stop. Banks and Marston's Pedigree were available at the bar, as well as 3 pumps reserved for fine 'Guest Beers’. Several of the group ate hot food and were interested to know about the live music at weekends at the pub.
Following an hours lunch stop there was an unwelcome steep climb out of Rowarth taking 20-30 minutes. However after such a steep climb, further gradients on the return leg of the walk back to Charlesworth were not noticeable although it became very boggy and muddy underfoot as the afternoon progressed. The group passed the ‘Picking Rods’ (local landmark) and negotiated a number of tricky styles. We then descended into the quaint hamlet of Chisworth and followed the main Marple-Glossop road for around half a mile back to the start point.
The walk finished around 2:30pm and 5-6 people enjoyed a drink at The George and Dragon pub in the centre of the village which is owned by Robinsons Brewery and has an excellent range of cask ales. An hour after the time that the walk finished, the weather had changed and in fact by 4:00pm that afternoon it became inclement, cold, and dark.
Matthew Lynn
