Sunday 12 April 2015 Denise’s Walk Ashworth Moor
Eight plus two very well behaved dogs, Chas & Chester, set off with very unpromising weather forecast, which fortunately proved correct, albeit a wee bit later than indicated. From the layby by Ashworth Reservoir, near Owd Bett’s Pub the route went up over Tom Hill, down past the ruins of Paradise and over Turf Moor to the Coal Road, part of the Rossendale Way where coffee break was taken in the lee of a stone wall. Up and across the wild moors of Scout Moor Wind Farm where the rain kicked in, with harsh winds making the rain feel like needles on the skin. Plan B was put into operation, as Knowl Hill as recc’ed was looking very bad under driving rain.
In the lee of a wall we headed to Dixons Brow above Naden Middle Reservoir and joined the Rochdale Way where we found a relatively sheltered hollow for lunch.
Pressing on down to the edge of Greenbooth Reservoir, we headed west to
Hindle Clough Farm and down to the main road, where the last mile was dead into the harsh wind to the cars. Six of us had a swift half in the warm, welcoming bar of Owd Bett’s before heading home. (At this point the temperature up on the moor was 4C, a far cry from the weather during the preceding week). Just over 8 miles covered, mainly in foul weather!Denise
