Conway Weekend

Conway Weekend  September

Following our arrival at Conway Hostel on Friday evening, most of our 31 members sought sustenance at the local Indian restaurant and Albion Public House respectively; an enjoyable (if not the most healthy!) start to what promised to be a glorious weekend.

For once the fickle British weather stayed true to its word and Saturday was indeed sunny and warm, providing perfect walking weather and sublime views of the rugged landscape. Three walks were arranged; two over the Conway Mountains of eight and twelve miles duration, and a third more difficult Snowdonia route, also of twelve miles, further inland. The shorter walk ended on the coast while the two inland were circular, finishing back at the hostel at 5pm. Dinner was found either at the local chippy or the hostel, whilst some chose to self cater, and the day was rounded off with an enjoyable evening at the quayside’s Liverpool Arms.

Sunday again dawned bright and clear, great for a seven mile walk around the Great Orm; fantastic views but a head for heights was needed for some of the route! The twitchers amongst us followed this with a trip to the nearby Conwy Bird Reserve whilst others headed for home after a wonderful walking weekend

Pendle Hill 8 Sept 2013

Pendle Hill 8 September 2013


Twelve people ascended Pendle Hill in great weather.

Sadly we saw no witches on broomsticks, but were rewarded with great
views, even as far as Ingleborough in the Yorkshire dales.

We finished with a visit to the cafe in Barley.

A great time was had by all....

--
Regards,

Chris

Wardle Walk Sunday walk, 18 August 2013

Sunday walk, 18 August 2013

Fifteen of us set off from the Trap Farm Car Park at the foot of Watergrove Reservoir, just north of Wardle. Within 15 minutes, we had a horrid downpour but fortunately were able to shelter in the wooded cover beside the reservoir.  We lost two of our group shortly afterwards – well not really. Pete & Sue H had decided to join us and circle the reservoir on a shorter walk, then attend to family matters in the Rochdale area. 

The rain eased off and we ascended one of the packhorse routes which once went down into the village of Watergrove, now drowned under the reservoir. We had our morning tea break in the shelter of 3 of the few trees on the wild slopes of the area.

Following the Rochdale Way, fortunately the weather seemed to be in our favour and we had no more rain for the rest of the day. In fact it got sunnier and sunnier.

We passed the Lobden Golf Club on the Pennine Way and headed south to a pleasant lunch stop beside White Hill.

Next we circled Rushy Hill and two reservoirs, one devoid of water and the other with just about a third capacity.  A slight hiccup followed (what a surprise) in the area of Lobden House. Fortunately a local chap was able to put us right, as the gated road allowed us to pursue our route through a field of cows and heifers and down through a extraordinary collection of old vehicles, dog kennels and garden nursery products at Flower Hill Farm.

Arriving in Wardle from the west, we stopped for a well deserved drink in the beer garden at the Globe Inn.  After this we had a steep ascent via Wardle Fold and up what appeared to be a sunken stream, followed by a passage over very rough reeds and grass before we walked through the memorial woods on the side of Watergrove Reservoir.  The last stretch of reservoir wall revealed many date stones from houses and mills which now are drowned in the waters of the reservoir.

We returned to the car park in lovely sunshine after a circuit of about 8 miles, a bit short of what had been programmed, but a very enjoyable day.

Stanage Edge 11 August 2013

Stanage Edge 11 August 201

After an auspicious start to the weather on Sunday morning, twenty
intrepid walkers assembled at Grindleford station to enjoy what turned
out to be promising weather


The route took us through woodland, then by a "babbling brook" onto
Burbage Edge. From there we ascended Higger Tor via Carl Walk, (site
of a bronze age fort.) It was at this point that Denise fell over and
landed "flat on her face". 

Thankfully mountain rescue was not required
and Denise quickly bubbled into life again, casually smiling and
infecting everyone around with her infectious laughter.

 Another mile or so took us onto Stanage Edge where we sheltered out of the wind for
our lunch stop. Another stretch along the edge followed before an easy
descent to Hathersage was made. Little John's grave  (of Robin Hood
fame) in Hathersage Church made an interesting diversion. 


The final leg was to take the train back to Grindleford station where
we enjoyed tea and cakes in the station café.

regards,
Chris