Denise’s Walk Sunday 28 September 2014

Denise’s Walk Sunday 28 September 2014

 After a grey overcast start the day improved steadily and was mostly sunny and fair as 11 of us set off from the Piethorne Car Park at Ogden Reservoir by Newhey.

Crossing the foot of the Ogden dam, we ascended steadily via Carr Farm to cross the M62 footbridge and take a morning tea break in the lea of Castle Hill which cut the traffic noise.

 Returning under the M62 eastwards a long steady incline took us up to Tunshill Lane, part of the Rochdale Way. Chris Shea said he thought the name indicates that it was once a packhorse way to transport barrels aka tuns.

Descending with Norman Hill Reservoir to our left we then turned westwards through a lovely mixed woodland path through Old Ground wood and enjoyed lunch by the path across the meadows above Kitcliffe Reservoir with fine views. Up and down again and alongside Piethorne Reservoir there was another long steady climb almost up to the main A672 north of Denshaw. Short of there we went west past Rooden Reservoir and gently down to the south side of Piethorne where the road took us back past Kitcliffe to Ogden reservoir and our start point.

My “stringometer” indicated 9.5 miles, but with all the ascents and descents, it was probably nearer 10 miles after which 7 out of the 11 went to the Bull’s Head for a swift drink up on the flowery terrace still in the afternoon sunshine. Amazingly no "getting lost adventures" for a change on my walk!

Denise Walk

Sunday 3 August Denise’s Walk

 After the copious showers on Saturday, it was a great relief to wake up to a clear blue sky on Sunday. There were 10 of us in total, including a new face, Tracey who had seen the Meet Up site and was duly given all info by Jack. We set off north from Thornsett, crossing pastures to Aspenshaw Hall and then into a lovely beech wood with fine views to the west across the gentle valley. Past The Old Mill At Rowarth, which has re-opened again, (needless to say well before Sunday opening) we carried on up the lane to Rowarth village where we had a coffee break by a field with 5 miniature ponies who all looked hopeful, but only received an apple core. This part of the walk was peppered with the sound of gunshots ringing out from Rowarth Gun Club behind the pub.

 

Up the rough hill to Cown Edge, where the views were tremendous on such a clear day. Past an attractive pine wood, we turned east to the steep fall away from Cown Edge and with a small zig-zag  to the south found a small disused quarry which gave  us ideal shelter from the brisk wind for the lunch stop.

After lunch we headed south on the Pennine Bridleway and at the junction for Lantern Pike, 7 headed up to the Pike, while 3, including yours truly the leader took the low road, as my lungs have been giving me grief recently (despite being a non-smoker). 

As the 3 waited by the road junction, we admired the lovely flower-filled gardens on the small terrace of houses. The 7 were surprised not to find us at the foot of the Lantern Pike path, which we had sailed by on the downward slope, but realised we must have gone on and re-joined us, to take a shady lane down to Sycamore road, thence the Sett Valley trail and a path through the woods past a murky looking pond below Thornsett back to the start point.

We adjourned after what Jack’s GPS indicated had been a 10.2 mile walk, though he thinks it over-reads, to The Printer’s Arms in Thornsett for a well deserved refreshment at a sunny table outside.  (Note I have not so far confessed that the northernmost part of the walk had been un-recc’d, so a couple of wee “diggles” en route as per most Denise walks).

Denise

Chrome Hill Walk

Fourteen of us set off from Longnor to conquer what was out of bounds before the 'right to roam' act-Chrome Hill and for some of us Parkhouse hill as well. By lunch time the sun was breaking through making the climb a sticky one, sanctuary was found in the 'Quiet woman'-the pub that is, for an old fashioned pint.
Harvey

Formby WAlk 15th JUly

This weeks walk was a little bit different than what we are used to. 17 of us assembled at Formby Railway Station to catch the train to Southport. Despite a few minutes of light drizzle at the start of the walk, the clouds soon dissipated and we were bathed in glorious sunshine.

 Early in the walk we encountered a footpath blockage at Birkdale Golf Club where the Ladies Open Championship was taking place. After some negotiations we were able to proceed with a slight diversion. We were soon on our way over the sand dunes where a magnificent array of wild flowers were to be seen. Our golfing fans were also able to spot a bit of the championship.

 On reaching the beach someone had to go for a swim in the sea, the rest of us had a quiet sunbathe. After a walk back across the dunes we returned to our cars for the journey home.