Our last walk - Saturday 9th February 2019

Bamford & Crimble - Rochdale, Lancashire

Carr Wood

The walk started at the Grapes Inn, Bamford and the first leg took us across open fields at the rear of the pub and down to School Lane. From here we entered Carr Wood at the old tea rooms. Plenty of interest to see with the weir and abandoned mill by Naden Brook. The path continues through this river valley which even in winter has a unique beauty. We continued downstream crossing the waterfall and the landslide, now made easy by the metal walkway, and eventually arrived at Simpson Clough.

From here we followed Ashworth Road and then across Bury Road to join the foot path along the river Roch, After crossing Bamford Rd by the old Hooley Bridge Spinning Mill we again joined the path along the Roch until we reached the footbridge to take us into Queens Park in Heywood.

At this time of year the herons take up residence in their nesting site on the island in the centre of the boating lake and we stopped for a coffee break with the expectation of seeing the birds in flight. Unfortunately it was a very windy day and only three birds took to their wings. The remainder stayed in their nests and we could only observe them resting with the help of binoculars.

Refreshed by the break we continued past the cricket ground before crossing Millers Brook to again join the path along the Roch to Crimble Mill. Originally a woollen mill this now grade 2 listed building is sadly in dire need of repair. It was from here we began the climb out of the valley along Crimble Lane and then back to the pub along War Office Rd.

As usual we had lunch organised and hungry after our exertions we all tucked into an excellent meal which everyone enjoyed. Walking distance 5 miles. Time 3 hours.

The Grapes Bamford Rochdale

Ramblers at the start

A wet path after heavy rain

The weir at Carr Wood

Abandoned weaving mill from 19th century

The path through Carr Wood

Iron ore

Care crossing waterfall

The waterfall

Plenty of water rushing by.

Walking along the River Roch

From footbridge into Queens Park. 1930 road bridge in background

Anybody seen any herons?

Back along River Roch

Crimble Mill

Climbing up Crimble Lane

First sign of spring

Lunch at the Grapes in Bamford

The Grapes Bamford Rochdale

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Ashworth and Norden - Saturday 10th November 2018

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Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Country Park - Saturday 10th August 2019

This walk came about during a discussion over coffee after Church probably two Sundays ago and was a bit of a corporate effort. Nothing was planned until some one mentioned Styal Mill and possibilities of lunch at the Ship Inn. One person had a much walked route embedded in her boots! This route also allowed the opportunity to cut back through the beautiful gardens if the prospect of the few short but sharp inclines was too much. Firstly we had coffee in the Mill restaurant before ten of us set off from the old Mill Yard (featured in ‘The Mill’ TV series). We went up the hill from the Mill towards the Apprentice House but turned left along the track that skirts the outer edges of land round the original home of the Gregg family. This used to be a muddy path but in the last few years the National Trust has upgraded many of the paths on the estate, making them accessible to more visitors, including wheelchair users and children’s buggies. We dropped down to the River Bolli

Birtle - Saturday 11th February 2017

The first walk of the 2017 season started from the Pack Horse Inn, Birtle on the lower slopes of the Pennines above Heywood. On a cold wet windy Saturday we set off from the Inn to follow the road north on a long steady climb to the hamlet of Birtle where we then turned to follow the path along the edge of Ashworth Valley. Unfortunately from the top the views over Lancashire were obscured by cloud and mist but the views of the wooded valley with Cheesden Brook running through provided some compensation. We made a detour from the route to visit Nabs Wife the site of the former Tea room and weaving mill known as Kershaws Bridge. The site is now occupied by a private dwelling although the old mill yard is still evident. From here we continued along the edge of the valley before turning to take the path across fields to return to the start point and a long leisurely lunch in the pub! Further information: http://www.packhorseinnbury.co.uk/about http://heywoodmonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2

St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

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