November Walk 2011

The November outing was a six mile ramble along the Beamers Way part of the longer Witton Weavers Way. Our start point was Witton Country Park, Blackburn and luckily we enjoyed a warm sunny winter day. The first part of the walk was through the park to Big Cover Woods and a long steady climb through woodland to the hills above the park. After a short rest we eventually made the summit and crossed the Yellow Fields, so called because of the gorse cover in Spring, to the top of the ridge known locally as 'The Hump'. Here we were able to enjoy views across the Ribble Valley and the Pennines above Bury and Bolton. After enjoying a coffee break we then descended through pleasant countryside to Houghton Bottoms and the River Darwen. Although the day was dry and warm, heavy rain the night before made it muddy underfoot and slowed progress across many fields. Undeterred we continued along the river bank passing a cow who appeared to have strayed from the herd for she was entirely alone! Reaching the Pleasington Golf Course we turned to head back to the start point and after a short climb we reached Pleasington village where lunch had been organised at the Butlers Arms. Fully refreshed and rested we continued on the final leg of the walk. Passing the Priory we sauntered down the lane to Witton Country Park and followed the river through the park to the car park at the end of the walk.

Taking a break in Big Cover Woods as we head to the hills above Witton Country Park

Coffee Break on the Yellow Hills - green at this time of year!

Trees in the River Darwen valley

Pleasington Priory on a sunny Saturday in November

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Ashworth and Norden - Saturday 10th November 2018

Ashworth and Norden, Rochdale. St Jame's Church, Ashworth A party of six set out from Norden, Rochdale for this 5 mile ramble through the local countryside.From the car park we turned into Black Pits Lane and very soon arrived at the footpath alongside Naden Brook. At the bridge next to remains of the old mill, we crossed the river, and then began the climb out of the valley to a farm track which leads up to the ancient church of St James Bamford and the former pub known as the Chapel House, which is now a private residence. Here we stopped to admire the old church with its interesting grave stones and the views across Lancashire to Manchester and Derbyshire. We then crossed the fields to the old schoolhouse before joining Ashworth Rd to take us down to Simpson and Gelder Cloughs. Unfortunately we found the road closed because of a landslide and we had to retrace our steps and take an alternative path down to the valley. Not wishing to miss out the scenery

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

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

St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

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