October Walk 2011

The October walk was a 6 mile ramble on the moors and valleys above Tintwistle. We set out from the Angling Centre on the Arnfield reservoir in good spirits but in driving rain which we hoped would clear as we progressed. The first part of the walk was alongside the reservoir but we were soon climbing upwards towards the high moor. As we neared the top the rain came down even harder and we also ran into mist and cloud. We had expected to see views from the summit of Lancashire, Cheshire and Derbyshire but the weather was just too bad. Coffee was taken in the shelter of a dry stone wall which kept out the wind but not the rain. The next part of the walk was the descent into the Arnefield river valley and as we reached the lower ground there was a brief respite from the driving rain. Eventually as we reached woodland, the rain eased and our spirits rose. Not for long, however, for we suddenly realised we had missed a turning and we had to get out map and compass to get back on the right track. The detour took us down to the river where we decided to stop for lunch. At the same time the rain came back with a vengeance but showing true British spirit we continued with lunch! Afterwards we made our way down the valley and the walk finished with a gentle stroll around the Arnfield reservoir to our start point.After a quick change from our waterproofs and boots we enjoyed tea and cakes at the Angling Centre which was a splendid end to the walk.

In spite of the atrocious weather everyone enjoyed the walk and our thanks go to Beryl and Brenda for leading and organising the day. No photographs for this walk - just too wet to get out the camera.

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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

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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