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/2013/07/the-lost-mills-of-cheesden-valley.html

Pack Horse Inn Birtle

View of Ashworth Valley

Entrance to Nabs Wife

Nabs Wife 2017

Site of Mill and Tea Room

Cheesden Brook, Ashworth Valley

Waiting for our dinner!

The Tea Room I remember. Situated at Nabs Farm.

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