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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 at Simpson Clough we took a detour through the valley knowing that we would have to retrace our steps, but it was worth the effort and we found a grassy bank for a coffee break.

Returning the way we had come we then passed through Carr Wood and walked along the Naden Valley to Black Pits where we extended the walk by following the Millcroft Brook up to the tearooms (now closed) and then back to our start point.

Lunch followed at the Bridge Chippy where we enjoyed traditional Lancashire fish and chips! 

Bridge Chippy Norden


Start of walk. Black Pits Lane
Ruins of Black Pit Mill
Farm track up to Chapel House
Bit of history!


The old school house
Didn't meet any of them!
Ashworth Rd in autumn sunshine


Ashworth Rd - Autumn Colour

Jowkin Wood

Friendly gatekeeper at Carr Wood

Weir at Carr Wood

Just a load of old bull - but a bit too friendly!
Lunch at the chippy! Mmmmm.



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