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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.



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


  

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