St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

Eccles Pike via the Roosdyche A group of seven, plus a lively Jack Russell, set off from Bugsworth Basin. We headed uphill from Buxworth across fields with very muddy patches, which nearly swallowed one of the party. Then we walked along the outer bank of the mysterious Roosdyche (Roman chariot track, Iron Age fortification, or glacial meltwater channel?). This gave us wide views over Whaley Bridge and the empty Toddbrook Reservoir.  From there we headed up the road past Ollerenshaw Hall to Eccles Pike. Some of the party made the final ascent to the top of the Pike which offers a panoramic view of Chinley Churn, Whaley Moor and Combs Edge. Getting down from it involved a “black run” of tussock grass. The rest of the group took the gentler route round the shoulder of the Pike. We regrouped and followed the long traverse back down to Buxworth, over several styles which the dog found very exciting. Finally we crossed back over the A6 to the Navigation Inn and a traditional pie lu