After the Walk February 2025
Sunday February 23rd. The Greys and The Egertons. 17 miles. Leader: Bob Kelly. (helped by Luna)
Ten walkers and Luna the dog set off from Bowden at nine o’clock with a very variable weather forecast.
We headed west over the Dunham Forest Golf Course and into the Dunham Massey estate with its excellent views of Fallow Deer.
When we tried to get out on the planned route on the far side we found out we were locked in as vehicle access had been closed due to the risk of high winds. But public footpath access was open so after a course adjustment we left the estate via the old water mill and were then back on track at Little Bollington.
Then south via quiet lanes and footpaths to reach the charming old village of Rostherne where we had our first break.
Then on to Tatton Park (not closed) and a pit stop for coffees and facilities. Continuing onwards into the park.
By this time we had showers on and off and also the predicted high winds. We took a route that broadly followed the eastern perimeter of the park finding shelter for lunch in the lee of the old Tudor hall.
Good views of the second type of deer of the day - Red Deer stags.
Leaving the park we picked up Marsh Lane that took us north - back over the M56 and back to Bowden.
Thank you all for coming.
Bob and Luna.
Wednesday February 19th. Round Fewer Hills. 13 miles. Leader: Nick Halford.
17 members, new and old, met at Rawtenstall leisure centre on dull day that turned out to have some light rain in the middle, but was still more than acceptable for February. We were accompanied by the club’s canine liaison officer, Alfred.
First objective was Rossendale ski slope, and a steep slope it is up to Cribden hill and along the side of Goodshaw hill to the masts on Hameldon hill. From there down to Clowbridge reservoir and another steepish ascent to Compstons cross for dinner. This is the site of the meeting of the ancient pathways that were used before there were modern roads in the valley bottoms. That just left a more or less straight line across Swinshaw moor and back to the Marl Pits centre.
Many thanks to Heather, who knows the route far better than I, and to Hilary once again for the sweetie stop, we must not take this for granted!
Unusually we had several walkers recovering from injuries and problems, but despite it being a Wednesday walk with ascent and some difficult terrain all finished strongly and cheerfully, well done and thank you.
Nick
Wednesday February 12th. A Plod with Martha. 9.5 miles. Leader: Hilary Scott and Martha.
17 walkers turned up on the edge of Borsdane Wood for a walk over to Haigh Hall and back. It was a good path through the wood where we stopped to hear a Woodpecker, we couldn't quite see him though.
Turning up we walked through Hindley Hall golf club and followed its edge to walk round the local tip! Over some rough ground and along an old railway track to a short break at the Leeds Liverpool canal. Climbing the Wigan flight of locks we turned past Top Lock and walked along the canal to the road up to Haigh Hall.
Lunch was taken there and 2 members left us to return to their cars. The rest of us walked down the plantation and on to another old track to come to Aspull.
Over the road and past the rugby club to the road. Here we took a road diversion to avoid a very muddy field, I think we dodged a bullet there!
Past a few houses and back to Borsdane wood just after 2.30. An early finish.
Thanks to all who came. Martha had a great time meeting you all and enjoyed her first LDWA walk.
Wednesday February 5th. Walsden Moor Circular. 12.5 miles. Leader: Andy Griffin.
Starting from Hollingworth Lake, we headed to Rakewood to take a bridleway towards Syke Moor, where we met the Pennine Bridleway. Turning north, we followed the track to Lydgate. Lydgate is located on Blackstone Edge Old Road, which we followed to the White House Pub. This road becomes a pleasant path after the junction with the new road.
At the White House, we took the Pennine Way towards Walsden Moor, where we had lunch before descending to South Hollingworth Farm. Turning south to Bottomley, we reached the Rochdale Canal and followed the towpath back to Ealees and the short walk back to the start. There were eight people on the walk, and everyone enjoyed the day. The mileage was 12.6 overall.
Andy Griffin
