Walk Reports


2024

Todmorden (Every Leap Year)     Thursday 29 February 2024 Distance: 21 Miles Leader: Steve Clark Group of the day: Anne, Ian, Ron, Norman, Steve, Stephen, Kevin and PP on the shutter   Nice County Boundary Stone   Top County!   Group approaching Gisburn Mill in Hardcastle Crags.   Crossing the…

2023

Saltaire Brewery A route from Shipley   Thursday 21 December 2023 Distance: 16 Miles Leader: Kevin Hudson           Photos from Steve and Jimmy…

2022

Anne's Xmas Walk   Saturday 17 December 2022 Distance: 10 Miles Leader: Anne Webb   A new route had been planned for the 2022 walk, however with the elements being somewhat challenging, an update was sent out to the effect that the walk would go ahead, but on a reduced mileage and safe route. On…

2021 April to December

Anne's Mince Pie Walk   Saturday 18 December 2021 Distance: 20 Miles Leader: Anne Webb   After the walk Oldham Mountain Rescue Team drop by to say thank you for the SP24 AC walk donation   Photo Andrew Underdown   Photos from Pete…

2020 January to March

Little Switzerland   Thursday 5 February 2020 Distance: 20 Miles Leader: Peter Godfrey   Eight of the Twelve   Beautiful Spring day in superb Calderdale and 12 people attended.     More photos of the walk from Pete - Click here  …

2019 October to December

Friezland post Xmas   Saturday 28 December 2019 Distance: 19 Miles Leader: Anne Webb   Twelve of us met at Anne's house and enjoyed coffee, mince pies and other refreshments - many thanks Anne. Then out to take in a circuit of the Saddleworth area.  Heading south initially to Brushes and…

2019 09 28 The Ribble at Nappa

Pete gets the coffee in   The Ribble At Nappa, had nothing at all to do with Nappa as it transpired! Due to the persistent rainfall in the days before and on the day, common sense prevailed and the plan to wade the river at the historical crossing of Nappa was cancelled. That was only the beginning…

2019 09 19 Todmorden Tramp

Cool initially but soon warm up with walking and climbing.  6 of us including Christine from Bedford who's up here for 4 nights.  Peter Godfrey leading.  Go west and south.  Drop to Summit and back over shoulder of hill to Tod.  Finish 15 45.  Pint in micro pub. Photos from Pendle Pete

2019 09 14 Saddleworth Meander

    Photos by Pendle Pete  

2019 09 05 Short Calderdale Hike

SP Approaching Stodley Pike, Plus A Runner   Difference In Portions!   Blackstone Edge Reservoir   Beautiful Calderdale Stone House Photos by Pendle Pete  

2019 08 29 Dovestone Explored

On Dove Stone Rocks   Above Greenfield Brook & Reservoir   Dove Stone SP's Heartland   Anne's Back Yard, Alphin Trig    Oops!    Scrambling Along Greenfield Brook     Dropping Off Alderman's Hill Photos by Pendle Pete SOUTH PENNINE' ON HOME TURF:   Eight SP regulars set out from the Dove…

2019 08 24 Six Trigs

  A beautiful, dry and hot day for a tough 26 mile walk in the Calderdale area - leader Dave Gordon.  Starting and finish - Hebden Bridge.  15 walkers and one dog.  Copious amounts of fluids required and drank, with 3,750 feet of ascent.  Swift pint at the Fox and Goose before disbanding.     …

2019 07 29 Spanners in Reverse

Garden Feature Along The Route   Very Modern House, Cool   Peel Tower Holcombe Moor   SP Singing In The Rain! Barlow Institute At The Finish   Photos from Pete 6 people set out on a well worn route from Edgworth Cricket Club, on a very wet day to complete a twenty mile walk developed by Derek…

2019 07 19 Four Trigs Sake

Wild Flowers In The Hedgerows   SP Group, Norman, Ian, Pete & Peter   Old Hunting Lodge On The Chatsworth Estate   Leader Ian At Nelson's Column On Birchen Edge   Having A Breather By The Three Ships   Photos by Pendle Pete

2019 07 13 Blacko

        Photos from Andrew

2019 06 29 Pendle Marathon

  Slaidburn YHA      SP Group     Slaidburn Church     New Stone Seat On Pendle Hill     Peter, Julie & Pete           This Years WI Charity Appeal At Barley        Previous WI Appeal In Barley      Being the height of our holiday period at this time of year, numbers where depleted for this…

2019 06 20 Beacon Bash

  Ashhurst Beacon    Parbold Windmill    The Lancashire Plain   Fairy Glenn   Photos from Pete

2019 06 06 The Lady Killer

Edale   Glorious Dark Peak   Whin Hill   Booth Tower and Estate   Stunning Rhododendrons   SP Striding out in fine style   Home run   Derwent Reservoir Dam and group on the day   Photos by Pendle Pete

2019 05 16 Wadsworth Trog

Hebden Bridge Train Station - The start   The Survivors   Photos from Jacks  Photos from Pete  

2019 05 11 Crowden

Lunch at the Wainstones     7 walkers

2019 05 04 Pendle Three Peaks

Crossing Twiston Beck   View West From Weets Hill    Weets Hill Trig   Approaching Foulridge At County Brook   Pendle Pete   Heron At Cotton Tree   Boulsworth Trig   Pendle Trig   Photos by Pete PENDLE THREE PEAKS 31m 04.05.19   Glorious Weather, Good Company and a Great Day's Walking for…

2019 05 02 Mill Bank

SP Tiptoe Through The Bluebells   Above Mill Bank   Approaching Sowerby Bridge, Rochdale Canal Towpath   Sowerby Bridge Photos by Pendle Pete            

2019 04 13 West Pennine Way 2

  Andrew At St Mary's Chapel Grimehills       Darwen Tower From Pickup Bank       Ogden Res' & Musberry Heights       Holden Wood Res' & Haslingden       Peel Tower From Near Hawkshaw       Turton Tower South View       Photo and report from Pete.     Another 8am start for Part 2 of the…

2019 03 31 Fountains,Plovers and Penny's

Photos from Pendle Pete With an earlier start than most of our Social Walks at 8am, we set out from Langcliffe Village CP into classic limestone country of the Mid-Ribble Valley and Craven district of Yorkshire. Today was a very murky start and I have used photos from my recce of this walk back in…

2019 03 21 Hey Rod! Do you think I’m Sexy

SP Striding Out Above Mossley   No Pub Stop Until We've Done!   Spot Rod The Plod?   L/R Norman, Ron, Anne, Peter, Ian, Steve & Pendle Pete.   Can We Sign Up?   Photos by Pete                    

2019 02 23 South Pennine 24 Challenge Walk

    To see report and results - click here

2019 02 21 Twin Happy Valleys

Sowerby RS       Calderdale        Ralph, Ron, Peter, Andrew, Ian + Norman & Pete       Back At Sowerby     Photos from Pete

2019 02 16 Go West

Bridgewater Canal    Attractive Farm   Astley Mine Winding Wheel    SP Group   Bus Lanes Near Leigh   Memorial To The 344 Men & Boys At The Pretoria Pit Disaster 1910 Photos from Pete                  

2019 01 31 Roch and Ryburn

Winter landscape   SP Climbing Blackstone Edge   At The Aiggin Stone   Winter Wonderland   SP on the move   Ryburn Reservoir Dam   Car Smash At Ripponden    Chairs & Table Legs Photos from Pete   For more photos from Steve - click here                                

2019 01 26 Aspects of Pendle

    SP Group On The Day         Pendle Ski Club Wellsprings       Ogden Clough         Pike Law at the Big End, our 1st accent. (Photo taken on the recce in August 2018)     Ten willing walkers took on the tough challenge of 5 different accents of our magnificent Pendle Hill. 22m, moderate…

2018 12 22 Friezland

From Pots and Pans with Wharmton in the background   Photos from Steve The eighth variation on a theme of the annual Friezland pre Christmas walk , from Anne's  This year, I had recorded the route with a GPS that I can cope  with, and fortunately emailed route over to a couple of the SP group..as…

2018 12 20 Calder Woodland Variation

Brighouse   Bah Humbug!   Photos by Andrew   Jackie, Andrew   Ian, Mick   Ron, Peter   Steve   A fine walk which mixed woodland trails with far reaching open valley views from paths & tracks , a generous scattering of steep sharp ascents , a small amount of canal towpath & great banter…

2018 12 06 Lyme and Soda

Torrs New Mills.   Deer On The Lyme Park Estate.     Lyme Hall.   SP Along The Trail.   Bracket Fungus.   Millenium Walkway.   Photos by Pete            

2018 12 01 North of Wardle

Weather: wet and misty, in the clouds for much of the time.  People on the walk: a round dozen. We gathered on the car park at Watergrove reservoir for the start of the “North of Wardle” walk.  Unsurprisingly we headed north from here, along the side of the reservoir before swinging…

2018 11 16 Glories of Rochdale

  Photos from the walk by Steve here

2018 11 11 Clarion House Way

Nelson Clarion, last one remaining   Burnley Clarion   Colne Clarion   Guy With The Goshawk Photos from Pete   Considering this was a rescheduled walk and the fact it had been led recently by another group, a party of six was a descent show. Four from SP, Andrew, Ron, Norman, myself plus, Kevin…

2018 11 01 Luddenden Leg Stretch

Stairway To Heaven     Flying Beetle   Beautiful Beech Trees     Guest Ralph, Andrew & Birthday Boy Ron   Mytholmroyd Area   Millstone In Luddenden   SP Group + Camera Man Norman     Photos by Pete    

2018 10 27 Ramsbottom Round

SP at Grant's Tower   Ramsbottom & Peel Tower   Scout Moor Wind Farm     Edenfield Church     Irwell Vale RS     Autumn Tints           Holcombe Moor   Above photos from Pete      

2018 10 18 Crowden Crawl

A628 At Woodhead Bridge Photos from Pete.  More photos click here

2018 10 13 Chipping Away

  Camera Shake On A Turbulent Parlick Pike   Tree Casualty By The River Brock   SP Through The Woods By the Lively Brock   SP By Wood Felling On Beacon Fell                    

2018 09 29 A Bridge Too Far

SP Group at start, Coniston & guest Anton from Cleveland Group   Striding out over Coniston Moor towards Nidderdale   Moor More   Scar House Res'   Nidderdale   Great Whernside, to windy for hanging about   Tea break at Kettlewell   Surprising sight at the end of September   King for the…

2018 09 20 New Mills

With an abject afternoon weather forecast & some attending the post walk agm , the sensible option was to amend the advertised walk which could wait for another drier day . That said it wasn't until 1300 that the rain caught up : beforehand it was perfect walking conditions with a pleasant…

2018 09 01 The West Craven Way

SP Beneath Kelbrook Moor     SP Approaching L&L Canal At East Marton   Goats Milking Carousel   Sunnybank' Horton   Llamas/Alpacas At Weets House       Heads Or Tails At Duck Pond Cottage Near Barnoldswick   Setting out from Salterforth at 8.30am with good numbers, a mixed group of twelve…

2018 08 25 Ribblehead Rumble

Ribblehead Viaduct   Bridge End Cottage Cowgill       Ingleborough & The Ribble Watershed           Up & Away By Hang Glider       Norman & Verity From Sedburgh In Langstroth Dale         Photos by Pete   For various reasons, injury, illness and unavailability, only three walkers set out…

2018 08 16 Kantering to Kettlewell

Above Hawkswick   View across to Kettlewell and Great Whernside   Admiring the views on Great Whernside   Admiring the views on Great Whernside   Photos from Andrew   Half a dozen gathered in Grassington : such is my growing popularity Mill Bank Peter had even come all the way from a campsite in…

2018 08 02 Trawden Trample

Old Sign Near Salterforth.     Hazel and Andrew Above Lothersdale.   SP Group Refreshment Stop Overlooking Lothersdale Valley.   Beautiful Scene Above Foulridge In Pendle.     Photos from Pete

2018 07 28 No Idea What To Call It

Photo from Pete      

2018 07 19 Hole In The Wall

  Thanks to all who turned out, special apology to those who made it to Knutsford , but due to a trespasser on Stockport Viaduct several of our party were unable to get there. Those at Manchester made arrangements to walk home, and Lynn and I waked with Norman and Ian to Littleborough,  Near to…

2018 06 30 On The Edge

  Setting Out From The Cow & Calf CP   Looking Back To The Cow & Calf Rocks    Ilkely Down In The Wharfdale Valley      SP Dropping Down To Addingham Across The Valley   SP Motley Crew For The Day, With The Golf Balls In The Background    Manor House At Askwith   SP Crossing The River…

2018 06 21 Scrooge’s Sowerby Summer Skedaddle

Two Lads cairns with Stoodley Pike in background   Shooting Hut Higher House Moor   Dog Hill Trig   The fab four toddled off from Tod in the customary steep upwardly direction that seems to coincide with just about every walk I lead . Well I do have a reputation to protect , whatever next no beer…

2018 06 07 Whitefield and Back

Near Prestolee   Lily cover on canal     Basin at Nob End     Meccano Style Bridge over canal   Looking down the flight of locks at Nob End Photos by Pete As people gathered at our house for the start of the walk, reports of an overcrowded motorway network were delivered.  Peter phoned to say…

2018 06 02 Burnley Way Part 2

Mummified LDWA Member       New Recruit?        Shuttleworth Hall      Anglers In The Calder Padiham     Twenty! Young Chicks At Padiham     BFC Training Ground Gawthorpe     Slaters Terrace Weavers Triangle     Lynn, Kevin, Ian, Kim & Norman     Day 2: Saturday 2nd June 22 miles 8.30 am…

2018 05 31 Burnley Way Part 1

  Official Start Of Burnley Way Marker       Extwistle Hall (Elizabethan)        Rock & Roll At Hurstwood        Hurstwood Hall        Rhododendrons In Sheddon Clough     Norman, Ian, Hazel & Kim       'The Burnley Way' is a tricky one to balance into two days walking and provide suitable…

2018 05 17 Moor Miles from Marsden

Marsden    Cupwith Reservoir    Cupwith Hill    Dropping Off March Haigh   King For The Day Andrew, By His Favourite March Hill   Eastergate Bridge    SP Pause For Refreshment   Redbrook Res' & Pule Hill    Lunch Stop Below Pule Hill    Still Life Artefact   Wessenden Reservoir    …

2018 05 03 MGM the movie V1

Off To The Movies?   View Towards The M62   Striding Out   Dropping Down To Greetland   Novel Post Box   SP Group   Heading Back To Marsden   Huddersfield Narrow Canal   Photos from Pendle Pete

2018 04 28 Breakfast at Katy's

Errwood Reservoir       SP Group At Goyt Valley Bridge   Viaduct At Buxton   The Beautiful Deep Valley Photos from Pete Katy dutifully ordered extra loaves [no fishes at this gathering ] anticipating lots of hungry S.P.disciples.  WRONG!!!!. The regular 4 plus new recruit Sharon made up the…

2018 04 16 Don’t Walk Back in Anger

  Morning stop : Keighley Moor Res   Head of the valley : Bracken Hill   Pendle panorama : Atom Panopticon   El Scorchio in Cross Hills as suncream & shorts replaced paramos & gloves after one of the wettest & longest winters for some time . Five set off ascending away from the houses & out onto…

2018 04 14 Pendle’s 3 Peaks

Approaching Pendle Hill from Barley     Coming off Pendle Hill     View over to Weets Hill from Pendle, left of the Coppice above Black Moss Reservoir      View over to Weets Hill from Pendle, left of the Coppice above Black Moss Reservoir      Roughly Midway Between Pendle Hill & Weets Hill,…

2018 03 29 Witch Way

    Shelter On Pendle Hill   River Calder Whalley Area    On Whalley Bridge   Photos from Peter

2018 03 15 Belmont

Photos from Al   Ian   Group   Paul   Steve   Sitting in the car at Crookfield Road with the rain hammering down & a day in the Wet (sic) Pennine Moors in prospect was not exactly what I had in mind when I put forward this walk many moons ago . And so clad in waterproofs five set out ; it would…

2018 01 18 Mytholmroyd Many

Any bidders?   SP over the Yorkshire Calder Mytholmroyd    Photos from Peter

2018 01 13 Ogden and about

                Photos from Teresa  Thanks to the lads for leading the walk

2018 01 06 Christmas Meal and Walk

SP Dropping down to Greenfield, passing Alphin Pike      Below Pots & Pans   Awaiting our meal at the Cross Keys Saddleworth Fold

2017 12 23 Friezland 1872

So the seventh pre Christmas walk started from Anne's today, with coffee/ tea and warm mince pies ( some MrK......., some home made) Seven walkers ( plus me) Julie, Kevin, Lynne, Kim  and SP Ron, Norman, Andrew ventured out in the mist at 08:30, with a steadily uphill start to allow “mp and…

2017 12 07 Scrooge’s Sowerby Skedaddle

     Photos from Andrew A tough rollercoaster winter walk in prospect with plenty of long ascents & descents with a significant chunk on the uplands . From Todmorden ascending steeply to join the Calderdale Way , contouring with clear views across the valley then ascending across moorland to trig…

2017 11 16 Rochdale

Photos from Teresa Hare Hall    Hare Hill Park    Hare Hill Park       Timber  Photos from Steve The walk's start       Where the Co-op started   Wardle    Christmas is delivered to Wardle      Hollingworth Lake visitor center - lunch stop   Tree felling operation     After the walk…

2017 10 28 Hollingworth Lake Intro Walk

What it was like on the recce   What it was like on the day!   Some much needed shelter for lunch   Getting extra layers on       At the start of a haunted valley   Running the gauntlet of the haunted valley       We'd been up early to drop Sue's car at the White House before going to…

2017 09 30 Tosside

At the start Walk Report: Knotty Bowland Saturday 30th September.Eight eager souls started out from Tosside CP at 8.30am in dull but fine conditions, to endure very wet, muddy and strenuous conditions underfoot almost throughout the 21miles.We where very fortunate with the weather however, keeping…

2017 09 07 Lud's Limber

From Congleton three set out in perfect weather : clear bright skies , mild & dry . Crossing fields to Nick i' th' Hill & gradually climbing for several miles to High Bent , 650 feet above our start location with views over to Mow Cop & Sutton Common radio mast which became a semi permanent focal…

2017 08 26 Lancashire Mountain Reversal

SP LDWA on Eskholme Pike above the Upper Lune Valley.   Five on the walk Saturday 26th August, Dave, Norman, Helen, Freddie and myself. This was a repeat of last years successful walk the opposite way round, with a little tweeking to avoid more tarmac. We set out at 8.30am from Cowan Bridge with a…

2017 08 12 Around Rossendale

 Nice to have a Burdock at the end of walk     Ski Rossendale   Ski Rossendale   Ski Rossendale   Clow Bridge Reservoir   Cross    Sad state Bacup   Bacup Park Gates   SP Group at over the River Irwell Rawtenstall   Front of Loom Shop Museum Rawtenstall    Back of Loom Shop  

2017 08 03 Pork Pie Perambulation

The fab five set out from Addingham, the forecast rain making an appearance soon after accompanying the climb across fields, faint trods & open moorland to reach the trig at High Addingham Moor as it well & truly chucked it down!  Still the show must go on so across the moor to Whetstone Gate & the…

2017 07 20 The BBC Walk

Carpark at the start: Crowden   Torside Reservoir   Peter at the pulpit   Kissing stones   Looking down Longdendale   Towards Black Hill?   Carmel   Norman crossing a stream   Crowden and journey's end (photos from Steve)   At the Crowden car park at the start it was raining, but that…

2017 07 15 Around Rooley Moor

      Leader Norman (Moore).  8 on the walk.  Weather: damp all day.  18 miles and 970 metres of ascent

2017 07 13 Cliviger Walkabout

  Precarious work near Sharneyford     Wonderfull Stone Masonry at Gorpley Reservoir     Gorpley Clough     View down to Gauxholme      South Pennine group on the day      A Gongoozling Lunch      At the Bridestones     Back under Cliviger Gorge and our transport home        Seven on the…

2017 07 06 Rivington Round

  Enid Blyton famous five go rambling    Turton and Entwistle reservoir Photos by Carmel Photos by Steve  Six of us convene in two different car parks at the start but once united we set off up the Terraced Gardens to the Pigeon Tower.  Over the moor land track to the Belmont - Rivington road and…

2017 06 23 Trotting to Trollers

Thankfully the hot & humid recent heatwave was replaced with a much cloudier & cooler day making for perfect walking conditions . Five trotted off from Rylstone making good progress to reach picturesque Linton . Across fields , through Thorpe & meadowland to the first stop at Burnsall Bridge ;…

2017 05 13 Clapham Revisited

                Photos by Anne

2017 05 11 Digley Donkey

            Photos from Anne

2017 05 06 Spring to the Churn

    We offered this walk from Marple Bridge as part of the Greater Manchester Walking Festival (entered in their category: 'Challenging'), a programme of 300 walks at every level during May 2017.  Our group of 10 walkers included three LDWA members for whom this was their first South Pennine group…

2017 05 04 Childers Green

                  Met at Childers Green c.p., off A56 nr Hapton, nr Burnley Via Helm Clough, Clowbridge Res and Thieveley Pike

2017 03 30 Calderdale Canter

Peter   Lunch stop above Summit   Ian on Holder Stones Trig   Ian on Holder Stones Trig   Stoodley Pike from Holder Stones Trig   Hands up for the workers !   Timetable   Alan of Calan's   Cheers   From Hebden Bridge eight set out with a deceptively flat opening couple of miles via…

2017 03 25 Woolley Jumper

  On the start line   A general milling around at the services    Photos from Anne.   The walk started from Woolley service station just above junction 38 on the M1, and nobody could remember starting a walk in a motorway service station before. It is something to consider for future walks as the…

2017 03 11 It's a mystery

    A group of 11 turned up to walk with Karen and her lovely dog Strike on what was a beautiful spring morning.  In fact the whole day was perfect. Now Karen, true to form as a leader, said it was a nice easy walk with very little ascent…… hmmmm 3300ft…

2017 02 23 Noman takes on Doris

NORMAN TAKES ON DORIS           The forecast was grim and the actual weather worse! This did not deter Norman and three members battling the full force of Storm Doris and A Bury Circuit from Heywood to Radcliffe, 22 miles and not cut a yard short. Weather incidents included passing a parked car…

2017 02 25 South Pennine 24

              See more photos from Pete:      My thoughts on the 24:   Around 100 entrants braved the elements for the second SP 24  On hearing the weather forecast the night before, I was expecting to be covered in mist, rain and poor visibility for the day. But we had a good fine start with…

2017 01 27 Loop de loop

  The Pilgrims    Signing the way   The United Trinity     Ready for a pint   Nine set off from Godley train station, on a walk to Manchester which brought back  memories to many of bygone days, including playing recorder in their school uniform at Fairfield Moravian Church, swimming in…

2017 01 12 Cullingworth

 Photos from Jackie             Photos from Peter        SP Group On The Day: Selfie, Pete, Tony, Ian, Jack and Mick      La La Land     SP At Hewenden Viaduct (17 Arches)         Heading home   Five set out from Cullingworth , others put off their journey by a snowy weather forecast.…

2017 01 07 Seasonal Celebration

  Along Slack Head Brow, Beyond Alphin Pike   A good day's celebration despite the mist, excellent meal, beer and company and a well deserved presentation for JPs sterling work for South Pennine! Peter

2016 12 17 FFriezland

  At the fingerpost   Lunch       Last one at Anne's   The now annual Ffriezland walk took place on Sat December 17th 2016, with walkers drifting in at Anne's before the start time, for coffee/tea and warm mince pies ( with a selection of three bakers to choose from).   So at 0830 off we went 10…

2016 12 15 Bronte Crimbo Bah Humbug

  Eight set out from Hebden Bridge including the quiet woman & Steve who'd travelled by train from York nice 'n early for the honour of being on one of my walks again ( some people just never learn !! ) . Still I had another gentle warm up as the opening two & a half miles via Nutclough &…

2016 11 17 Tides Well Out and Back

  Coffee break      Cows taking coffee break too       One end of a rainbow     The other end of rainbow     Spot the difference?       An early start to meet Andrew at Kateys diner on the A6 outside Dove Holes proved a good idea. After a quick catch-up and cuppa we headed off to meet the…

2016 11 03 Some Kinder Edges

Kinder Reservoir   William Clough   In the clough   Looking back to Kinder Reservior   Emerged from William Clough   Ashop Clough - morning coffee break   Ashop Clough - view towards The Snake      The start of Fair Brook Clough   Arrive at 08:37 and I'm late for the start of my own walk! …

2016 10 30 Every Witch Way

For some photos from Brian Fisher - click here     Joint walk with, the West Yorkshire group on Sunday 30.10.16   25 walkers in total on a good romp around the Pendle countryside, with a brew stop at the famous Clarion House.   Photos from Peter:   SP striding out along the L&L Canal in Nelson.   …

2016 10 20 Gargrave

Photos from Brenda                                 Photos from Peter   Stepping out along the L&L Canal    Does not apply to South Pennine LDWA   Autumnal scene with Pendle Hill in the background   Friars Head near Gargrave  

2016 10 15 Edale Dales

Photos from Carmel:       Photos from Anne:       A second walk report: Edale Dales Deliveance   Saturday 15th October 2016 Our leader,  supersonic Ian Hull  gave his six enthusiastic walkers after his arrival at Edale on the 8.35am a lightening tour of Derbyshire. In an Olympic record…

2016 10 06 Bolton Wanderings

BOLTON WANDERINGS     SP Group Heading out by Turton & Entwistle Res     Energy Boost       Ogden Reservoir            Haslingden from Musbury Heights        Taking Stock                        Bright sunshine welcomed S.P.7.ready to take on Bolton Wanderers.     Shortly after 8.30am we…

2016 09 24 Seaside Shuffle

Photos from Peter   Young Highland Bull On Arnside Knott   Bridge Over The River Keer At Carnforth   South Pennine Group   Beautiful Dahlia's At Warton       Julie's Tight Squeeze In The Fairy Steps   Julie emerges

2016 09 22 Summit Gorge and the Pennine Watershed

Part of the Penning Walk and Ride Festival   Hare Hill Park   The group gathered around the hare    On the fabled watershed  

2016 09 17 The New Five Trig Points Walk

This popular Anytime Challenge walk was devised over 40 years ago and has been walked by many groups and individuals since. The normal starting point is the Swan Inn in Delph but limited weekend parking necessitated a change of start.   As the walk was being offered as part of the popular South…

2016 09 08 Settle Triple Trigger

  Under threatening skies six set off from Settle : Ron , Dave & Les joined by our honorary worker on a day off Anne & Robert from Harrogate making his South Pennine debut . Through Langcliffe we headed for the impressive Hoffmann Kiln in an old lime works , the structure so large it resembled the…

2016 08 25 Chasing the Summer Goose

      In January 2015 we waded through snow drifts on a similar route. This time, five of us were wading through wet foliage as we squelched our way round on a spectacularly damp midsummer day! Lunch was taken at Raistrick Greave which seemed more wuthering than wuthering heights. We had to…

2016 08 07 Mind the (Aire) Gap

Photos from Julie - click here

2016 08 04 Calderdale Way 2

 The Men in Blue   It did stop raining!   We did get views   Six set off from Todmorden heading uphill (where else !!!) to rejoin the Calderdale Way near Hole Bottom . Despite the wet conditions there were at least stunning views above the valley as we headed across fields & tracks to Heptonstall…

2016 07 28 Calderdale Way 1

    Five set off from Brighouse on the first of two Calderdale Way linear walks , with the distance evenly split between each . A quick mile along the Calder & Hebble then through woods & fields to negotiate three busy road crossings near West Vale . A steep climb left the traffic behind & lovely…

2016 07 23 Wildboar Revisited

One of those rare occasions when a bright , warm sunny morning welcomed usto the Macclesfield Forest. 8.30am prompt, the 6 of us headed off towards our first morning break at Flash.Shutlingsloe was soon dispensed with then with a steep descent we were in thebeautiful Wildboar valley,not for long.A…

2016 07 09 Settle

Photos from Julie - click here

2016 06 11 Ripponden Round The Lake

A poor weather forecast, Friday's East Lancs Group party and competition from other events gave me cause for concern that attendence would be drastically down.   I needn't have worried. Several 100 entrants were there gingerly trying out their joints and tender feet. I secretly hoped their…

2016 05 21 Argh It’s Grim

      Four of us on were on Norman's brisk walk from Grimsargh.  This was a place I'd never heard of before as is often the case with Norman's walks in new areas but only 35 minutes up the M61/M6 and a pleasant village and area.  We couldn't park next to the church without risking being locked in…

2016 05 05 Lancashire's Only Mountain

Barbondale Wood   Ease Gill    From the top   South Pennine Group   Howgills From Crag Hill   Morecambe Bay From Crag Hill   Ingleborough And Gragareth From Crag Hill   On Crag Hill   Final Goal Gragareth Summit - Top Of Lancashire!  23.5 miles and 1,400 metres of ascent.  Wonderful day out

2016 04 30 Around Boulsworth

 Norman      Les     Anne     Folk get behind the new club banner 

2016 04 21 Right to Roam

Bleaklow Stones   Dead End Edge   Swains Head   The Challenge   A perfect weather day for a high level moorland walk. We left Crowden  through Bareholme Moss onto Black Hill and then onwards to Dead Edge End. where we took our morning break. Crossing the Woodhead Pass we climbed to Bleaklow…

2016 04 16 Rolling Stone Gathers Moss

  For photos from Julie - click here

2016 04 14 Pendle Way 2

Laneshawbridge   On top of the world A well deserved pint or two Half a dozen alighted in Laneshawbridge for the second part of the Pendle Way with swift progress made to picturesque Wycoller . Again the weather gods were kind ; in fact perfect walking conditions – dry , mostly sunny ,…

2016 04 07 Pendle Way 1

   A rare linear walk saw Ron, Andrew, Norman and local Peter from Barrowford join me on the first leg of the Pendle Way. Peter obliged by donning waterproof trousers for much of the day which guaranteed dry conditions throughout! After a short bus journey we set off from the outskirts of Colne at…

2016 03 19 Wharfedale Wander

After several weeks of wet weather we were finally promised a good day and how people responded. Over 20 waiting to stretch their legs today, including several from West Yorkshire group. Off via Wood Nook Caravan park on to Malham Moor and on to Conistone on broad grassy paths. Just like walking on…

2016 03 10 Kinder

  Winter conditions on Kinder   By the Peak Forest Canal   Glad to have made is safely to the car park   I'd done the recce on the previous Sunday and not been able to do the walk I'd originally planned due to several foot of lying snow on Kinder and poor visibility.  My first route would have…

2016 03 05 Stile Over Substance

Seventeen of us set off on Saturday on my walk 'Stile over Substance' from Holmfirth out round Meltham and back via Netherton and Honley. Given the weather we had the day before when 4" of snow fell in an hour, I thought it would be called off, but thankfully it turned out to be a largely lovely…

2016 02 20 Aiggin Stone Amble

With a forecast of heavy rain all day and strong winds I was astonished to see a keen and enthusiastic group of 9 folk raring to go. One mile in and Julie was raring to go home, so now down to 8.   We were walking the route of an ex challenge walk, formerly organised by Calderdale LDWA , and to…

2016 02 14 Heart of Bowland

At Rest   Heart of Bowland walk held on St Valentine's day, February 14th 2016   A 19 mile anytime challenge walk in the Forest of Bowland; a wild region of deep dales and steep sided fells, part in Lancashire, part in Yorkshire.   Clear skies and a good weather forecast (no rain!) saw an…

2016 02 11 Weir off to the Park

The panarama plate on Werneth Low A bright sunny morning greeted us which after weeks of wet weather was much appreciated. Unfortunately Norman hit traffic problems and missed the walk due to late arrival.   Seven of us set off from Stalybridge, heading firstly through Cheetham Park, on to…

2016 02 06 Whit Walk

   A happy,smiling group     Terrible weather reports the night before,amazingly 11 hardy souls gradually arrived at Cowm reservoir,unaware of what lay ahead.Waterproofs donned we set off with our last arrival RAIN!!   Having met in a valley,the only way out is up.Skirting Brown Wardle Hill and…

2016 01 23 South Pennine 24 Marshals Walk

Glen, Andrew, Hazel, Val and Anne   Nineteen of us turned up to walk the route of our inaugural event which takes place in 5 weeks time. A glorious weather forecast for the time of year. Glenn assumed the role of leader (or was it Ian & Ron?) and we set off at a cracking pace around Dovestone Res.…

2016 01 21 January Jolly at Jumbles

Talk amongst yourself Ron finds the car park Too cold for lunch to be had at Darwen Tower   Eventual lunch stop - not much shelter but less windy here A dozen of us made a start from Jumbles car park on a dry but cold January Thursday morning.  It could easily have been 10 - Ron having visited…

2016 01 07 Marsden

Arriving at Marsden in good time for an 8:30 start, I parked near the church and walked up to the walk meeting place: Marsden train station.  I'm the only one there.  Are there walkers in the platform shelter?  Have a look and no there aren't.  25 minutes past 8 and I'm still the only one.  I did…

2015 12 19 Fifth Friezland Walk

Anne on top of the world   Singing in the rain   Morning break    Fifth Friezland walk Sat Dec 19th 2015Six of us, plus leader (Anne) met for the "annual Friezland walk", slight change to the start this year, that the mince pies and coffee / tea dispensed from Anne's kitchen at 427, rather than…

2015 12 17 To Be Shaw

Grey day over the Pennines   Lifting a little   On Tandle Hill  

2015 12 10 Crompton Crackers

This was a walk put on at short notice.  An email was sent to group members and I was surprised, nay amazed, to see so many people turn up on what was a bad day weather wise.  Our route was over the hill to Newhey then along a running stream then onward to Windy Hill where we sheltered in the lee…

2015 12 05 North of Harden

We met amid the most terrible wind and rain.  I was not keen to start but then Tom Wood of West Yorks. turned up after a train journey and a 2.5 mile walk to reach the start point.  Well, we had to do the walk after that sort of effort didn't we.  The walk length was just under 19 miles but they…

2015 11 26 Bloody Nora ... We Must be Batty

Windscreen wipers going ten to the dozen,thoughts of an empty car park loomed.Climbing up to Holme Moss mast the rain stopped and my spirits lifted.A beautiful sunrise welcomed 12 hardy souls,plus Johnny,Julie Gardeners dog to Summer Wine country. Losing height quickly,we soon dropped down into the…

2015 11 15 Up to Harden

Walking in Yorkshire can be hazardous.  On the recce I was attacked by a farm dog and still have the scar to prove it.  On the walk proper and before reaching the culprit farm and dog I advised walkers to arm themselves with stones, they were needed as the dog came at us again.  Later in the day a…

2015 11 12 50 Shades of Grane

On Hog Lowe Pike (photo by Ken)       On the way to the start at Clough Head visitor centre some of us were delayed by traffic light controlled roadworks on the Haslingden / Grane road.  So still with plenty of time to spare I decided that we'd set off 5 minutes late to allow for anybody running…

2015 11 07 Alport Castles

Storm Abigail was approaching the United Kingdom and the weather was to go downhill from the weekend onward.  The Saturday forecast was dismal and I don't blame anyone for turning over and going back to sleep.  If only............ four hardy souls were waiting for me at Snake Pass and what the day…

2015 10 29 Hooray 4 Hollywood

 Ian's winter Premier Inn    Hanging out with Baden   Marple Lock    Which way now?   Six set out from Marple : Ron , Neil & Lynn , Ray from Tideswell on his second outing with the group & debutant Edwina from Charlesworth . Stunning gold , red & brown autumn colours on the trees throughout as…

2015 10 24 Digley Reservoir

A horrendous weather forecast didn't deter a few hardy souls and 8 of us set off towards Holme before a steep climb up to the Holme Valley Circular Way with excellent views of the Holmfirth below us. On to the Kirklees Way through Hade Edge and alongside a narrow stream to reach Hepworth. A short…

2015 10 10 See a Big House? Ar Can ’an All

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness', from an Ode to Autumn by John Keats, and so apt for today's walk. Ten walkers set off on a Saturday morning from Silkstone, in a light mist on a textbook Autumn day. Twenty miles, muddy in places, but with the joy of Autumn leaves changing colour in all…

2015 10 1 Up and Over

A domestic crisis meant that Kath was unable to lead the walk. Not to worry - Ian had saved the route from last year on his trusty GPS and volunteered to lead. A glance at the turnout had me a little worried as they were all quick walkers and with Ian in charge we weren't going to dawdle. Sure…

2015 09 19 Three Feathers part 3

  Joint walk with East Lancs 3rd Feather report. 26 miles, 5400ft ascent.   A surprising number of 22 walkers set off from the Yorkshire Bridge Inn at 09:00 on a lovely but cool morning.   After a short walk downhill to cross the River Derwent at Yorkshire Bridge, we started the steep climb through…

2015 09 17 Tracks Old and New from Littleborough

Ten walkers set off from Hare Hill Park on a lovely bright day for our group walk as part of the South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival. The walk lived up to its title by including stretches of old packhorse roads over Blackstone Edge and later on the Long Causeway, and the quite modern permissive…

2015 09 05 Norman's Ramsbottom Round

Bright sunny morning and thirteen raring to go including 3 newbies from Rochdale Ramblers (Jan, Andy & Nigel) giving our group a go for the first time.   Norman rounded up those who had parked at Owd Betts and gave a brief outline of the route.Knowl Hill for starters - no surprise there, then…

2015 09 03 Bradwell

The beauty (acceptance) of having a small number of walkers on a walk, is the fact that you can "tweak" the route to your heart's desire in order to fulfil the groups requirements.  Our group consisted of four people and Johnny long-legs (dog - who never as the foggiest where he is going or for how…

2015 08 22 Where Snowdonia meets the sea

An horrendous weather forecast, a small turnout (just leader plus 2) and yet a cracking good day! The awful forecast ( 'Torrential rain, thunder, lightning' according to Mountain Weather Information ) meant a nice clear motorway to Conwy, but may also have meant that just two other walkers…

2015 08 20 Hull to Crewe

Funny how a chance remark leads to unintended consequences, a mention that nobody had ever done a walk from Crewe whilst sat on the Crewe platform, meant that that this walk was a world premier for L.D.W.A. Everyone took advantage of trains to Crewe and we were soon off and walking along Cheshires…

2015 08 06 Thongsbridge Thrust

Planning to meet in the sports centre carpark at Thongsbridge we encountered our first hazard when the carpark was shut for the day.  Eight walkers including Helen who was walking with us for the first time.  Brisk pace as always on Norman's walks meant exactly that - brisk pace.  Emley…

2015 07 11 Pendle Three Peaks

I was pleased with the size of the group given that the 2nd of the 3 Feathers took place on the same day.  So nine of us set off in good spirits on what was a very challenging walk over varied terrain.  Anne Webb had celebrated her 50th birthday during the week and was keen to complete a 50k walk…

2015 06 25 Shutlingsloe

          Every leaders nightmare....8.15 and an empty car park.Thankfully minutes later my co-walker Julie Gardner arrived with Johnny her dog...Phew!!!!  8.35 we set off,the walk instantly upgraded from moderate to brisk!   Shutlingsloe was quickly bagged,then up through the rugged Cumberland…

2015 06 11 Bolton Bridge Blast

    On perhaps the warmest day of the year thus far three blasted off from Bolton Bridge & sped past the impressive remains of Bolton Abbey to begin the first climb to Low Crag , pausing at Hare Head to view the onward route & apply sunscreen . The trig at High Crag saw us leave grassy paths &…

2015 05 28 DLM

                DLM - Dovestones, Longdendale and Mossley. The walk title was a bit of a giveaway as to the proposed route but as ever the devil was in the detail.  10 of us mustered for start at 08:30 and as we set off past the sailing club, Anne joined us to make it 11.  Impressivley Ian and…

2015 05 16 In Search of Wild Boar

On arrival Dave warned us all that today was to be a tough walk. He wasn't wrong. From Rawthey Bridge a short valley walk to Needle House from where we entered access land and zig zagged our way up the fellside to the summit of Wild Boar Fell. Time for a brief break in a summit shelter and take in…

2015 05 14 Llangollen Switchback

        Turnout was somewhat down today for our annual joint walk with South Manchester group. Perhaps it was the distance, maybe the thought of venturing on to the M60 on a weekday morning that deterred people. What a good walk as well. Not overly high mileage with a total of around 18.5 but…

2015 05 02 Around Pendle

               11 people started at 8.30, in good weather, heading South West along the valley, past Noggarts and Higher Spen, to Churn Reservoir for our first stop.  We then started the climb up past Deerstones on to the main track for Pendle Hill, along Ogden Clough to the Trig Point. By…

2015 04 30 Lang Set Go

  Ten Set off from Langsett, some walking a new personal  record, others getting miles into their legs prior to the upcoming hundred. The weather was better than expected as a brisk pace took us to Oughtibridge. A stiff climb through Coumes Vale Plantation brought everybody to High Bradfield…

2015 04 16 Thurgoland Boundary

Photos from Sue:     Today was my first time as a walk leader.  I felt a little apprehensive initially, however, all my worries were in vain as the 14 dedicated long distance walkers (who turned up to walk the 20 mile route) were very supportive and understanding – even though I did take a…

2015 04 11 Feathers part 1

  The First Feather. 33miles, 6500ft. Due to other events going on over the same weekend, I only expected a handful of people. However 17 came, not all intending to do all three “Feathers”, and one only walking the first 7 miles or so before leaving us to do her own thing. Another lady…

2015 04 04 Ribblehead

                                              Spring finally arrives. A glorious day in prospect and a holiday weekend as well. We nabbed the best parking spaces within sight of  Ribblehead viaduct, the major attraction on the Settle/ Carlisle railway line. Off we went following the line over Blea…

2015 03 28 Three Towers

                                     With a forecast of gales & rain it was surprising to see 25 die hards turn up for the walk. After tea & toast at the sailing club we headed towards Turton Tower (not one of the towers!!), waterproofs were rapidly donned. Then came the steady ascent up to…

2015 03 26 Nook to Bishop..Check.. and back

                                                 Nook to Bishop....Check...And back. 12 attended including leader...and two dogs. Weather: initially dull and rainy then clearing in the afternoon. Set off from Daisy Nook via tow paths and footpaths to Park Bridge. Followed the Rocher vale path to…

2015 03 07 East Cheshire

                                        To the East of Macclesfield(Treacle Town) lies a gem of an area waiting to be explored, totally different from the Cheshire plains. The walk was 22.5 miles and 4,700 feet of ascent - the original 24 mile route would have take us over 5,000 feet, but alas we…

2015 03 05 A Bridge To Far

                                                       Chinley Head Photo by Neil

2015 02 21 Wentworth Wander

                                                                                                                    Out of date pay and display machines caused confusion early doors with its demand for 3 numbers of your car registration. No reg plates have had 3 numbers  for 13 years at least!…

2015 02 19 Rough Roundabout

                                  From the right: Andrew, Norman, Lynn and Ron Photo from Neil

2015 02 07 Windy Hill

                                                                             Ralph and Dave                                                                                             Hiding the trig point 14 of us set off to the top of White Hill which was aptly named after recent heavy snowfall.…

2015 02 05 Glorious Godley

                                                 From Godley train station we made our way to Daisy Nook, making use of our urban green spaces, Jet Amber Fields, Ashton Canal, Rycroft Hall, The disused Guide Bridge to Droylsden rail link and the Hollingwood Canal. After a short break it was onward…

2015 01 24 Lymmoscene

                                                    After battling through foot deep snow in Hebden Bridge 2 days earlier, it came as something of a surprise to discover a snow free landscape in sunny Cheshire. Much to the dismay of local dog walkers we almost filled the smallish car park on the…

2014 01 22 Chasing the Goose

                                                      A great snowy day out. That was the chat in the 'Fox and Goose' pub at the end of the walk, although there was a stretch during the afternoon when one walker asked 'Are we training for Everest or what?' What a good idea! It had snowed heavily on…

2015 01 08 Foulridge Frolic

                                                   Although marked on the OS map as a public car park, the parking at Foulridge Wharf now turns out to be private and for the use of cafe customers only. At least they couldn't stop us standing and meeting at the wharf! Welcome to 2015. A murky…

2014 12 20 No, No, No, No, Not Friezland Again

True to her word Anne and co pilot Nathan arrived on cue with fresh coffee and warm mince pies no doubt disappointing the snack bar stationed in the layby who had been thinking Christmas had come early. Suitably refreshed off we went up Shadsworth Lane to Moor Lane. A right turn this year and on to…

2014 12 11 Mirfield Round

                                                                                                                                                                              Maxine looking happy - only 4 miles to the finish!!   15 hardy souls turned up on Station Road including 1 guest (Maxine)-the…

2014 11 29 Haslingden Grane

                                                              Dave's 25th walk. Will anybody come? Forecast is good. Poor start. Car park locked. Plenty show. Jam up road outside car park. Just before start time key arrives. Slightly late start. 20 people. Almost a record. Rossendale Way. Pass…

2014 11 27 Shaw Edge

This walk was significant in that this was Norman's 40th walk for the group which is a significant achievement for a group only formed 6 years ago.  Norman is known for putting on 'Brisk' walks and the notices warning that the car park closed at dusk were not making him relaxed as we dawdled…

2014 11 15 Todmorden Treat 3

Walk report: Arrive in plenty of time for the start of the walk.  John and his car full are already there, including a visitor from Rochdale Ramblers - Joan.  We wander towards the market and grab a very welcome mug of coffee from a market vendor.  Curiously we recognise and chat with some fellow…

2014 11 13 Up and Over

                                                                                          THURSDAY November 13th Up & Over   12 walkers set off from Wards Resevoir at Belmont-known as the Blue Lagoon. We had a new walker to welcome Vicente from Spain. So as the walks title suggested we went up &…

2014 10 25 Mytholmroyd

Quite what the locals thought in Mytholmroyd this quiet Saturday morning but suddenly cars started arriving in all directions. Due to an absence of liaison between two groups, both Calderdale LDWA and ourselves had organised walks from the same car park half an hour apart. This presented a dilemma…

2014 10 16 Rochdale Cowboy

                                               Much comment beforehand - how is Norman going to put together a walk from the dead centre of Rochdale? We meet outside Oulder Hill school just behind Rochdale Cemetery at 8.30am, just as hundreds of children are being dropped off at school. Does no-one…

2014 10 11 Addingham

Minor panic before walk as indicated car park not available for all day parking. Dave had found an alternative behind the Swan but had to keep nipping up and down High St to collect everyone. Apologies to anyone missed! Closure of the Bolton Estate for sporting reasons limited our options but a…

2014 10 02 Wye Dale Wye Not

                                                                                              It was all Normans fault, talking to him before the walk, he said he had found a walk on Saturday that visited four pubs. Well I thought I can do better than that. A quick look at the map, find those…

2014 09 27 Sowerby Bridge

 13 turned out, weather was gorgeous but cold when we set out but we did get a bit of drizzle on the way round. Good walk, obviously hilly. Julie Photos from Andy:   Photos from Julie:  

2014 09 18 Wilderness T'Other Way

Not a route in reverse but a completely new route. Change of start point proved unneccesary as aggregate dumped in layby two weeks ago had been cleared but nobody was complaining about the extra miles. Linda appeared apprehensive at the start as she had listened to gossip elsewhere about the pace…

2014 09 06 Bullock Smithy

Photos of some club regulars and the Bullock Smithy: From Julie:

2014 09 04 Ladybower Limp

Ten starters and one extra met us en route. Route longer than planned due to footpath closures. Out via Dennis Knoll, Stanage Edge, Higger Tor to Fox House Inn. Back via Houndskirk Rd, Redmires Res, Stanage Pole and Moscar. 23 miles and a fine day. John Photos from Neil:

2014 08 30 Masham Moor

Slightly further to travel than our comfort zone with a 2 hour drive in prospect. However , we were off somewhere new so would our numbers hold up? A dozen made the effort and were rewarded with a super days walking. Scented heather in full bloom, unspoilt landscapes, cafe stop with distant views…

2014 08 21 da dee da

                                                                                           An early morning breakfast of muffins and coffee from Greggs, then onto platform 7 for the slow train to Chester. Many of the numerous stations passed recalled walks past and maybe future walks. At Chester…

2014 08 09 Compo's Round

9 August 2014 Compo's Round A circular walk around Holmfirth My thanks to South Pennine for allowing me the privilege of Guest Walk Leader.We were blessed with good weather, a great bunch of walkers and avoided "Hurricane Bertha". 22 set out and 19 returned (no we did not lose anyone) they left by…

2014 08 07 Judy's Revenge

Photos from Steve:

2014 08 02 Witch Way Now

Photos from Hazel: Photos from Julie:

2014 07 24 The Flash Connection

Todays objective was to walk from Pennington Flash near Leigh to Wigan Flashes and return via Haydock Park racecourse. As we are in middle of the holiday season, numbers were down on normal but we welcomed Phil from Bolton and Paul from Swinton, who was trying us out for the first time. Initially…

2014 07 19 Into Lowland Bowland

As I sit here sweltering in my office it seems a long time ago since we walked from Barley to Slaidburn in the pouring rain. Led by the amiable John Phillips a group of nine set off on the 22mile walk.  Spirits were not dampened by the poor weather but we were all a tad too warm in our…

2014 07 10 Scout Dike

It was good to see both familiar and new faces on our Scout Dike Scoot and as a result of claimed enjoyment of this days walk the South Pennine group has increased its membership.The day was hot and sunny with no need for the waterproofs some of us well trained walkers carried. Along the…

2014 06 26 A Touch of Le Tour

26th June 2014   A Taste of Le Tour We were a bit thin on the ground for a pelleton! (  Brenda, Ian, Dave, me and Brenda's dog! That's five!). But it was a lovely day for a moorland walk and that is what we got. Left Littleborough on some obscure field paths that were new to all the party. Up Hoar…

2014 06 21 Halifax and Beyond

                                                                                       Midsummers Day Walk.   11 walkers.   We were treated to fine weather all day. Hot and sunny with a hint of a cooling breeze. New LDWA member Sue Field joined us and was made to feel very welcome.. We started out…

2014 06 12 Burrs Country Park

                                                                               The walk came round faster than imagined after the 100.  Would my blisters have healed and could I get out and do the recce?  Shouldn't have been concerned; it went well on the day.  Ideal weather and quite a contrast to…

2014 05 31 Minninglow Meander

                                                                                           A week since our brave soldiers returned from the Valleys 100 with Trenchfoot. Should we give them a tough walk today? I'm too soft so just a gentle stroll around the Peak District for tender toes. The pretty…

2014 05 29 Emley

                                                                  Driving over the Holmfirth road in the fog and rain this morning I was certain that nobody would be turning up for my walk from Cawthorne. I was wrong. John, Peter ,Lynn and Neil plus Sue and Terry,  two local walkers who are not…

2014 05 17 Clapham

  Photos: From Julie: From Joyce and Walter:

2014 05 15 Dovestones

                                                                    South Pennine's annual joint walk with South Manchester and it's our turn to lead the walk.  John had a route planned and then due to personal circumstances couldn't lead the walk.  That's where I came in.  John gave me the route…

2014 05 03 Dunsop Bridge

                                                                                                                                                                  Lovely morning but competition from nearby groups so we had to make do without our good friends East of the Pennines who were attracted…

2014 05 01 Edges

                                                                                                       Having led recent walks past Edgeley Sewerage Works, Salford Docks, Trafford Park and Ardwick, a change in direction was needed. A honey pot walk with views of dark peak mountains, gritstone…

2014 04 26 Haworth

                                              15 individuals (including 4 from Huddersfield Ramblers) set off on a wet morning from Penistone Country Park, Haworth at a brisk pace (so I was told by J Phillips who was hanging on at the back), down Haworth's main street and on towards Oxenhope. We…

2014 04 17 Totley

                                                                             5 takers turned up for my walk from Totley Hall today. We did what was promised, some woods, some edges,some moors, 1 trig point. We saw  2 monuments, 3 “ships” and a strange christmas tree. I asked for…

2014 04 12 Wayward Wander

                                                                         With 2 big events taking place on Saturday I wasn't expecting a great number of people to arrive for the walk and so was pleasantly surprised that there was 10 of us including 2 guests who, although they found it hard,…

2014 04 05 Oldham Way

                                                                       Our normal walks are of around 20 miles duration but we do like to call ourselves Long Distance Walkers, so it was felt by some that we should try something a little longer. To make life easier, it was suggested that we travel…

2014 03 22 Jacob's Revenge

                                                               Thanks to everyone who turned up and supported our walk on Saturday. We managed to have at all 4 seasons of weather in one day - ranging from glorious sunshine in the morning to sleet/snow as we ascended Jacobs Ladder at the end of the…

2014 03 20 Hello Hatters

                                             Many a discussion has been had as to why most walks are done in a clockwise direction, but this walk solved that problem by being linear. From Stockport train station we made our way along the River Mersey to Cheadle, where we joined the Ladybrook…

2014 03 08 Stoodley Pike

                                                                    Stoodley Pike is a prominent landmark overlooking Calderdale but seen for many miles from any direction. Originally built to celebrate the fall of Napoleon in 1815, it collapsed and was rebuilt in 1856 following the end of the…

2014 03 06 Edale Ordeal

                          This was one of Norman's brisk walks and six of us gathered at Bowden Bridge car park, just outside of Hayfield.  The weather forecast was good but as we climbed on to Kinder we found ourselves in mist and later on rain.  Dropping down to Edale via Ringing Roger we came…

2014 02 20 Hardcastle Crags

                                                      Not quite as many on walk as there should have been. Steve held up in traffic jam and Lynn & Neil in the wrong car park. Unable to connect by phone so off we went without them. The word is getting out that our walks are worth coming for with…

2014 02 15 Watergrove

                                                                     From Glen: Watergrove.  Despite atrocious conditions this walk still attracted 9 members all keen and raring to go, well sort of. The rain was falling steady and it was obviously set in for the day. The route took us over Brown…

2014 02 06 Hail Haworth

                                                                                                                                                 Walking up the main street in Haworth   Recent wet weather has left the ground saturated and heavy overnight rain had not helped.   We sailed out of…

2014 01 25 Broadbottom

                                                                       14 of us set off on Norman's "brisk" walk and it was fairly brisk in sections.  The mud which has blighted our walks for the last few weeks certainly slowed us down.  The only opportunity I really got to take pictures was at…

2014 01 11 Hauge Bar

                                                                                      There were 20 of us on the walk, and despite the forecast being for a sunny/crisp day, we set off in cagoules and over-trousers from the car park!  We continued to walk into the rain, hail and snow - but after…

2014 01 09 Clayton Le Dale

Clayton-Le-Dale The weather forecast for our walk was not good.  However our regular stalwarts plus a very welcomed friend Jackie from the West Lancs Group set of with gusto at 8:30am from Barker Brow car park.  We followed the course of a Roman Road, passed two farms which resembled scrap yards…

2014 01 04 Seasonal Celebration

 South Pennine Seasonal celebrations 2014. So for the third year on the trot we were having our annual celebrations at the Cross Keys. I managed to devise another 'different' walk in the area that ultimately finishes at the pub where there is a fine array of Ales, good food and warm fires. In total…

2013 12 21 No, No, Not Friezland Again

Well, I think we'll be on a “no,no,no,no not Friezland again in 2014  ……”  4 nos for 4th year and 2014!!!!! Many thanks for coming, after last couple of soggy ones, thought it would have put most off.  Also of course, many thanks to Nathan, my brother in law ( in photo…

2013 12 19 Pennine Waterways 3

  The South Pennine Ring is a 75 mile ring of canals around the South Pennines. Starting in Manchester the route follows the Rochdale Canal to Sowerby Bridge, then the Calder Aire Navigation and Huddersfield Broad Canal to Huddersfield. From Huddersfield the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is followed to…

2013 12 05 Haigh There

Our Haigh There walk was something of a cracker (details later).  From the Reebok Centre we set off few in number but good walkers all the same.  The weather was as forecast, Amber Warning of strong winds.  Our progression at times was halted  as we battled the elements; we took shelter in a stable…

2013 11 30 ShawStart

Check website 2 days before walk. Oh dear, no competition within 50 miles this weekend, except Norovirus of course. And I haven't done a recce! Gulp! Never mind, they won't find the car park, will they?   Get there early. Car park already half full. Still over half an hour before start. Second car…

2013 11 30 Plane Crazy

  Our walk got off to a bad start because our leader ----me--- arrived late, only a couple of minutes late honestly.  Anyway, we set off 9 in number including friends Jackie, Duncan, Steve and his lady Bess (a spaniel).  Our route was Poynton Coppice, Woodford Aerodrome, Bollin Valley Way, Quarry…

2013 10 31 Barley Bash

Halloween so where else but off to Pendle Hill. Not for us the route to the top in fancy dress but a serious 20 mile walk doing a complete circuit of Pendle Hill without going near the summit. Route is courtesy of a 2005 Midweek Kanter by West Lancs LDWA and an excellent route it turned out to be.…

2013 10 24 Frodsham Flyer

Time flies by, and so I found myself in a dilemma last weekend, Do I go and recce the Frodsham Flyer or go to Spain on a mates stag do. Those of you that know how committed to the cause I am will not be surprised that last Friday at five thirty in the morning I found myself drinking Guinness at…

2013 10 13 Round and About Todmorden

   Most folk were already gathered inthe car park by the time we arrived. So quickly on with our boots and Sue and I join the throng. Shortly after 08:30 we set off and counting the numbers on the walk I dropped back to mid-position in the walk – 16 walkers to begin with (more about this…

2013 10 10 Walk on Water

  Getting to the start of the walk was a challenge.  Crossing the border on the M62 was easy but the post code converted from the walk start grid reference on Streetmap that I'd offered to the satnav deposited me 2 miles away in Slaithwaite.  Back to basics and use the OS map to navigate to the…

2013 09 26 Greater Marsden

Andrew, today's leader, devised the walk utilising his knowledge gleaned as a volunteer on the National Trust Marsden Moor Estate. Promise of some new paths or none at all in places. He did not expect the car park to be taken over by a travelling funfair however. Fortunately there is enough space…

2013 09 21 Luddenden Dean

Luddenden Dean - where is it? Nobody knows. Calderdale best guess. Turn left at Mytholmroyd, left at Midgley and keep climbing until road descends and you will be at Jerusalem Farm. There early - much too early. Block road for 15 minutes until Warden of campsite comes to tell us he is not scheduled…

2014 07 19 Into Lowland Bowland

As I sit here sweltering in my office it seems a long time ago since we walked from Barley to Slaidburn in the pouring rain. Led by the amiable John Phillips a group of nine set off on the 22mile walk.  Spirits were not dampened by the poor weather but we were all a tad too warm in our…