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 Pennine Walk and Ride Festival, a slightly later start was offered to allow for bus passengers to join us - none did.
 
At 9.10am we set off from Brun Clough Res car park near Standedge on both the Pennine Way and then the Pennine Bridleway before leaving both within half a mile and headed towards the lovely ridge walk on Harrop Edge. A tricky descent into Delph by back lanes with the chance to stock up with goodies if needed before a long steep ascent to our first trig point at Bishops Park, the highest point within Oldham's town boundary at just over 1200 feet.
 
Across Grains Bar crossroads we headed along an overgrown path to meet an extremely wet path to reach Tame Scout and then a short hop to the trig at Crow Knoll above Shaw. The bench provided for taking in the view only provided seating for 2, the remainder having to make their own seating plan.  A rough descent follows to the site of the old Moorcock Inn and then a descent into the Piethorne valley with some fabulous views on offer. Up and over to cross the M62 and follow the Pennine Bridleway to Lydgate. Now started the long ascent up to the Aiggin Stone, an ancient marker stone for travellers in the Middle Ages. The highway we climbed has as various times been considered either Roman or Medieval - all I know is that it's hard work to get up it. As chance would have it we met up with Calderdale LDWA group who were walking another Anytime challenge, the Aiggin Stone Amble. A break for a natter and a catch up before making for the summit of Blackstone Edge, the highest point of todays walk at around 1600ft.
 
Blessed with superb weather we were treated to some glorious views in all directions as we headed back along the Pennine Way over first White Hill and later Millstone Edge.
Eleven happy walkers arrived back at their cars just after 4.30pm with 19.5 miles on the clock and around 3100ft of ascent. Newcomer Richard took to the walk like a natural and we hope to see him again soon.
 
John