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 one : Great Bride Stones with 1075 feet of ascent banked in the first two & a half miles . Suitably warmed up bridleways were taken & views opened up of the onward route across the valley as the group descended to Rodmer Clough & a fine meandering path passing a beck close to overflowing but thankfully not over the footbridge .

Continuing upwards to the little visited trig on remote Standing Stone Hill as the wind really whipped up on all sides . Some yomping to briefly join the Pennine Way , more rough uplands with views across Widdop to take shelter from the wind next to a plantation & the first break . Just as well Andrew left his tent at home or he may have set up camp ! Onwards we marched to enter the edge of scenic Hardcastle Crags , a very steep descent & the inevitable ascent to pass thru Walshaw to regain the open tops before a steep descent to spectacular Lumb Falls in full spate . Of course we resumed upwardly to the Old Haworth Road & continued the long climb to complete a hat trick of trigs at High Brown Knoll .

For the next three miles we mostly descended across moorland with spectacular long distance views before entering woodland & the second stop on benches near Jerusalem Farm . Fortified we continued on a super route through the delightful Luddenden Valley & for almost a mile managed to walk on the flat : could this be right , no crossing of contours ?! Passing the impressive church in Luddenden to follow an unmarked path passing air rail shelters opposite new housing where once was sited a munitions factory . But enough of this , time to find another steep hill to climb , so out of Luddenfoot & upwards to pass the cricket club , dodging a brief heavy shower & across fields with fine all round views .

Finally on a track to briefly join the canal into Sowerby Bridge for excellent real ale at the Hogshead Brewery Tap & finishing off inevitably with curry & more beer at Spoons . Another excellent brisk paced walk with like minded souls , no hanging around & very good swift progress made throughout despite the demanding & very undulating nature of the chosen route . Thanks to Norman , Ron , Steve & Andrew - 21 miles 3615 feet ascent .

Ian