Our Annual Long Walk - 2nd August 2014 - Compo's Way


Compo's Way 

13 walkers (9 members and 4 visitors) started the walk from Hunters Bar roundabout Sheffield, at 7.45am on Saturday 2nd August.

(As the walk is a linear route of 34.5 miles some logistics were required – we all met up in Holmfirth at 6.45am to catch a 7am coach to Sheffield)

The route leaves Hunters Bar through Endcliffe Park gradually climbing through Whitley Woods and Porters Clough to reach Fulwood Lane. We set off at a brisk pace as Roy our leader had stated to the group at the Victoria Monument that we needed to maintain an average 3mph pace to  finish within a reasonable time. The weather on Saturday began overcast with a slight drizzle, a very warm climb to the lane ensued as it was still warm being August and very close.

The next part of the route took us past the Redmires reservoir and ascended Stanage Pole. At 438mtrs this marks the edge of the Sheffield city boundary limit. As the weather was now taking a turn for the worse we donned waterproofs and walked under the imposing edge of Stanage, we walked through the bracken and passed a number of old millstones towards Moscar Lodge, Sugworth Hall and past Boots Folly.

From Boots Folly we made our way around the Strines reservoir to our first meeting with our chairman Bill Palmer and his first class Strines cafe. It is here he imparted the news that the weather was to worsen and one of our visitors had to call it a day (stating he never knew we were an elite group!!)

Most of us removed our waterproofs leaving Bill, as the weather had improved and no-one relished the climb to Back Tor and Lost Lad (535mtrs) in them. It’s a long grind of a climb onto the high moors which then descends to the Howden dam and reservoirs of the Dambusters fame. The route took us along the edge of the reservoir all the way to the bridge at Slippery Stones. We had a short break here as another pull over Cut Gate was about to start on our way to Flouch. The initial climb took its toll on a couple in the group and by the time we hit the summit the lad taking our photographs wheels had fallen off and a bit of R&R was required.

Emergency electrolyte drinks taken on board, we descended to meet Bill at his Old Flouch Road tea room (an hour behind schedule) but the poor weather had not materialised and a warm sunny afternoon ensued. Everyone back to normal we all carried on.

Once over the River Don we headed into Last of the Summer Wine country proper then reached the West Yorkshire boundary. Walking through the villages of Riddlepit (we passed the pub!) and Hepworth (lovely stone houses) eventually reaching Jackson Bridge. Here Roy pointed out the cottages used in the filming of the show and the White Horse Inn also used for filming.

The final push saw us descend a cliff side set of moss covered slippery steps to pass a number of old converted mills. Just before the final drop into Holmfirth four of the party departed and headed straight for their cars while the rest of us dropped into Holmfirth. We passed the town's old jail and had the obligatory end picture taken at Sid’s Cafe. (As the cafe was closed a well deserved drink in the Nook public house had to suffice).

A tough little walk in some great countryside.

Many thanks to Roy Turner for leading.

Many Many thanks to Bill and Carol Palmer for the support CP’s along the way.