Hurstwood -Tues. 25 Feb. 14


Hurstwood - Tues. 25 Feb. 14

It was a chilly, blustery, but bright start to the day as we left the car park in Hurstwood and headed, along The Burnley Way, up past Hurstwood Reservoir, to join the ancient Gorple Road. We followed this well made track as far as Gorple Stones, where we took to the rough moorland and tramped, against a stiff headwind, through heather and peat bogs to Hoof Stones Height. Here we grouped up at the trig point and had an enjoyable few minutes taking in the alround views. Leaving the summit, more rough walking took us down to The Long Causeway, near Stiperden Bar. A short distance from there we re-joined the Burnley Way, which we had earlier left at Gorple Stones. This took us down the very pleasant Pudsey Clough to our lunch stop on Whitaker Naze.

Click on pictures to view.


Down in Cornholme Vale and out of the wind, it felt almost tropical as compared with earlier on the exposed moorland. So much so some of our members had to roll their sleeves up for the unrelenting climb up to Heald Moor. Leaving the Burnley Way and keeping to Access Land, the angle eased as we cut across moorland to Deerplay Moor, where we re-joined the Burnley Way again and headed down towards Walk Mill, only to be caught in an unwelcome heavy rain shower. Fortunately it didn't last long, and for most of the way back to our cars we were in sunshine again.

With sections of  rough moorland and a considerable amount of ascent and descent, this wasn't a particularly easy 15 mile walk. Nevertheless the route was varied with plenty of interest and fine views and what's more, well led by Glenn.

Thanks Glenn from all 11 who joined you on the walk (even though we did totally ignore your gloating about the recent performances of Burnley FC!)

Stan.