Watergrove walk March 22^nd 2014

Although the forecast for the day was not very good, the weather at the start of the walk was very promising with sun shining and a nip in the air. 12 people, 8 from the group, 2 from Glossop and 2 from Huddersfield turned up for the walk which included sections of several ways. These were: Weighvers Way, Rochdale Way, Rossendale Way, Calderdale Way and the Pennine Bridleway.

We set off  around Watergrove reservoir and then ascended up to a narrow path under Middle Hill before joining the Rossendale Way which took us over Hades Hill. Continuing our ascent we arrived at the summit of Freeholds Top,the highest point of the day at 454m. Here  we took an early coffee break in the shelter of the wall before descending to join the canal at Walsden which we followed for about ¾ mile and then joined the minor road at Knowl Wood. Here the weather took a decided turn for the worst with rain becoming snow so the waterproofs were quickly donned and stayed on for the rest of the day.

After a soggy lunch stop we continued on the Pennine Bridleway for much of the afternoon passing Chelburn Rocks and descending to pass the Animal sanctuary where one had to feel sorry for the horses and donkeys out in the exceptionally muddy paddocks. The afternoon stop was in a sheltered hollow on Stormer Hill and then we passed through the small hamlet of Whittaker before making our way back to the cars where 12 very wet people arrived at 4.26pm after completing the 18 miles walk.