Five of us had a late start off due to traffic congestion.  We had light rain on/off all day, so it was cut short to 15 miles.

We set off on Bury's cycle Kirklees Trail to reach a farmstead just before Elton Reservoir which had cocks and chickens of all kinds as well as geese.  Talk about Heinz 56 varieties !!   We then headed off towards Ainsworth and we had our morning stop at another reservoir [one of three] between Warehouses and Meadow Croft.    On reaching Old Holts the owner had a horse's head cleverly carved out of wood placed on his imitation grass lawn which looked very impressive. We then bagged a trig point to then pass through Hill End Farm to cross Tottington Road  and pass through Hoyle's Fold, after which Jean fell flat on her face after tripping over a bramble.  It was then along the road to the Pack Horse at Affetside. Turning right after the pub the first half of this path had been strimmed and cleared of all debris and weeds but the second half was still overgrown.  We descended into the wood at the bottom near Two Brooks Farm and then up towards Hawkshaw where we had lunch in a children's playground.  Passing over some MOD land the walk was cut short after this at Redisher Woods Nature Reserve because of rain/mud so we kept level and reached Holcombe Brook passing a scarecrow made by some children.  We then crossed the big village green to descend Woodhey and reach the outskirts of Summerseat.  We then went to Higher Summerseat and down into a nice hamlet called Wood Road.   Up the steps, crossing the East Lancs Railway line we followed the Irwell Sculpture Trail back to Burrs Country Park  passing an impressive weir and a stone circle.

Jean Bobker.

 

Thanks Jean - it was a great walk.