Ramsbottom, Tuesday April 26th
Just a few word about the walk -
It was a cold but bright morning when the seven of us started the walk from Ramsbottom Railway Station and headed through Nuttall Park and up Jacobs Ladder to cross the motorway and continue to the now derelict, Grants Tower. From here we headed over Harden Moor passing Cheesden Lumb Mill where 'lampwick' was produced for many years. Onwards past Owd Betts public house and up Knowl Hill. Here we had wonderful views of the moorland and over to Rochdale, Bury, Manchester and beyond. However, the brightness of the day was short lived and the blanket of cloud soon delivered its cargo of snow!
Luckily the showers were short lived and we crossed Ashworth Moor and all its wind turbines to Fo Edge and Waugh's Well before descending Cowpe Moss to Irwell Vale where we had lunch in the Station.
The second half of the walk took us through Helmshore and up Holcombe Moor, passing Robin Hood's Well, the Memorial Stone to Ellen Strange, who was murdered here, and Pilgrims Cross. Now the snow really did hit us and visibility was totally lost for a short time! But nothing was going to stop us and we pushed ahead to Peel Tower - and once again to brilliant sunshine.
The last descent now, down to Reddisher Wood and Holcombe Brook, following Reddisher Brook back to the River Irwell at Nuttall Park.
A great day out despite the weather and congratulations to Serina for completing her first 20 miler and thanks to Sheila, albeit from Yorkshire! (Keighley), who joined us for the first time. Great company.
Arthur Roberts.
To see who came on the walk please the photo below
To see all the photos please click Here then slide show
