Walk Leader: Ian Wardle

Number on walk: 14

Distance: 11 miles

Weather: Cloud and mist but no rain

We set off from Towneley Hall following Deer Park road to Pike Hill and on past Rowley Lake. We then joined Rowley Lane which follows the river Brun to Netherwood Bridge where we joined the Bronte way heading east to Houghton's farm. Up until now it had been very good underfoot as we had been on firm footpaths, but we were now crossing fields which were obviously very wet.   We past through the farm coming out onto another tarmac road (much better) leading to Extwhistle Hall. We stopped here for a while to have a bit of a look round but it is well fenced off so no access possible. This hall is a 16th Century Grade 11 listed building which was the home of the Parker family for 200 yrs until it caught fire in the 18th century. We then dropped down to Lee Green Reservoir where we stopped for a short break. We continued to follow the Bronte Way to just past Sweet Well House where we followed a track heading up to Delf Hill. Up here the mist had thickened so unfortunately there were no views from the trig point. After a group photo we dropped down to join the Pennine Bridleway which we followed down to a sheltered spot for lunch at the side of Swinden Water. 

After lunch we continued on the Pennine Bridleway past Hurstwood Reservoir which we skirted on our way through Hurswood and back to Towneley Hall.  

To see more of Extwhistle Hall click 'here'