Sunday, 17th January 2010

 

Walk: Rochdale Canal, Pennine Way, Blackstone Edge, Windy Hill, Hollingworth Lake
Start Point: Hollingworth Lake Grid Ref: SD 940 153
Distance: 14 miles Ascent: 2,250 feet
Weather: A cloudy but dry day with a cold breeze
Accompanied by:

9 members of the group, led by Ray
Comments: The roads were finally clear of snow as we travelled East but, as we were to find out, the footpaths were a different matter. As we walked along the VERY icy towpath beside the Rochdale Canal (for nearly 4 miles!) I was really pleased that I had taken delivery of 'Get a Grip' traction aids the day before. These were invaluable in the icy conditions - I think the rest of the group will be looking for some too! Leaving the canal we headed up to the Pennine Way where we encountered more ice and lots of snow - sometimes a foot or so deep. After crossing the A58 Halifax Road conditions underfoot were still difficult as we climbed to Blackstone Edge and Robin Hood's Bed, where we stopped for lunch. Before long the sound of traffic heralded the crossing of the M62 and the 'parting of ways' with the Pennine Way. Continuing along the Rochdale Way we eventually crossed back under the M62 and made our way back to the cars - a strenuous but enjoyable walk.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Not much snow here . . .

 

but beside the Rochdale Canal . . .

 

the towpath is very icy

 

The surface is completely iced over . . .

 

but the water is still flowing

 

The highest point on the . . .

 

Rochdale Canal

 

Time for a tea break . . .

 

before heading up to Warland Reservoir

 

Glad we don't need to cross the footbridge

 

The rock formations at Light Hazzles Edge . . .

 

stand out in marked contrast . . .

 

to the surrounding snow drifts

 

Bridge to nowhere . . .

 

but I'll try it out anyway

 

Castle Drain leads from . . .

 

Blackstone Edge Reservoir

 

Phil tries to make a detour at The White House

 

Is this a precursor . . .

 

of our waymarkers?

 

Blackstone Edge . . .

 

where we stop . . .

 

to eat lunch

 

Heading for the M62 . . .

 

where a BIG footbridge . . .

 

takes us safely to the opposite side . . .

 

where we find more snow drifts

 

Yes, that's Hollingworth Lake - where the walk started

 

The sun highlights the patterns in the snow . . .

 

and enhances the snowdrifts . . .

 

along our way

 

Nearly back - this time heading under the M62

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