Sunday, 20th March 2011
| Walk: | Haslingden Grane, Hog Lowe Pike, Causeway End, Musden Head, Tor End, Cob Castle Road, Thirteen Stone Hill, Rossendale Way | ||
| Start Point: | Clough Head Quarry car park | Grid Ref: | SD 750 231 |
| Distance: | 10.5 miles | Ascent: | 2,000 feet |
| Weather: | Dull and wet in the morning, clearing in the afternoon | ||
| Accompanied by: |
8 members of the group |
||
| Comments: | With a damp and drizzly start we didn't spend long exploring the many ruins found at Haslingden Grane, possibly the remains of the outlying farms which would have been close to the village of Grane, lost when the Ogden Reservoir was built. The weather didn't improve as we climbed to the trig point on Hog Lowe Pike, and had to imagine the views. Descending past Causeway End we eventually dropped out of the mist - but the main view by this time was of Helmshore and Haslingden. Leaving the terraced houses behind we made our way up the Cob Castle Road and onto the Rossendale Way. Passing Copy Farm, with two large lions guarding the entrance, we made our way across pathless terrain to the summit of Thirteen Stone Hill. It is alleged that there used to be a stone circle here, consisting of thirteen boulders, but that the local farmers ploughed them up. We found a rough circle of stones - fifteen according to Ian. It was then back down to the Rossendale Way and a short walk back to the cars. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
One of the many ruins at Haslingden Grane
Crossing one of the streams leading to . . .
Calf Hey Reservoir . . .
before heading up . . .
through the trees . . .
to a misty Hog Lowe Pike
Heading round Musden Head the group spots . . .
a view at last!
Dropping into Helmshore we have a good view of Tor Hill
Across the bridge into Holden Wood . . .
but new property blocks the path we wanted to take
A friendly horse . . .
poses for the camera . . .
before taking a closer look
Now it's time to leave you behind . . .
after a 'goodbye kiss'!!!
These lambs are becoming quite independent
Time for lunch (and a nap!)
An impressive entrance . . .
at Copy Farm
Unusual sheep are spotted behind a wall
Now where did that water come from?
A couple of rocks - must be the summit of Thirteen Stone Hill . . .
and nearby we find a few stones . . .
in a rough circle - checked out by Ian.