Thursday November 2nd

 Wildboarclough and Three Shires Head

We arrived at the Clough House car park and had the place to ourselves! The weather forecast was not good, with Storm Ciarán ravaging areas in the south. We were anticipating rain and wind. In fact, for over half the walk, it was almost dry and settled, if rather misty. The weather for the past few days (and the mist) gave opportunities for pictures of atmospheric waterfalls (note to self: the word "atmospheric" is a tad overworked).

Waterfall feeding Cumberland Brook

We climbed up past Cumberland Cottage and up Danethorn Hollow to the footpath signpost on the footpath from The Cat and Fiddle- mourning the fact that it is no longer a stopping off point for coffee, cakes and crisps. The path to the A54 and the works around the Reeve-Edge Mines and Quarries was pretty good- lulling us into a false sense of security.

Chimney at the Reeve-Edge works

We carried on to Three Shires Head, with a path both with flags and heavy duty mud, and past the visible remains of the quarry railway. At Three Shires Head and the one-arched bridge and waterfalls we saw our first walkers, although they looked a bit miserable in waterproof ponchos and wellingtons, we thought.

Jacinta at Three Shires Head

The rain was starting in earnest by now and the wind was picking up, but we made our way around Cut-Thorn Hill and across boggy fields to the outer reaches of Leech Wood and the road junction at Crag Hall. The last kilometer back to the car park is along a very quiet road which usually has a view of Shutlingsloe but not today, as the mist had remained thick. We ate lunch in the car which was unusual, although we had already had a sneaky but sustaining snack of homemade shortbread earlier, courtesy of Olivia.

About 5.4 miles with 333m ascent.


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