Wednesday December 20th

 The Longdendale Reservoirs

It was wet and windy (again!) but we decided to go out and do something regardless. Crowden beckoned and, rather than any ambitious route, we headed for a more sheltered walk around the reservoirs. We walked along the north sides of the Torside, Rhodeswood and Valehouse reservoirs and up to Tintwistle where (surprisingly) the Bull's Head was open. We popped in, only to find that it was set up for a wake, but the landlord kindly served us a drink and we were able to dry out a little. We were a little disappointed that none of the resident animals (Walter the dog and the beautiful Siamese) were in evidence.

We then went on to Tintwistle village and paid a visit to Pixie Bakes as it was open and happened to meet there Mary Fitton, a former colleague of Jacinta's from many years ago.

Onwards into the rain and wind after this; we passed the Bottoms Compensation Reservoir "Gauging Basin" with an impressive overflow waterspout.

The gauging basin with its waterspout

The outflow from the Valehouse Reservoir was running along its entire length. Previously, if there had been any flow from the reservoir to its spillway, it would be a trickle and there had been lots of vegetation along its drier parts. This had been washed away entirely!

The Valehouse outflow

We continued along the south side of the reservoirs, reversing our usual walks and tried to work out the paths of the now defunct railways- probably one for the construction of the reservoirs, and the passenger/goods lines that ran through the Woodhead tunnels. We paused to admire a passageway that ran below the (probable!) passenger/goods lines.

Passageway under old railway lines

On the way back down to Crowden we passed a flock of sheep that seemed to think that Jacinta might have some food for them, but they turned their noses up at the scottish oatcakes that she offered them.

Jacinta with choosy sheep

Considering the wet and blustery weather, it was a really enjoyable walk with two great stops for refreshment.

10 miles with 390m ascent and two refreshment stops.


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