David and Jacinta's Walks- 2023

 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 w...

 The Longdendale Reservoirs As ever, our choice of walk was heavily influenced by the (somewhat inclement) weather. A walk around the Longdendale Reservoirs from Crowden seemed like a good bet, especially as the prospect of a coffee at The Pixie Bakes coffee shop was inviting. We parked up at the Crowden car park  and set out along the original road towards the east. The farmyard was packed with sheep, clearly with a game of "King of the Castle" in progress. Sheep playing "King of the Castle" After crossing the road, there is a short section through the woods before crossing the Torside dam. Through the woods to the Torside Dam Above the dam, there's a turnstile next to the Pennine Way descent to the road across the dam. The OS map shows a couple of footpaths converging on it, but there's little if any indication of it being used. Turnstyle above the Torside Dam On arrival at Tintwistle we saw posters for Casper, a lost polecat ferret. With luck, he will ha...

Crowden, Tintwistle and The Chew Reservoir Another favourite walk, David on his own this time. From Crowden, I followed the Pennine Way southwest and crossed the Torside Reservoir dam. At the dam end of the Rhodeswood Reservoir, I stopped to look at the outflow- it always fascinates me. It's like a hole in the water. Further on, passing the farm at Deepclough, a ram and his ladies. He appeared to be pre-seasoned with turmeric. Ram and his harem On crossing the A57, I went up Ebenezer Brow to enter Tintwistle. I think it's a great name, and there's the Ebenezer Chapel at its top. Such a great name Through Tintwistle there's the ascent towards the Chew reservoir along the edge of Boar Flat and above Ogden Clough. The heather has been spectacular this year. Heather on the edge of Boar Flat The path crosses Ormes Moor and the aptly-named Wilderness before following the path above the Chew Brook. Above Chew Brook and the Chew Road looking up to Stable Stones Brow From the Ch...

 Black Hill from Crowden (David) I set out from Crowden on a relatively misty and slightly drizzly morning for one of my favourite walks. Bareholme Moss and Hey Moss just out of the clag There were plenty of sheep to admire on the way up to Laddow Rocks. I passed what appeared to be a Palaeolithic footprint in one of the rocks on the side of the Crowden Great Brook. Palaeolithic footprint? As I passed Laddow, the mist was beginning to lift a little and I had a good view of The Castles. Crowden Castles from Laddow At the Black Hill/Soldier's Lump I took a quick selfie before having lunch. I was there... I always like to go via the Hey Edge trig point on the way back; the path makes it relatively easy to spot from a distance. Although the trig point looks quite white from afar, it's a little forlorn when you get to it! Hey Edge trig point in its puddle On the final descent back to Crowden, I stopped to "admire" Crowden Great Quarry. Paul and I climbed there once- never ...

Crowden and the Reservoir Walk (Jacinta Solo) This time, Jacinta decided to go to Crowden and walk around the reservoirs as it is an enjoyable walk, and covers a reasonable distance. On the way out to Tintwistle there were a few people around and I enjoyed a quick stop at the café - Pixie Bakes. I then took the route that David and I did the last time we walked here, at the beginning of June. Rather neglected water fountain below Bottoms dam Canada Geese on Bottoms Reservoir I went up to the Bottoms Reservoir and thence back to Crowden. Multi-purpose fence post The Longdendale Valley plays host to a line of huge electricity pylons- very impressive! Longdendale Pylon On this occasion, I took the Pennine Way and was glad that I did, as the end of the walk was notable for the sight of a lone sheepdog rounding up many sheep and sending down to the farm in Crowden. A nice walk and it remained dry. 8 Miles.

A Stroll Around the Longdendale Reservoirs We had decided on a relatively low-level walk today, so we parked up at Crowden and ambled around the flight of reservoirs running down from Woodhead. We crossed the Torside Reservoir dam to walk along the more pleasant, wooded southern side of the reservoirs. The water level in the Rhodeswood reservoir was high enough to spill out from the rectangular outflow- another "hole in the water". We decided to have some refreshments at the  Pixie Bakes Cakery and Coffee Bar  in Tintwistle where we'd had coffee last year in very different weather. On our return, we crossed the Bottoms Reservoir dam and admired the ornate "Gauging Basin". Bottoms Reservoir Gauging Basin On reaching the Torside Reservoir dam again, we decided to take the permissive path beside the reservoir itself, rather than taking to old road back to Crowden. Just under 10 miles, negligible ascent.

  Tintwistle, The Chew Reservoir and Laddow 45th wedding anniversaries don't come round that often, so this auspicious day called for a long walk to the Chew Reservoir and back to Crowden. We parked in the only free spot in the Crowden car park- it was a popular day- and made our way as usual to Tintwistle, passing the reservoirs with various levels of water. Feed weir and spillway at Torside Reservoir We decided to have an anniversary coffee/pit stop at the Bull's Head in Tintwistle. We'd passed the pub many times but this was the first time it had been open (most times were during lockdown or refurbishment of the pub) so, in the circumstances, there was no question about going in. We were greeted by Walter, the pub dog who would probably never make it as a guard dog! Walter making yet another friend Leaving the Bull's Head Outside the pub we met the real boss, an absolutely beautiful pedigree Siamese with amazing blue eyes. The boss- don't mess with me! The walk u...