David and Jacinta's Walks- 2023

 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 ...

  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...