Present: Virginia Castick, John Castick, Ann Waters, Christine Beeston, Robert Clark, Brian Tarnowski, Dave Shotton, Trish Cranston, Jessica Pealing, Jemma, Ged, Al Metelko

It was a cloudy day and threatening to rain but luckily that held off until well after the meet. I was quite surprised there were so many takers.

The planned route was to cross over a ford near the start and follow Far Black Clough to Bleaklow Stones but the stream was higher than normal. Although Dave did rather nimbly get cross, I decided it was safer not to cross at this point and to use the path that paralleled Near Black Clough. Nearing the top of the clough we crossed a small bridge and after a short stop, cut across country to Bleaklow Hill and on to the dramatic stones where lunch and bouldering occurred.

After lunch we headed to Bleaklow Head and then followed the Pennine Way to Torside Clough where I thought there would be a path running parallel to the stream but after a bit of general toing and froing, a group decision was made to continue down the Pennine Way and the Longendale Trail.

There was no need to stay together on this last section as it is a long trek on the disused railway, and we walked at our own comfortable pace. It got quite dark as I reached Woodhead station, 100m from the car park, but a red light before the tunnel entrance and the smell of steam train was very spooky! However, to the right there was a house, lights on, which must have been burning smoky coal…

Expecting most of the group to have headed home, I was surprised to see most people at the cars so we all waited for the final few to finish the walk a few minutes later.

All the changes that were made to the route added another 4 miles to what should have been 8 miles. And one highlight of the day was watching Jemma and Ged running and jumping off the groughs into the bogs so they can add an extra mile to their walk!

Thanks to all who attended.

Bleaklow

Circular walk to Bleaklow Head of around 10 miles. Depending on weather and group composition other options are possible. As we approach mid-winter the days are short so, please bring a head torch. Also the ground can be rough and muddy in places so would recommend bringing walking poles.

Parking is at the end of the Longendale Trail railway section (google maps), so if coming from Manchester on the A638, Woodhead Road, turn right at SK 118 996 and drive down, 250m, to a parking area (watch out for potholes!).

Meet time is at 9:30am.