Monday 11th October 2021
Monthly Long Walk: An Unusual Way to Buckhurst
Nineteen walkers, nearly a record for a long walk, set out from Greenmount Old School and headed down Brandlesholme Road as far as the first footpath on the right where we made our way across the field and over Longsight Road heading down into Wood Road. After crossing the bridge, over the river Irwell, we climbed the steps up to the railway line and across to the footpath where we turned right and followed the path down to Springside Road. Once on the road we turned left and headed into Walmersley taking the Old Road for a short distance before turning right on a path leading to Carr Bank Lodge.
Carr Bank Lodge
From here the path climbs steeply over the M66 and up to Walmersley Golf Course which we crossed and turned right up Scotland Road taking the first stile on our left down to Deep Moss Farm. The footpath goes around the farm and drops down into Cheesden Valley where we stopped for a coffee break at the ruins of Washwheel Mill. This was one of fifteen mills in Cheesden Valley and Birtle Dean that made use of the brook to provide waterpower and is the only one with a chimney still standing.
Washwheel Mill
After coffee we continued through the valley passing Deeply Vale, the site of another ruined mill and where in 1977 there was a pop festival thought to be the origins of Punk Rock. After looking at the remaining features of the mill we continued along the path to Buckhurst passing the café which has been opened during the period of lockdown to take advantage of the increased interest in walking. Our next stop was at the top of the valley where we spent time admiring the ruins of Four Acre cotton mill.
Four Acre Mill
Taking the footpath behind the mill we turned left and headed over Harden Moor to the trig point (297m) where we stopped to admire the 360-degree views around the West Pennine Moors.
Harden Moor Trig Point
By this time, we were feeling hungry, so we dropped down onto to Bury Old Road and made our way to Grant’s Tower to enjoy a well deservered lunch, once again enjoying the glorious views over the Ramsbottom and the Rossendale Valley.
Grant’s Tower
After lunch we headed back to Greenmount through Summerseat having covered 13 satisfying miles.