Monday 2nd December 2024
Special Christmas Countryside Walk Through Greenmount and Hawkshaw.
With the option of lunch at the Miller Carter Steak House.
After the registration of thirty-four walkers, we began the walk by heading across Holcombe Road and making our way over the golf course to Whipney Lane. Once through the kissing gate we joined a muddy path that took us to Bolton Road, Hawkshaw and after crossing the road we turned right and walked up Spenleach Lane. At the top of the lane, we turned right and walked past the MOD assault course, which was used in the television series, Krypton Factor, hosted by Gordon Burns. From here we joined a steep footpath which led down to a footbridge over Red Brook and then climbed up to the ruins of Higher Ridge Farm.
Hawkshaw
Climbing to Higher Ridge Farm
Once on the ridge we turned left and headed for the footpath sign pointing to the left where we crossed back over Red Brook, at the site of the ruins of Cinder Hill cottages. Climbing out of the valley we soon arrived at Holcombe Hey Farm, where we joined the track leading to Roger Worthington’s grave and our morning coffee stop. Roger Worthington was a Baptist preacher who ministered in this area for many years. The 1790 broken tombstone was replaced in 1935.
Heading over the Ridge
Holcombe Hey Farm
Roger Worthington’s grave
After coffee we retraced our steps to Hawshaw Lane and walked down the lane as far as Boardman’s Farm, where we turned left and joined a narrow path that took us eventually down to Higher House Farm. It was just a short walk across a very wet field to the MOD Range House. Once passed the house we headed to Simon’s Farm and down into Redisher Wood.
Continuing into the wood we walked along the side of Simon’s Lodge, which was very full due to the recent heavy rain.
Footpath at Boardman’s
Redisher Wood
Simon’s Lodge
Redisher wood
Shortly after the overflow we turned right onto another muddy path that eventually led to the newly constructed, definitive footpath, at the side of Hollingrove Farm. Once on Redisher Lane it was just a short familiar walk back to Greenmount, and our Christmas lunch having covered seven festive miles.
Christmas lunch