Hills and Valleys of the East Walk
15 walkers braved the wet and muddy conditions for the walk which started opposite the Owd Betts pub on Edenfield Rd.
We followed a path from the road which took us onto Ashworth Moor and up to the top of Knowl Hill. The hill is one of 4 peaks on the Rochdale Way and stands 419 metres (1375 feet) high. Unfortunately, it was misty at the top with no view.
Wet conditions on top of Knowl Hill
From the hill, we picked up the Rochdale Way and followed the trail past Middle Naden and Greenbooth reservoirs. By this time the rain had eased and we had good views of the reservoirs and surrounding valley.
View of Naden Middle Reservoir
Crossing the Naden Brook
We had a well-earned coffee/tea break at the side of Naden Brook.
Coffee break at the side of Naden Brook
The route then followed a path through a small Hamlet at Wolstenholme Fold and through the fields to Birtle. We had lunch on the path just below Old Birtle overlooking the Cheesden Valley. Thankfully the rain had stopped at this point and Knowl Hill could be clearly seen in the distance.
Lunch stop overlooking the Cheesden Valley
The walk continued along the top of the valley past Deeply Vale and to the former Buckhurst Lodge Cafe now in ruins. It was sad to see.
Remains of Buckhurst Lodge Cafe
The last part of the walk took us up to Ashworth Moor Reservoir and back to Owd Betts.
Distance walked – 10 miles