Introduction
I chose this walk for its seemingly varied landscapes, canal, hills, cloughs and lakes.
I made my way to Littleborough, a 50 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme.
The walk is 6 miles with 650feet of ascent.
The weather was cool and cloudy with a northerly breeze.
It took 2 hours 40 minutes to complete.
The walk is good for for dog walking, but beware the sheep on the moors. There is one 6feet high stone wall with steps built into it, that would be tricky with a dog. However it can be easily by-passed by staying on the Pennine Bridleway to to reach the A58.
I walked in an anticlockwise direction.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL21.
I parked on the road near The Red Lion pub, postcode OL15 0HL, What 3 Words ///margin.dogs.social
Littleborough To Hollingworth Lake
I made my way up Ealees Road, over the canal, and onto a track.
This led past a hidden pool that I popped up the bank to take a look at.
From here, I walked on through the delightful Ealees and Clegg’s Woods.
The path emerges into a field on The Weighver’s Way.
Keeping left of the picnic tables, I rounded a small pond.
Continuing ahead, the route goes straight through a car park, and past a cafe and toilets, to reach Hollingworth Lake. The M62 is visible above the left hand side of the lake, far enough distant not to cause a disturbance.
This is a man-made lake and there are splendid views from the dam back down the route I had just walked.
Hollingworth Lake To The Moors
I left the lake behind and now tackled the rise up to the moors.
After Syke Nab, I passed the amusingly named Benny Hill.
There was no troupe of nurses chasing me up here though.
Nevertheless, I loved the more sedate view!
I was now out on the open moors. It was still very cool, but the skies were brightening back towards Hollingworth Lake.
As I dropped down from the moor, I stopped awhile to watch a lovely male stonechat singing from his perch. The path merged with the moorland track that leads to the nearby Whittaker Golf Club.
Lydgate To The Rochdale Canal
I crossed the road at the hamlet of Lydgate. Here, the bridge inscription has almost weathered away. It reads “Old Mill Bridge 1865”.
It’s a pretty bridge and brook from the other side.
I rounded a hillside on the Pennine Bridleway, still enjoying the view.
I passed by the side of The Moorcock Inn, and the path was little used and tricky, with vegetation that would be a problem in wet conditions.
After carefully picking out the route, I arrived in an old mill yard.
There are extensive mill buildings marked on the map….. however they have gone, but for a pile of bricks!
After rising up along the old mill drive, and walking through a transport / builder’s yard.
The adjacent cottage has a delightful carved bull’s head stone above the door.
The road drops down to the canal from here. And it’s a lovely peaceful stroll back to the car from here. I was impressed that the clock on the mill showed the right time too!
At the last of several locks that I passed, I noticed a nice, sculptural ladder for examining the lock, took a photo and was delighted to get a grey wagtail in the shot as well.
All in all, a very splendid walk, not too taxing but lots of varied scenery.
And Finally….
The Struts are a distinctly punky band, but lead singer Luke Spiller’s new album, Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes And Wine is full of strong, orchestral, soaring power ballads, like “If This Isn’t Love”.
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