Introduction
Although I didn’t see the sun today, it was a pleasant day for walking – cool, still and bright.
In my last post I mentioned the trees not yet being fully in leaf, well they are now.
And this is a predominantly woodland walk, though the map below wouldn’t particularly give that vibe. However, the photos that follow certainly do.
It’s a 45 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme to Tottington.
The walk was about 7.5 miles, and took 3 hours 20 minutes plus 20 minutes for lunch.
The woods are great for dog walking, as is most of the farmland, being on tracks. Just the section after Redisher Woods to the A-road has some stiles, but there are several alternative tracks, eg via Redisher Farm.
I walked in an anticlockwise direction.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map 287.
I parked on the roadside on Royds Street near the church in Tottington, postcode BL8 3ND . What 3 Words ///stick.jacket.sector
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Tottington And Kirklees
The first section of the walk passes by several old mill reservoirs and a connecting brook. The pretty reservoirs are popular with anglers and the surrounds are popular with dog walkers!
The tracks and hedgerows are alive with common birds, such as this goldfinch, all busy preparing to raise their families.
The area is designated as Kirklees Local Nature Reserve and appeared worthy of more detailed investigation. However, I didn’t have time for that today, and I ventured on, the track rising towards the final pond where swallows were actively hunting over the water.
A short stretch of open country revealed a first sighting of the impressive Peel Tower, high on the hilltop above Ramsbottom, hometown of Sir Robert Peel, founder of the Metropolitan Police.
At Moss Farm, sadly, dereliction was in the air, though the main farmhouse was still occupied.
Summerseat
After crossing a busy road, I took another well made track, heading quite steeply down to the impressive River Irwell as it heads south towards Salford and Manchester.
After crossing the river, I rose up the opposite bank to cross the East Lancashire Heritage Railway.
The path along the top of the valley was delightful, with spectacular displays of bluebells.
Cricket is big round here, and Brookbottom Cricket Club are rightly proud of their facilities .
After the cricket club, I joined local roads which took me back down to the river and this impressive mill conversion.
Broad Hey Wood And Redisher Wood Nature Reserve
Another uphill paved path took me away from the river, and the railway line disappeared into a tunnel.
The path then ran along the top of the river valley, in woodland adjacent to a housing estate, before dropping down through the wood to a stream.
Broad Hey Wood is an oasis of green in a fairly built up area.
The path emerges at a major road junction near Ramsbottom. I crossed the road, passed The Hare And Hounds, and came to what, on the OS map is described as “Works”. It’s not been “Works” for quite some time, and is now a well designed housing development.
I made my way into Redisher Wood Nature Reserve.
This is a lovely place, following a brook up a wooded valley. It was alive with birdlife. I saw many common species, but also dipper, grey wagtail, and, flying up from a tree cavity, a superb tawny owl. Shame I wasn’t quick enough with my camera for any of these.
After crossing the last bridge I left the wood and crossed some farmland and a main road, then a small copse. There were views to Manchester city centre.
I finally emerged at Greenmount Golf Club.
Just before joining the main road network, I did manage to get another bird on film – a cute wren!
A short walk down the road, and I was back at the car.
This was a none too strenuous 7 mile stroll in an interesting part of the conurbation. Very enjoyable!
And Finally….
I’ve been listening to the new album by The Boxer Rebellion this week. The album is The Second I’m Asleep, and this track is Flowers In The Water.
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