Walk 3380 - printer friendly version

Blackstone Edge from Hollingworth Lake Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 9.0 miles / 14.6 km

Ascent - 1500 feet / 455 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SD939153
Lat 53.634186 + Long -2.0937242
Postcode OL15 0AZ (approx. location only)

The South Pennines, despite the industrial development in the valleys, still retain an air of wilderness. From the summits of the hills you are reminded of the many towns and cities that flank the Pennine hills, yet often you can enjoy the view in total silence uninterrupted by other people. This walk starts from the shores of a lake that was once very popular with the inhabitants of the local mill towns and climbs gently onto the Pennine Ridge. Walking north there are grand views to be enjoyed before returning by an interesting old road to the lake.

The start is the large car park (Grid ref. SD939153) adjacent to the visitor centre on the northern side of Hollingworth Lake. In addition to information, refreshments are available at peak times. From the car park walk back towards the Lake and turn left and follow the path south along the shore. Continue on this road to reach the entrance to Littleborough Rugby Club. Turn right into this access road. The right of way actually goes around the ground but there seems to be an alternative unofficial route going half left across the ground to reach a gap in a wall. Once through the wall, turn left and follow the path towards the M62 viaduct ahead. At the first junction of paths, bear left and continue under the motorway.

At the next junction bear right and climb across the flank of Dick Hill. Reaching a track, go straight across to reach Tunshill Lane. Go left along this old packhorse way from Rochdale to Marsden. Reaching a junction of tracks (Grid ref. SD960133), turn left (north) to walk parallel with the M62. The onward route is clear and you climb steadily towards the radio masts on Windy Hill. Walk past the masts towards the A672 and just before reaching this road turn left onto the Pennine Way to cross the M62 by a superb concrete bridge high above the carriageway.

The going on a well maintained path improves and you can make steady progress toward the next objective, Blackstone Edge. Reaching the summit area the path weaves its way through large millstone grit boulders that have weathered to black with age. The trig point is a perfect place to rest with a fine view west and northwest. Continuing, stay with the Pennine Way, heading north to reach the Aiggin Stone. Reaching this landmark turn left and follow the clear paved "Roman Road" as it descends quite steeply. Crossing a water leat used to collect water from the moors, continue to ascend towards the A58.

The path continues towards a row of cottages at Lydgate. Just past the cottages turn left down the access road to the golf club. At the first junction (Grid ref. SD954159) turn right. Continue straight ahead ignoring the tracks right to Shore Lane Farm and Owlett Hall. Continue across a section of the golf course to reach a gate. Once through this gate turn left alongside the stream. Cross a wooden footbridge and continue towards Lane Foot cottage and some modern houses. The path climbs towards the right and then descends by some steps to a lane that leads north to Ealees. Turn left (south) on this lane and turn right onto a signed footpath by a concrete bridge (grid ref. SD944159). The path now follows the stream. Crossing a footbridge you pass through a picnic area before reaching the car park and visitor centre from where the walk started.

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