CASTLETON via Hayfield 17th March 2024

 


After a week of intermittent but heavy rain, we enjoyed sunshine throughout the whole day.

The Oldhams were first to leave the coach at Birch Vale, just before Hayfield. It was a serious walk of about 16.5 miles and 4,000 feet of ascent starting with Foxholes Clough on the Pennine Bridleway Ridge and finishing at Winnats Pass above Castleton. Howie’s verdict: ...one of the best...!

Stuart‘s group also did a lengthy ridge walk of 12 miles from Hayfield. They accessed the Ridge at Coldwell Clough and along Edale Cross to Horsehill Tor and Rushop Edge and so on to Lose Hill Farm and Hall, passing most of the other groups at some stage of the walk.

Lesser mortals did a mere 8 or 9 miles along the ridges using different starting and finishing points.

Mike J led his five Maidens along the ridge from Hayfield to Mount Famine on the Pennine Bridle Way and then on to Mam Tor and Hollins Cross to descend by the very precarious muddy slope down to Hollowford Road. There was a path there somewhere...

Martin J’s party and Steph and Pat’s party left the coach together at Sparrowpit. They separated almost immediately to follow an ambiguous sign post. They met and crossed at various stages of the ridge – comparing notes about the treacherous wooden stiles, the depth of the mud, the suicidal cyclists and the astonishing number of walkers of every age including those in papooses, and dogs of course!

Mike and Geoff’s group chose to start from Castleton with a quick visit to the Castle and the Caves before tracking along the Limestone Way past Eldon Hill to Perryfoot and then north to connect with Rushop Edge, and the finally to Mam Tor and Hollins Cross.

What a wonderful network of routes to this very popular village, and complemented a range of hospitable venues.  A great day!

Thank you to the photographers for their contributions to the Album: Mike C, Geoff, Mike K, Mike B, Sheila, Mike J, Chris and Stuart.

To open the Album click here


NEXT WALKS – and remember the Hour Change – Sunday 31st

 

Sunday 31st March 2024 – Grassington

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, on to the M65, M65 eastbound to junction 7, via A6185/A678 to the A680, A671 to roundabout N of Whalley, A59 to the Skipton roundabout, B6265 to Grassington. Park in Grassington. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.

Sunday 14th April 2024 - Langdale

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 through Windermere to Ambleside, A593 to Skelwith Bridge, B5343 to Langdale.  Park near the New Dungeon Ghyll hotel.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

 

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