Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Jimmy Need Distance: 11 miles
We start today’s walk by making our way past the lake. Then, don’t laugh, we make our way up Benny Hill towards Blackstone edge. From here we follow the Pennine Way over past Windy Hill then down towards Piethorn Reservoir which then leads on to Ogden Reservoir. We then skirt Spinney Woods before making our way back to the lake via Rakewood Viaduct.
Moderate Leader: Philomena Walker Distance : 8.75 miles
A steady climb to a rocky ridge (Blackstone Edge). We start out from the visitor centre, through birch woods, past Owlet Hall; paths here can be a bit neglected but following path above stream flanked by thorn bushes we come to Shore Lane Farm. The upward pull starts from lane alongside farm house and continues along well worn Roman road, up to the Aiggin Stone. Here we will have a well earned rest and decide on where to have lunch (depending on the weather). We can sit on the rocks or find shelter. Apart from a patch of rough moorland, the descent is on paths and tracks, taking in some lovely views along the way. At Hollingworth Fold we go down the lane towards the lakeside and pick up the path around Hollingworth Lake. If rain, the rocks at Blackstone Edge will be slippery, so extra care will need to be taken there.
Leisurely Leader: Derek Lee Distance 7 miles
We leave the Visitor Centre via the Country Park, gradually climbing 400 feet as we turn south on the Pennine Bridleway along the slopes of Clegg Moor with views to the west over the Lake. After crossing the M62 we have another, stiffer, 300 ft climb up Nicholas Pike and then turn west overlooking Ogden Reservoir. From here it is mostly downhill through Tunshill to the southern shore of the lake, ending with a lakeside walk back to the Visitor Centre.
Easy Leader: Berni Platts Distance: 4.5 – 5 miles
We start at the Visitor Centre and walk towards Ealees and through Cleggs Wood. We then pick up the canal path at Littleborough and walk to Smithybridge where there is a slight incline. We are going to stop here for our lunch break, overlooking the lake. After our lunch break we will finish our walk following the path around the lake back to the Visitor centre.