Whitaker Park to Loveclough 11.02.26 Leader Jean
16 ramblers arrived at Whitaker Park. The weather forecast was for rain all day.
It was raining as we set off, up through the park, and Ski slope to join the bridleway at the top. We were soon joined by David H. David is waiting for hip surgery. He walked with us for about a mile, to Crawshawbooth where we all had our elevenses in the garden of the Friends Meeting House. David left us after that. It was good to see him.
We had another climb up by the Pet Cemetery, and a very wet field before dropping down to Goodshaw Fold. The rain had stopped by then and we enjoyed a dry period, passing the Spewing Duck a Grade 2 listed public spring, we continued to Loveclough. Another climb took us up and out of the valley, towards Swinshaw Hall, with its origins in the 17th Century.
We managed to find a dry spot for lunch.
The walk continued along Goodshaw Lane ,eventually passing Goodshaw Chapel, owned by English Heritage it is currently closed to the public.
It was then a left turn, picking up a path that took us down through Folly Clough, joining our onward track, by Folly Terrace.
We continued along paths and tracks towards Chapel Hill, passing the Quaker Burial Ground. The rain had returned by now, as we walked down Hurst Lane it became quite heavy. We walked through the cemetery and crossed the road, before climbing the steps to join the track up and over back to the Ski slope and down to the cars.
We were all pretty wet by then, although some went to the cafe at the museum.
The day wasn’t as bad as forecast, but pretty wet underfoot.
Distance 9.5 miles.
Many thanks to Glyn for back marking and Steve S and Sue for the pics.
Leader Jean
‘If you wish to see a static view of the pics all in one go, then click here.’
Continuously running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture
Thanks for a good walk on not a great day Jean. My photos came in handy, but sorry not a start one or one of us who went back to The Whittaker.
Very enjoyable walk!
Brave souls.
Despite the weather and mist. A good walk Jean.
Unfortunately no pics as my camera didn’t like getting wet.