Linear – Walmersley to Rawtenstall – 17/04/2026 – Leader Diana

The walk started at Pigs Lea Brow (aka Walmersley PO) a name so factual it couldn’t be invented – then over Lowndes Park golf links and onto a pedestrian underpass at M66, if this sounds odd, then hang on. At Gindles we dared go via a rather intimidating gate to what appears to be very private property, which however is cared for by a delightful couple who enjoying having visitors to this lovely hamlet. To eat lunch 6 squeezed into the bus shelter at Turn, which is rather an odd feature as buses ceased here some 30yrs since. Having negotiated Michael Wife (whoever he was!) Lane, Plunge and eventually the old water bailiffs place at New Hall – but which has been “done up” we were ready to face the delights of Higher Mount Pleasant – the detritus  dumped here has to be seen to be believed, most unpleasant,  and as if this isn’t enough we took our life in our hands by going through the firing range at Brow Edge Quarry.

 

By now the rain was descending like stair rods and though Diana had more delights in store the consensus amongst the 8 hardy Walkers was “let’s go home”.

 

Thanks to Diana for all her hard work in devising such an interesting trail.

 

Thanks to Aly for the photos and to everyone else for turning out.

 

Write up – Robert       Pics – Aly

 

Distance – 9.84 miles      Ascent  – 1495 feet       M/h -2.0