A nocturnal festive foray

Festive Owls at Pots & Pans

With Christmas Day looming, and following a month of exciting and successful Christmas themed runs - The annual Santa Run and the Christmas Handicap - followed by Howard's Christmas Eve morning, Ho Bloody Ho Run, the Owls held their own nocturnal Christmas Eve Dash.

With most people busy making last minute Christmas preparations, myself, Jo and Howard met at the Cross Keys Inn, Uppermill, for a nocturnal foray on the hills and moors of Saddleworth.

The planned route of running Hill Pits, Sykes Pillar, Alderman and Pots & Pans was shortened due to myself feeling under the weather and also as a result of having to get back home for my son. It was a cold night when we left the 'Keys' and made our way onto the hill via Pobgreen. Ascending the outgoing route of the Cross Keys Fell Race, we were met with a strong icy wind as we made our way to Shaw Rocks. Heading south, the gale force winds threatened to stop us dead in our tracks as Howard's head-torch dimmed to nothing more than the wattage of a candles flicker. However, with a clear sky above and a scattering of fresh snow on the ground, visibility was clear throughout the whole route. Passing the Oven Stones, our words were lost on the racing wind as we huddled close in conversation, on route to Alderman Hill.

Attaining the summit, we huddled behind rocks on Alderman to protect ourselves from the freezing wind as we enjoyed the view across the Chew Valley, which was covered under a blanket of stars.

Breaking cover, we made the short crossing of Board Hill Brow to reach the Saddleworth War Memorial at Pots & Pans. Taking shelter on the leeward side of the cenotaph, we enjoyed a wee dram and took a few photo's. Whilst others were busy preparing for Christmas amongst the twinkling lights of Sadleworth's Villages, we hardy few continued our nocturnal foray on the quiet windswept hills and made our descent of Primrose Hill to return to the Cross Keys, via Pobgreen.

Whilst the outing had been short, we had enjoyed a bracing run on the tops and what better way to see in Christmas than with good friends, enjoying a few laughs and doing what we love most. We finished the evening off with a quick festive pint in the Cross Keys Inn.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Night Running Around the Chew Valley

The following report is from the Night Running section of Saddleworth Runner's Club.

This week, eight Owl's set out from Bin Green for a night run above the Chew Valley. Arriving at our start point we watched the police (and possibly some Mountain Rescue?) searching the slopes of Alderman in the dark. Their torches scanning the rocky hillside as they ascended, with a search-dog out in front.

Dropping down through the woods we came across another empty Police vehicle parked on the track by the reservoir. Whilst the night sky was clear and a frosty chill hung in the air, we had to remove our cags and some warm layers of clothing, as we made way along the shores of Yeoman Hey Reservoir. Hand-railing Greenfield Brook, the cathedral-like ebony black walls of Ravenstones Brow towered high above our heads, with a bright moon seemingly perched on the rim of Raven Stones Rocks.

Heading up Birchen Clough, we enjoyed a nocturnal scramble on the rocks that have to be traversed when following this narrow path above the stream. Caught in the beams of our head-torches the fast flowing river and dramatic waterfalls were a spectacular sight.

Upon reaching calmer waters, we crossed the stream and turned north-west to make our way to the three-pinnacled tower of rock, known as the Trinacle. Now on the open moor we became exposed to a bitter cold wind and made the sensible decision to don cags. Earlier in the run I had swapped head-torches with Bruce, to try out his new Petzl Nao. Flitting along the precipitous edges, the beam clearly illuminated the route far better than my other torch. When glancing down into the vast open space of the valley below, the 'Intelligent Reactive Lighting Technology' instantly switched to full beam and I could clearly identify objects in the far distance. So far I was impressed but the real test would come when we made the rough steep descent of Ashway Gap.

With the banter free-flowing, throughout the whole group, we continued to Ashway Rocks, from where we could still see the blue lights of emergency vehicles flashing on the Holmfirth Road. The night-time search was clearly still underway upon Alderman Hill, and in the valley bottom below.

Dropping off from the rocks, we descended Ashway Gap. Finding a narrow trod, we made good progress over the rough ground and soon picked up the main path. Being a natural down-hiller I'm always looking for the thrill of a rapid descent. However, in recent years I've noticed that my eyesight no longer seems to be at its optimum operating level and, on night runs, I have become more cautious when in descent. However, with the new Nao strapped to my head my foot placement had become more precise again and I once again had the confidence to let go and move up through the gear ratio. Halfway down I again swapped torches with Bruce. Going back to my old trusty companion would be the real test. Within only a few metres, I had discovered the answer to my quest. Running with my old head-torch again was like having tunnel vision, and the ground wasn't illuminated as clearly as with the Nao. Try descending Ashway Gap at speed with one eye shut and the other looking through a Smarty tube and you will get the idea. I made my mind up there and then that I was having one of the Petzl Nao's. They're not cheap but if you're really into your night running these seem a great piece of kit. Anyway, I've already ordered one from Mountainfeet, in Marsden. Si, the shop's owner, has promised to bring it over for me next week, to the Janapar film night.

After reaching the valley floor we made our way back along Dove Stone Reservoir to return to Bin Green. Returning to the club, we enjoyed a few beers and plenty more banter and laughs, with the rest of the club.

Two Outings in One Day - Part Two: Blackstone Edge

 

Some people do business in the boardroom, others on the golf course. A friend and I had some running club business to discuss, so chose to conduct our meeting on the moors …

 

Howard and I are both members of Saddleworth Runner’s Club, which is a fell-running club whose headquarters are based at the Cross Key’s Inn, Uppermill. Howard is the club’s long-standing secretary and I the Chairman. With the club approaching the end of the administrative year and with the our AGM looming, there were various matters which needed our attention. With both of us having a passion for the outdoors, and a loathing of sitting at desks or in stuffy meeting rooms, where better place could there be to hold a meeting than on the open moors, whilst partaking in our first love – fell-running.

 

After enjoying a delightful, early morning walk in Tandle Hill Country Park, with my son and our dog, it was clear that the best part of the day had passed. Picking Howard up from his house, at about 10.45am, the weather had closed-in and the windscreen wipers on the car were working flat-out in order that we had a clear view of the road. Reaching the White House Pub, on the A58, above Littleborough, the wind speed had increased and upon opening the car doors we were met with a surge of rain, which swept straight through the vehicle. Gore-Tex until end-ex, would be the order of the day!

 

Initially heading east, along the Halifax Road, we hugged the right-hand verge as a few high-sided vehicles sped past, en-route to Rochdale. After about a kilometre, we left the road and followed Rishworth Drain, on ground more appealing to fell-runner’s. After crossing the Old Packhorse Road, we skirted below Flint Hill and descended a section of path, to the east of Thief Clough, which is always wet and boggy, even in the driest of weather. After the prolonged rain of the past weeks the ground was now more akin to swamp-land, and we had to carefully pick our way around the worst sections.

 

Reaching firmer ground, we crossed a small footbridge and turned west, along a good path which follows the course of another drain to Green Withens Reservoir. Passing the West Yorkshire Scouts Outdoor Pursuits Centre, we followed the reservoir access road south, before hand-railing the M62, for a short while, to meet up with the Pennine Way, where it crosses the motorway (see: http://www.saddleworthdiscoverywalks.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/the-m62-pennine-way-footbridge.html )

 

The M62, trans-Pennine motorway is one of the busiest motorways in the country. However, today there was not a single vehicle to be seen, on either carriageway. Highway patrol vehicles, parked at junction 22, were a clear indication that the motorway had been closed. Behind their road blocks, long lines of static vehicles had built up in both directions, on the A672. We just hoped that no one had been seriously injured or worse.

 

Continuing north, we now followed Britain’s most popular long-distance footpath, the Pennine Way. As we climbed to higher ground, and emerged from the shelter that we had been afforded whilst on the Yorkshire side of the Pennines, we once again encountered gusting winds and driving rain. This section of footpath from around Longden End Brook to Sun End used to be in a bad state of repair and very boggy underfoot. However, a new stone slab path has now been laid, making forward progress very easy. Howard and I debated the merits of managed paths on open moorland and, whilst recognising their need, in order to prevent further erosion of this fragile environment, there is no doubt that they are an unpleasant sight.

Reaching the top of the climb, we traversed the geological ridge, which is Blackstone Edge, which once marked the former Lancashire/Yorkshire border. Passing the summit trig point, we flitted between the gritstone rocks as we made our descent back to the White House pub.

 

We had been out on the moors for a little over an hour and completed a circuit of just over 6 miles. Whilst others may shy away from venturing on to the high moors in inclement weather, we had embraced the opportunity. Being out on the hills instead of stuck in a dreary office would always be our preferred choice, whatever the weather. The only thing left to do now was conduct the rest of our business over a welcoming pint and delicious hot meal, in the White House.

Two Outings in One Day - Part One: Tandle Hill Park

With the passing of Halloween, November welcomes us for another month of enjoyable walks and outings. On this first day of November I had the pleasure of enjoying two separate outings in the countryside. Both in some enjoyable company. Whilst neither of the walks were actually within Saddleworth, each of them took in some beautiful scenery.

I was awakened early this morning with the sun's rays shining through the part-drawn curtain's and a gentle, fresh breeze blowing through the open window. My son came into my room and, proclaiming what a beautiful, autumnal morning it was, and asked if we could take our dog for a walk in Tandle Hill Country Park, in Royton. Having already planned to meet a friend, for an outing in the South Pennine hills, at around 11.00am, we jumped in the car and set out for a pre-breakfast stroll.

Walking through the  110 acre, Beech woodland, we waded through a deep carpet of crisp, fallen leaves as the suns rays streamed through the thinning, golden canopy. My son found a rope-swing, fastened to the limb of a large tree, and enjoyed the thrill of swinging back and forth over a steep ravine. 

The name Tandle Hill is said to mean 'Fire Hill' and was used as a meeting place by radicals, in the 19th century. In the time leading up to the Peterloo massacre, which took place on 16th August 1819, at St.Peter's Field, Manchester, Tandle Hill is said to have been used by protestors for practicing marching and drilling formations. After the appalling incidents of that fateful day, the beech woodland was planted, to prevent the area being used by protestors again, and it became a private game reserve and hunting park, of the  Thornham Estate. In 1861 the park was sold to Joseph Milne, whose wife later sold it Norris Bradbury, who was a local councillor. In 1919, Councillor Bradbury gave the park to the people of Royton, as a peace offering to mark the end of the First World War.

Moving on, we climbed to the parks highest point, where a war memorial, unveiled by the Duke of Derby, in 1921, commemorates the men of Royton who laid down their lives in the First World War. This lofty position offers commanding views over Scout Moor Wind Farm and across to Winter Hill. The summits of these distant peaks were obscured by low cloud and we recognised that we were enjoying the last of the days clear weather as the moisture laden vessels crept closer.



Continuing around our woodland circuit, we made our way back to the car and returned home for breakfast.

Tomorrow I'll post a write up of the day's second outing, which took in the lower reaches of the South Pennine hills.

 

JANAPAR - Tom Allen's story of his four year, round-the-world, cycle adventure

Round-the-world cyclist and adventurer, Tom Allen, will be showing his film-documentary, Janapar, which tells the story of his four year epic cycle adventure. The film will be screened at Saddleworth Cricket Club On Monday 18^th November. Doors and bar open at 7.00pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. There will be a charity raffle to raise funds for Dr.Kershaw’s Hospice, with some great prizes to be won, including signed copies of Tom’s book, Janapar, which accompanies the film. After the film screening there will be a question and answer session with Tom, followed by a book signing.

The following write-up is taken from a press-release for the film.

 

ABOUT TOM ALLEN

 

23-year-old Englishman Tom Allen is all set for a successful career in IT, but he finds himself persisted by the question of our time: isn’t there more to life than this? Leaving it all behind, Tom sets off on the ultimate quest for freedom.

 

For the next 12,000 miles, with neither maps nor guidebooks, Tom films the unfolding of his dream. Despite an unexceptional background and with no athletic talent, he cycles and camps his way across three continents. But the journey takes an unlikely detour when he falls in love with an Iranian-Armenian girl.

 

Struggling to keep his dream alive, Tom convinces Tenny to get on a bicycle and join him. But when things don’t go to plan, Tom is forced to continue riding alone. His decisions lead him to the depths of the Sahara desert, where - amid challenges unimaginable - he catches a glimpse of the answer he set out to find.

 

Filmed over four years with cinematic ambition, Janapar - named after the Armenian word for journey - is an honest and life-affirming tale of finding what you’re looking for when you least expect it.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

More than half a decade in the making, Janapar is the directorial debut for James Newton who worked closely with Tom Allen as he captured every aspect of life on the road. Cut from over 300 hours of material shot in 32 countries, the film is an unprecedented self-documentary with cinematic ambition, featuring an original score by award-winning composer Vincent Watts. Janapar’s World Premiere was held at the 20th Raindance Film Festival in London.

 

STATEMENTS

James Newton / Producer-Director

When I first met Tom, he was about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. But neither of us knew what that would come to mean. A complete newcomer to the world of filmmaking, Tom agreed to shoot his experience on a MiniDV video camera. He would send me the footage whenever possible, and I would offer him feedback.

Over the next four years his story unfolded. It soon became highly personal, and Tom began telling his tale with frankness and intensity. While freelancing as a producer-director for the BBC, I spent my weekends assembling vignettes of Tom’s adventures and his burgeoning romance, trying to figure out how this extremely intimate experience could be shaped into a single narrative. After reading early drafts of Tom’s book and after many months of development, I finally had a script.

Like a typical indie filmmaker I blagged my way into someone’s storage cupboard, borrowed some equipment and convinced the best editor I knew to spend two months in a dark room with only me, a cup of tea and Tom’s raw material for company.

The footage spanned four years and three continents. Far beyond a simple journey, it depicted entire chapters of its subject’s life. Wrestling with the film’s structure, it soon became clear that the story was theatrical in scope. It possessed the power to inspire and to change the way people thought about life. It deserved more than to be told in simple chronological sequence. Thankfully, the feature-length format provided the creative freedom to do the story justice.

Janapar has universal themes. It was beautifully filmed by Tom with an unusual level of honesty. He invested a great deal of trust in the lens, and we hope that this is reflected in the finished film.

Director Filmography

James Newton is a documentary and factual TV producer-director. His most recent project was a one-off documentary for BBC One about survivors of violent crime, presented by Kirsty Young and including exclusive interviews with James Bulger's mother. This 9pm special, transmitted on August 23rd 2012, was James’ first hour-long broadcast piece and became the most-watched program in the slot. It received ‘Pick of the week’ in the Daily Mail, ‘One to watch’ in the Telegraph, and attracted strong reviews across the press. Janapar is his first theatrical feature documentary.

Tom Allen / Camera & Co-Director

I met James whilst preparing to take a huge leap of faith, leaving everything I knew behind to set out into the unknown. He was a director looking for stories, and although I was initially reluctant, he soon convinced me to film mine. I had no previous experience, and my early attempts at capturing my experiences were less than successful. But when my journey began to stray from the original plan, I recognised that the story was growing more interesting by the day. At that point I decided to invest in the storytelling role wholeheartedly.

As a complete newcomer to filmmaking, the biggest challenge of all was to reconfigure my perception of the medium and start shooting for the edit. Laypeople such as myself typically have no concept of the filmmaking process, assuming that stories emerge more-or-less fully formed in front of the cameras. I also had to train myself to form an honest, uninhibited relationship with the lens. This took months of practice, far too many failed attempts, and some serious soul-searching.

 

The footage I sent to James from the second and third years of adventure, and the unexpected relationship I found in that time, now forms the main story thread of Janapar. James and I worked hard on the production throughout 2011 and 2012. I was writing a book concurrently with the script development, and we’ve now got a finished feature documentary on our hands, which we’re really proud of. Looking back, it’s funny to think that this five-year project only came to completion through a string of fortunate accidents entirely outside our control.

What people are saying about the film

"A profound, gripping adventure - a dramatic story about the things that matter most in life."

Oliver Steeds, Explorer & Investigative Journalist

 

"Tremendously moving, engaging, honest, and wonderful!!"

Roz Savage, Ocean Rower & National Geographic Adventurer Of The Year 2010

 

"So engrossed I almost missed my stop!"

Shane Winser, Expedition & Fieldwork Adviser, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

 

Thanks to Tom Allen for the photos and information © Tom Allen

 

Tickets can be ordered at www.janapar.ticketsource.co.uk . For further information contact Chris: saddleworthdiscoverywalks@gmail.com

A report from the Saddleworth Owl's

Nine Owls took flight tonight on what was a very pleasant and warm evening. Setting out from the Castleshaw Outdoor Education Centre we made our way along a narrow, sunken track which, after the recent d...eluge of rain, was more like a stream than a footpath. This ancient highway is aptly called, Waters Lane.

Upon reaching Huddersfield Road, we turned left and passed the Saddleworth Hotel on route to Bleak Hey Nook, where we had to stop and remove some layers as we began to feel the effects of such a warm, still night. Following the Standedge Trail we climbed onto Millstone Edge, via Rock Farm B & B. As we attained the trig point a wonderful vista unfolded, and to the East a large orange moon hung high in the clear sky above the twinkling lights of Huddersfield.

Moving on, we skipped from rock to rock as we traversed the gritstone edge. Our head-torches penetrating the darkness and illuminating the way, as a welcome breeze drifted up from the Castleshaw Valley, below.

Following the Oldham Way we crossed Castleshaw Moor, Hind Hill and then the upper slopes of Dowry Castle Hill. With our feet now truly wet and with legs caked in ivory black peat we found firmer ground as we headed along Moor Lane to the four lane ends junction, beyond Broadhead Noddle. Turning south-east we made for lower ground along Low Gate Lane and once again soon felt the effects of the balmy night as we left the cooling breeze upon the higher slopes of the valley rim.

Crossing the dam wall, between the upper and lower reservoirs, the Harvest Moon sat proudly just above the dark skyline of Millstone Edge, casting its bright lunar rays across the still waters of the upper reservoir. Content with the evenings run we skirted below the ancient Roman Fort, along Dirty Lane, to return to our cars for the short drive back to the nest, for a couple of pints with the rest of the club.

 

The M62 Pennine Way Footbridge

The Pennine Way, which was officially opened in 1965, is intersected by one of Britain’s busiest motorways, close to Rishworth Moor.

The Pennine Way footbridge, which spans the M62 is an instantly recognisable landmark for both commuters and walkers alike. This narrow bridge has a span of 320ft and carries Britain’s first long-distance footpath 65ft above the carriageway.

During the design stages for the building of the M62 the Pennine Way had not yet being granted Public Right of Way status and therefore no plans had been considered to erect a footbridge, to allow safe passage across the future trans-Pennine motorway. The original intention was that Pennine Wayfarers would have to follow the A672 underneath the motorway and re-join the footpath further north. However it is said that Ernest Marples, a former Manchester Rambling Club member, and owner of Marples/Ridgeway Civil Engineering Contractors, played an instrumental part in ensuring that the pedestrian bridge was built.

Apparently the original design for the bridge was to span the motorway horizontally. However, some sources say that the Transport Minister, who was in office at the time, was a prolific walker and insisted that a more impressive structure be built. This decision is said to have considerably increased the construction costs. Whatever the original design, the final structure consists of a reinforced concrete three pin arch which has a span of 220ft, complete with side cantilevers. Each cantilever supports pre-stressed concrete approach spans each of which are 85ft long.

Since its original construction this now iconic landmark has provided safe passage, above the swarming traffic, for thousands upon thousands of walkers making their 270 mile pilgrimage along Britain’s best known National Trail.

 

Thanks to Ray Green, who's photo inspired this short article. You can see many more of Ray's fabulous photos at www.raygreenphotography.co.uk

 

 

Autumn

 

 

After the fine summer that we’ve had the season has been slowly slipping away over the past weeks. This morning I was awakened by a distinctive cool breeze blowing in through my open window. The cold breath of early dawn caressing my face as my head lay exposed outside the warm covers.

When I left the house I became instantly aware that the trees were a blaze of Autumnal glory. It was as if the leaves had changed from their varying shades of green to the rich golden colours of autumn overnight. A strong wind was blowing and the trees swayed back and forth in time with the rise and fall of each gust. With each surge of invisible atmospheric energy these swaying giants lost their seasonal grip on their dead and dying leaves and the cycle of life moves into another stage.

Carried through the air like confetti, thousands of leaves drifted on the wind before gently coming to rest on the ground. Walking to school in warm coats, children dragged their feet through the deep beds of crisp dry leaves, kicking and throwing them into the air, where they were carried on currents of air as the wind once again whipped up and lifted them high above the their heads in ever increasing spirals.

As a noisy flock of Canada Geese flew overhead in tight formation, heading in search of winter pastures, I sat for a while and watched a squirrel collecting its harvest high in a tree. At regular intervals it would dash down to ground level and scurry into the undergrowth out of sight. Returning empty handed, it was clear that it was busy stocking its winter larder.

Autumn is a magical time of year, when I most enjoy walking in the woods. I love the rich vibrant colours and the sounds of crisp golden leaves crunching underfoot. The freshness of the cooler mornings is a reminder that the chill of winter is on the horizon.

Follow the link below for the Forestry Commissions top 10 list of forests to visit in autumn.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/autumntop10

 

The Autumn Gallery has a selection of beautiful photographs that you can download for free and use as screensavers or simply printout to keep.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/autumngallery

 

 

Sunay Morning in Saddleworth

With one or two Sunday morning runners nursing sore heads, after last night's wedding, a good strong group set off from the Castleshaw Centre, in Saddleworth.

Heading up the valley we made our way onto a windy Millstone Edge, before heading north along the

Pennine Way. At the Nant Sarah's Road we continued north for a short while before crossing access land to Readycon Dean Reservoir. From here we picked up the Pennine Bridleway and passed below Lurden Top, on route to Dowry Reservoir.

After a morning of showers, the sky now cleared and we removed wet cags as the sun broke through the scattering clouds. Continuing on, we climbed the PBW and picked up Moor Lane and then on to Four Lane Ends. Enjoying the delightful grassy descent we dropped into the valley to return to the car park on waterworks Road.

Another great Sunday morning run.

 

A Short Walk Around Dove Stone Reservoir

Dove Stone Reservoir, situated in the Chew Valley, Greenfield, is a popular tourist attraction for Oldham residents and visitors from further afield. Considered as the northern gateway to the Peak District, this beautiful valley offers an array of low level strolls and high moorland walks.

Setting out from the RSPB operated car park, adjacent to the Sailing Club, I made my way along the southern shores of Dove Stone Reservoir, with the evening sun warming my back. Turning north, at Chew Brook I watched a flotilla of sailing dinghy’s straining to make forward progress as their crews attempted to harness the light breeze in loosely flapping sails.

Passing below Dean Rocks the air was still and quiet, except for the distinctive calls of the Peregrine Falcons which nest high on the cliffs. Reaching the foot of Ashway Gap I sat on a bench in the grounds of the former Victorian Hunting Lodge, called Ashway Gap House, and trained my binoculars to the sky in search of the high speed raptors. Built in 1777, and previously owned by the wealthy Platt family, the once majestic, castle-like, building was, in the First World War, used as a military hospital and in World War Two as a holding centre for Italian internees, before later, once again, becoming a Prisoner of War site. The property was sadly demolished in August 1981, after plans to turn it into an Outdoor Pursuits Centre failed. The layout of the site can still be seen today amongst the Rhodedendron bushes

Continuing north I made my way along the eastern shores of Yeoman Hey Reservoir, which was the first to be constructed in the valley. Following the clear path I climbed to the south-east corner of Greenfield Reservoir and crossed the dam to reach the far bank. Looking up the valley I watched two climbers scaling the formidable tower of gritstone rock, known as the Trinacle. The sound of their clanging ironmongery drifted down the valley on the still air.

 

As the setting sun bathed the valley’s upper, west facing slopes, in a blanket of orange light, I turned south and headed along the wide track, below Bill o’ Jacks plantation. Named after a 19^th century pub which once stood close by, on the Saddleworth to Holmfirth Road, it was once the scene of a most gruesome murder.

At the end of the track I dropped down the path and continued along the shores of Dove Stone Reservoir, as a pair of ducks escorted their young brood along the water’s edge. Crossing the dam wall I made my return to the car park to complete what had been a wonderful evening’s stroll in the Chew Valley.

The Saddleworth Runners Summer Solstice Coffee Run

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and is also the birthday of one of the members of Saddleworth Runners. At 8pm on Friday 21^st June over twenty club members met at the Clarence Hotel, Greenfield, for birthday drinks before departing on a night-time round of the 20 mile Saddleworth Trigs route. Inspired by a previous, nocturnal winter round by two fellow SRC members, Nicky Torr wanted to complete the route, with friends, to celebrate her 40^th Birthday.

Arriving at the half-way point

Starting out at 9pm, on what was a perfectly mild summers evening, the group was full of laughter and joy, as the 20 strong group made their way up Alphin Pike to the first trig point of the night. With a bright moon peaking from behind dark clouds the contingent made their way along the Chew Valley edges past Wimberry Rocks to Chew Reservoir and onto the 2^nd   , and most remote trig point of the round, upon Featherbed Moss.  With the conditions ideal the miles were quickly ticked off as the going underfoot, along the Pennine Way, was ideal and Black Hill trig point was soon attained.



Get the coffee on love they're coming

Happy birthday Nicky

At Snoopy’s lay-by, on the Saddleworth to Holmfirth Road, another group of SRC members were waiting to join the first group for the second leg of their overnight journey. Husband and wife duo, Ruth and Stuart Hutchinson, had offered to set up their outside catering van to provide everyone with copious amounts of their finest coffee. Recently married, the SRC couple, who’s relationship was cemented by a love of the outdoors and a passion for fell running, own a newly established business called ‘Coffee Run’. Their specially kitted-out van can be seen every day, outside Greenfield Railway Station, serving Tea and Coffee to Saddleworth’s early morning commuters. At lunch times they provide hungry workers, at several business premises, with quality sustenance to see them through the remainder of the working day. Having a passion for fell racing they are now looking to set up stall at local fell races, to share their wonderful range of coffee’s and light snacks with fellow hill loving folk. Indeed they recently quenched the thirst of runner’s at two of SRC’s popular races, the Cake Race and the Saddleworth Fell Race.



Thanks for the wonderful coffee!

No sooner had their stall been set out, with lanterns glowing and birthday balloons floating in the wind, when a line of head-torches could be seen descending the northern flanks of Black Hill. As the group arrived, Ruth and Stuart set to work serving cup after cup of freshly brewed coffee to the parched runners. Within the space of a few minutes they had served around thirty nocturnal runners with freshly brewed coffee’s and home-baked cakes.

 

 

West Nab trig point - one to go

With everyone suitably refreshed, the ever growing group set off on the final leg of their Summer Solstice run. Under an angry looking sky we reached the trig point upon the rocky summit of West Nab in good time. A heavy rain now moved in, on an ever increasing wind, and it was time to don cags for the remainder of the outing. Making good progress down Wessenden Valley we once again followed the Pennine Way past Swellands and Black Moss reservoirs before traversing Broadhead Brow to reach South Clough.

 

 

With the weather now turning to near winter conditions and the driving rain reducing visibility to only a few metres ,everyone was still in high spirits as we marched on a bearing across the bleak and featureless Wicken Clough Moss. Crossing the Cotton Famine Road we drifted a little too far south and had to readjust our sights in order to reach the final, elusive trig point of the night.



Wessenden Valley

Upon reaching Sykes Pillar (Broadstone trig point), named on OS Maps after the late Frank Sykes, one of Saddleworth Runner’s founding members, we didn’t linger long as some of the group were now beginning to feel the effects of this unusually chilling weather. Dropping off the hill, to escape the worst of the driving rain and bone chilling wind, we headed down Broadstone Clough and past Slades Barn to reach Pobgreen. With dawn now breaking we followed a much more sheltered course along the lower flanks of Primrose Hill, below the Pot’s and Pan’s War Memorial, and into Greenfield were yet another strong contingent of club members had turned out to toast Nicky’s birthday and mark the passing of the solstice.

Nicky had thoroughly enjoyed her birthday run with her husband, Matt – a member of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team – her sister-in-law, who had travelled up from Sheffield to take part in the fun, and all her friends from Saddleworth Runners Club, for making her birthday so special. Nicky would like to pass on her thanks to everyone who turned out to support the run and a special thanks to Ruth and Stuart for providing the freshly brewed, energy giving, coffee’s. If you would like to book the ‘Coffee Run’ to support a race or club event, you can contact them via their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/coffee.run.uk?fref=ts

A Walk Along the Denshaw Valley to Heights

On Bank Holiday Monday my son enjoyed a rare opportunity for a rest day from swimming training. With me just having returned from a weekend in the Lake District, working with a group of Youth Workers on a Forest School and Bush Craft training course, we decided to get out and enjoy a pleasant evening walk in Saddleworth.

Setting out from Denshaw we made our way along the upper-reaches of the River Tame, where a lone Heron stalked the shallow waters in search of an evening meal. At New Years Bridge Reservoir we made our way over to Ox Hey Farm, where, more used to being seen in the high mountains of Peru, Llama grazed in the lush grassy meadows .

With a light rain being blown in, from the south-west, we headed over to Heights where we looked around Heights Chapel, which has appeared in many a film and TV production. Afterwards we enjoyed a coke and a packet of nuts each in the Royal Oak, opposite. Sitting in front of the open fire we chatted with the landlord and his wife, who were very friendly and welcoming. Soon afterwards their son arrived, and we discussed a trekking trip to Nepal which he was about to embark on in a few days time. Over-hearing several conversations it was clear that many of the regulars were keen walkers and anyone calling in, when passing by, would fit in and be made very welcome.

With the refreshments and warming fire taking effect we left the comfort of the pub and made our

way down into the Denshaw Valley, past the cricket club. Crossing the fields we discovered a Lapwing's nest complete with incubating eggs. The protective parents had taken to the skies to chase off a couple of marauding Carrion Crow. Hopefully the batch of eggs will hatch and the chicks survive to adulthood, as unfortunately the lapwing (or Peewit as it is also known, in imitation of its display calls) is now on the RSPB's 'RED', endangered, list.

Continuing north we made our way along the valley bottom to return to Denshaw. We had enjoyed a couple of hours gentle stroll and had seen a range of wildlife on route. With a great sense of humour and an ability to hold varied and interesting conversations my son is fantastic company to be in and we had enjoyed some great Father and Son time together.

Cross-border skirmishing into West Yorkshire

Due to a busy work schedule and my son's swimming commitments it's been awhile now since I've managed to get out for a Sunday morning run. With a free morning slot in my diary I was determined to get out on the hill today. I decided a walk, instead of a run, would give me a chance to assess how my injured knee was recovering.

Setting out from Standedge Cutting, which is a century's old trade route crossing, I headed along the old Turnpike Road to Pule Hill. The climb up the southern face of Pule Hill is steep and a great test of leg strength. The views from the summit are wonderful and reach far across the windswept moors. The route to the Memorial Cross, which over-looks Marsden, was a delight on such a lovely spring morning. Passing several groups of walkers I could here the clanging of metal, drifting by on the wind, from the rattling racks of ironmongery clipped to the harnesses of climbers on the crags below.
Descending to Intake Head Farm I crossed the busy A62 and made my way to the Tunnel End Visitor Centre where I enjoyed a fresh cup of Yorkshire tea and a cream bun. The visitor centre is well worth a visit and if you're lucky you may see canal boats emerging from the dark tunnel after their deep passage from Diggle on the opposite side of the Pennines.

Heading along Waters Road I made my way to Close Gate Bridge which spans Haigh Clough. This narrow packhorse bridge stands at the start of an ancient trail that once crossed the moors to Rochdale. The course of the trail is now a designated Bridleway which I followed up the flanks of Willykay Clough. The moorland grasses appeared to flow in the wind like waves in the ocean and on the leeward slopes, new-born lambs were nestled amongst the grassy tussocks, sheltering from the wind, as their mothers stood close-by grazing.

At the top of the climb, on Little Moss, I turned south and followed the course of the Pennine Way along Millstone Edge to return to Standedge cutting. The morning had been lovely and whilst a strong wind had blown throughout, the weather had been mild and dry. However, I had timed my return perfectly for dark menacing clouds had now blown in and were beginning to unleash their sodden contents upon the parched moors.

Castleshaw Skyline - A lovely winters morning

Date: 31^st March 2013

Only a small contingent of seven runners met at Brownhill’s on what was a gloriously sunny Easter Sunday morning. Many of the regular Sunday morning crowd either had family commitments or must have forgoten to change their clocks to British Summer Time and therefore were still lying content under warm bed sheets.

Brownhill countryside visitor centre is the traditional meeting point for the Saddleworth Runners Club’s Sunday morning outings. Operated by Oldham Council’s Countryside Service, the visitor centre and Lime Kiln Café is situated in the heart of Saddleworth, on the banks of the Huddersfield canal.

Leaving the visitor centre car park, at just gone 10.00am, we headed North along the canal for a short while before picking up the A670 for the short stretch of tarmac to the Navigation Inn. Passing through the little wooden gate, at the side of the pub, we ascending the series of paths which provide a route up onto Lark Hill. Turning North along Harrop Edge Lane we were confronted by a cold wind blowing in from the East. It was these chilling Easterly’s which had brought in the recent bout of snow over the past weeks which, although now receding, as the spring temperatures begin to rise, was lying in deep drifts upon the frozen ground.

As we dropped into the saddle before Hunters Hill a couple of our group muttered suggestions of dropping down past the Saddleworth Hotel into the Castleshaw Valley, to avoid the wind, and follow a route back along the Tame Valley Way. Not wanting to miss the delights of running on the high moors on such a beautiful morning I instigated a coup and led a break-away group in the direction of Millstone Edge.

Parting company with the others we headed for Bleak Hey Nook and, after crossing the normally busy A62, passed behind the old, now long derelict, Horse & Jockey pub and headed up Whimberry Lee Lane. At Stanedge the remaining five ascended pure white, crisp snow fields to attain the trig point on Millstone Edge. Under a clear sky there was not but a breath of wind on this rocky edge which marks the Lancashire/Yorkshire border. The views all around were magnificent and far reaching and we reflected on what the others were missing after opting for lower ground.

 

Whilst today was glorious this rocky edge is often battered by strong winds, the year round. In bad winter weather this must have been a grim posting for the Roman soldiers stationed at the fort in the valley below, who’s job it was to guard the military road from Chester to York. One of a series of Roman Forts the original stronghold covered over three acres and garrisoned around 500 infantry. At some point it was abandoned until being re-occupied in the early 2^nd century A.D. as a small out-post.

Following the Oldham Way we made good progress over the firm snow, the frozen surface of which was yet to thaw under the warming sun. Looking over to the West, the Denshaw reservoirs could be seen glistening in the morning sunlight.

Picking up the Pennine Bridleway we dropped down Moor Lane where it meets Ox Hey Lane, at the old Cross Roads known as Four Lane Ends. Continuing South we enjoyed running on the deep snow drifts that had completely filled the sunken track that is Broad Lane. The views down into the Castleshaw Valley were a delight as we headed towards Heights.

Although we wouldn’t be passing it today, St Thomas’s church is located just a few hundred metres further along the lane. Known locally as Height’s Church it has featured in many film and TV productions. Opposite is a small public house called the Royal Oak which is well worth a visit, if passing this way, as they are reputed to offer fine ales and good food.

Opposite the entrance to Spring Hill we turned South East, towards Grange, and descended the sunken bridleway, which is believed to have been an old packhorse road or ‘saltway’. This area of Saddleworth was part of Friarmere which in turn was part of the Roche Abbey estate.  Local historians believe that the Black Friars had a house or ‘Grange’ here which possibly lends its name to the area.

 

Our descent once again took us over deep snowdrifts and we eventually emerged at the ford which crosses Hull Brook. In summer, after a long run, crossing the ford offers a welcoming, cool relief to hot, tired feet. However, with the brook flowing cold from melt-waters gathered from the frozen moors high above the valley we chose to cross the wooden bridge, a little further upstream, and keep our feet warm and dry.

With our morning outing nearing the end we followed the course of Hull Brook, picked up the Tame Valley Way and followed its route through Delph and Dobcross and back to Brownhill’s in Uppermill.

We had had a fantastic run and marked the start of British Summer Time on what was a beautifully clear sunny morning. A nice hot brew and bacon butty was all that was now needed to end what had been a perfect Easter Sunday morning.