Breaking news... Mad man seen on the Moors.
Okay, it was me, but if anyone had seen me grinning from ear to ear and covered in mud, it would be a label.
So, this adventure took place on the moors north of Rochdale. Why Rochdale, SSSH, tell no one, but it's a gem of a place.
It was once a regular stomping ground when I was instructing potential walk group leaders, but it's been five years and the first time I've trod on the sodden ground in trail shoes.
There's something about moorland. To some, the same brown coloured grasses and the endless low rolling hills don't appeal. It is peaceful when you stay on the paths and hectic when you take advantage of the Open Access freedom and wander on a compass bearing.
One thing I must always remember to do when I'm out running is to look back from where I have come. If I don't I miss great views.
There is some much history being consumed by the nature out there on the moors. We tried to tame the moors, but as soon as we left they claim it all back.
Okay, it was me, but if anyone had seen me grinning from ear to ear and covered in mud, it would be a label.
So, this adventure took place on the moors north of Rochdale. Why Rochdale, SSSH, tell no one, but it's a gem of a place.
It was once a regular stomping ground when I was instructing potential walk group leaders, but it's been five years and the first time I've trod on the sodden ground in trail shoes.
There's something about moorland. To some, the same brown coloured grasses and the endless low rolling hills don't appeal. It is peaceful when you stay on the paths and hectic when you take advantage of the Open Access freedom and wander on a compass bearing.
One thing I must always remember to do when I'm out running is to look back from where I have come. If I don't I miss great views.
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| A view through the gate posts |
The names we've given to places out there make me smile: Prickshaw Slack, Windy Hillock, Calf Clough, Middle Hill and Brown Wardle.
Having the freedom to roam means slight detours to visit places like Top of Pike are easy to do and experience the views they offer.
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| Top of Pike |
Wandering across the moor it's hard to forget that this was once an industrial area. Passing over the brow of a hill the quarrying and other human activities spring into view. Though they are scars on the landscape nature is blurring the once rough and stark edges. These industrial sites are even becoming beautiful in their own way. Years of winter freeze and thaw actions split rocks, which men toiled over, with ease. The lichen, natures own graffiti, still covers the rocks long after the spray paint has washed away.
Boundary stones found where we've tried to carve up the moors. The stones, once used to demarcate territory, are now just orienteering challenges. Many bow down with age. Few still stand tall.
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| Quarry ruin |
Boundary stones found where we've tried to carve up the moors. The stones, once used to demarcate territory, are now just orienteering challenges. Many bow down with age. Few still stand tall.
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| A proud boundary stone |
Being on the moors it's hard not to feel happy and my grin is but a by-product of that feeling.
Underfoot, the mud, and, shallow bogs make for some challenging traction. Having slipped and slided occasionally I was wearing my 'mud scars' with pride. I'd survived injury free. My reaction to every slip was to burst out laughing. I still picked myself up and looked around to see only sheep witnessing my antics.
All this running and slipping is hard work, and I decided I should rest and enjoy my lunch. Waterfalls had been marked on the map. Having never ventured there before it was time to explore.
All this running and slipping is hard work, and I decided I should rest and enjoy my lunch. Waterfalls had been marked on the map. Having never ventured there before it was time to explore.
Again an old quarry, the water soaked ground was releasing its water over the worked walls.
I descended into the depression and wow, it was a sun trap. Perfect spot for my lunch and maybe even a snooze. Twenty minutes later I awoke. I'd fallen asleep. It must have been the 'surround sound' water falls.
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| One of three waterfalls |
Refreshed, it was time to head back to the car parked at Healey Dell. Making my way off the moors over Middle Hill and Brown Wardle the urban browns and reds came into sight. It's hard to think this area has so much history. Once a key facility for bomb manufacturing during World War 2.
For centuries the River Spodden has carved its way through the sandstone creating overhangs. The area described by a Saxon word, "the Thrutch". It was at this point a mill, originally for corn, but later wool, was built over the river. The arches can still be seen today.
Further back in time within the Thrutch, before the flood of 1838 which destroyed it, it also contained a cavern in the rock which had a pulpit, reading desk and seats, formed by the action of the water. This is still known as the Fairies Chapel.
In local folklore the Chapel was formed when the King of the Fairies, aiding Robert of Huntingdon to overcome a curse, turned a local coven of witches to stone.
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| Not a bridge. A support beam |
Further back in time within the Thrutch, before the flood of 1838 which destroyed it, it also contained a cavern in the rock which had a pulpit, reading desk and seats, formed by the action of the water. This is still known as the Fairies Chapel.
In local folklore the Chapel was formed when the King of the Fairies, aiding Robert of Huntingdon to overcome a curse, turned a local coven of witches to stone.
There are so many places out there to explore with so much history, some seen, other history lost to nature or man made rebuild. It's easy to forget that the open green field you next run across doesn't have history below your feet.
This exploration will continue to drive my desire to plan and experience my adventures.