12 intrepid ramblers set off on a wild and windy morning yesterday to undertake the 10 mile circular route from Anglezarke reservoir to Great Hill via White Coppice. The walk started in relatively calm weather with some bright sunshine and we walked through lovely woodland following the path around the edge of the reservoir. This is the largest reservoir in the Rivington chain which is fed by the River Yarrow, Previously supplying Liverpool, the reservoir now supplies water to Wigan. The water level had increased substantially since the recce was undertaken 3 weeks ago given the amount of rain that has fallen. This was also very evident further into the walk.
Continuing to use the woodland paths we walked in the shadow of Stronstrey bank which hides the gritstone quarry overlooking White Coppice. Crossing the Goit, one of the fell water channels which feeds Anglezarke, we diverted to have a snack stop at the little hamlet. Stated to be the most picturesque cricket ground in the UK, the nets are now retired for the season, but during the summer the hamlet attracts many visitors to watch the cricket due to the lovely setting. Having had a quick break we started the ascent to Great Hill. Using very stony paths the group made good progress to a flat respite point on the slopes of Wheelton Moor. It was here we could see the remains of former farmhouses, now derelict ruins, the largest of these being Drinkwaters. Here we stopped to admire the memorial to Joe, a local fell runner, whose metal cup is still evident behind a keep stone. Continuing our ascent, we had some great views of the surrounding countryside with Darwen Tower being conspicuous across the moors. The top of Great Hill is not marked by a trig point, but rather with a four-sided wind shelter where we stopped for lunch. It was here that we really were at the mercy of the fierce wind which blew relentlessly, although it was a surprisingly warm one. From here we started on the descent along a good, paved path which stretched for 3 miles across open moorland. We were grateful for the path as had it not been there the route would have been impassable as the terrain was peat bogs which had retained a lot of the recent rains. Even so some of the path was awash with water which resulted in some rather wet feet! Branching from the paved section we continued our descent past the ruins of Higher and Lower Hempshaws farms, and then on to a broad grassy path which led to Lead Mines Clough. First recorded as a lead mine in 1692, it finally closed in 1837, although the water flowing through the area still runs brown showing evidence of the ore still present in the area. The route then took us back onto a road alongside an arm of the River Yarrow, and back to our start point. So having walked 10 miles and gained a height of almost 1400 feet, the group concluded our longest and hardest walk of the year. Credit is due to this group of walkers who embrace the rambles with enthusiasm and determination, even if they do moan a bit along the way! As usual we concluded the walk with a welcome drink in a local pub. The rambles continue during the winter, but we tend to keep to more local shorter routes, but rest assured the maps are already being perused for next year’s challenges! Thanks to Gill for undertaking the recce with me a few weeks ago, and well done to the group of ramblers!