www.friendsofdalesrail.org

SUNDAY, 15th. JANUARY, 2006

COACH TRIP HAWKSHAW

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

For the first walks of 2006, it’s back over the border into Lancashire. The ‘A’ walk starting from Ramsbottom, the ‘B’ from Hawkshaw and the ‘C’ from Edgeworth with all finishing at Hawkshaw.

Please note, the coach will leave at approx. 5,00PM or one hour after the last group is back, in winter.

A WALK STRENUOUS LINEAR 14 MILES

This seems a typical winter ‘A’ walk in Lancashire; with a few ups, a few downs, a few stiles, a few yomps and lots of water – both to look at and to walk through – so if it is not frozen, there will also be a bit of mud. It is not quite a circular walk as we start on the outskirts of Ramsbottom, and attack Peel Tower from the back before meandering down to Edgeworth. From here we join one of many bits of the Witton Weavers’ Way and follow it over Cheetham Chase, before wandering back to Hawkshaw, and emerging directly opposite the Waggon and Horses! At a rough guess there will be about 2,000 feet of climbing. (2287 feet)

Leaders Martin H and Lewis H

B WALK MODERATE CIRCULAR 11.5 MILES

We start in the centre of Hawkshaw, walk up Hawkshaw Lane and then across fields on muddy paths to Turton Bottoms. Passing through Chapeltown and a very picturesque church, we continue in a westerly direction towards Dimple. Crossing some moorland we head to Turton & Entwistle Reservoir. Passing over the dam, we walk towards Crowthorn. Past some school cottages and reservoir we then contour through some MOD land with views of Holcombe Tower. It is then a short distance to Hawkshaw Lane and the coach. This was a very muddy walk when it was recced, so gaiters would be of benefit. Total ascent 1997 feet.

Leaders Alan and Lynn

C WALK EASY LINEAR (HORSE SHOE SHAPED) 7 MILES

Starting from Edgeworth and following a path beside ponds and reservoirs, through Jumbles Country Park to Bromley Cross, leaving reservoir and following a track up past Top o’th Knotts to Roman road and then down Affetside and across the B6213 and down to end of track leading to Hawkshaw. Total ascent 780 feet.

Leaders Brian and Chris