At the trig point on Bull Hill.
The reason why we had to modify our route!
The Red Flag was flying but we still went to the trig point, twice!
The Memorial stone on the site of an old cross.
Peel Tower on Holcombe Moor.
Walk stats: Distance:10.5 miles, Climb:1280'.
Time: 5 hours 15 minutes. On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Roger, Dave J, Mike D., Paul G, John and Elaine.
The weather forecast was quite good, partly cloudy, dry and on the cool side. Thankfully the ground was still frozen, and made our trek across the peaty moorland quite pleasant. We went past the parking area at 09-15, but didn't recognize it as we were expecting it to be a car park rather than a lay-by! It was half an hour later that we eventually parked the car having been as far as the White Horse in Helmshore twice. At least this allowed the Greenhalghs to catch up with us!
Everything went well up to the trig point on Bull Hill, but our proposed route across MOD property was barred by a soldier. How unlucky could we be to go on a day when the shooting range was in use!
The revised route took us around the perimeter of the firing range before arriving back on the summit of Bull Hill for the second time. We then rejoined the described walk across the moor to Peel Tower, obviously a very popular objective for people visiting this area.
Overall this turned out to an excellent walk with views in all directions, especially across Cheetham Close and Winter Hill beyond. We even did a bit of train spotting, more challenging to see than to hear!
Lunch was taken on the slopes of Lark Hill, utilizing the walls by a derelict building as seats. Dave provide cakes made by Sylvia and John produced some of Elaine's Christmas cake. Both were enjoyed by all that sampled them.
Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Raven, European robin, Great tit, Blue tit, Green woodpecker and Red grouse.
Having said goodbye to our Bolton friends, we headed off to the White Horse encountered earlier in our search for the car park. It isn't often we frequent a hostelry where school children and younger are in the majority. Nevertheless we managed to find a quiet corner to enjoy a pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord as did another couple of walkers.
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