14th: Hardcastle Crags walk
13
members enjoyed a 7.5 mile walk around the Hardcastle Crags area near
Hebden Bridge. We started the walk from the historic village of
Heptonstall, dropping steeply down to cross the Hebden Water before
continuing up Grimsworth Dean. Lunch was had at the pretty waterfall at
Lumb Bridge before we continued the walk over Shackleton Moor and
dropped back down to the Hebden Water.
This was
followed via the picturesque Hardcastle Crags woodlands to Gibson Mill.
We had welcome refreshments at the NT café and some of the group visited
the mill exhibitions and green energy engineering bits. The walk
continued with a steep climb up to Slack village with panoramic views
over the adjacent valleys. After passing the cottages at ‘Slack Bottom’,
we eventually arrived back in Heptonstall. Several residents wearing
cloth caps and clogs were observed exercising their ferrets before going
back to the mill for the night shift while a brass band playing ‘On
Ilkley Moor B’ah Tat’ could be heard in the distance. The weather
remained dry throughout with some hints of sun. Not bad for a November
day in t’Pennines. ‘appen we’ll go again. By ‘eck!
Nigel & Sue
Please click this link to see the photos http://picasaweb.google.com/stockportwalkingoutdoors/HardcastleCragsWalkLedByNigel
