Hebden Bridge, Stoodley Pike, Whitworth, Ramsbottom, Peel Tower, Belmont, Yorkshire/Lancashire. 4 day backpack.

Hebden Bridge, Stoodley Pike, Whitworth, Ramsbottom, Peel Tower, Belmont, Yorkshire/Lancashire.
(4 day back-pack)
Wed 17 Mar - Sat 20 Mar 2021

Map + Profile

Sat 20 Mar 2021

Day 1 Wed 17 Mar 2021

Day 3 Fri 19 Mar 2021

Day 2 Thu 18 Mar 2021

Day 4 Sat 20 Mar 2021

I was packed up and away around 08:20 a.m. in misty conditions. There was nothing to see as I headed north towards the boundary wall. I turned left across rough ground to start my descent into Egerton. The first part was quite rough. But eventually I reached a faint path descending diagonally to the base of the hill. On the way I passed a very substantial spring issuing from a pipe. The water was very clear but below it was a terrible quagmire which was difficult to get across. I reached the gate and main path above New Butterworth Farm and started to descend along a very wet path. I took a detour here through the trees to try and avoid the worst of the wet ground. I came to the farm access track and followed it down to Cox Green Road where I crossed over and found a narrow path taking me down Torra Barn Close. Another path took me to Bedford Street and then the main Blackburn Road where I stopped by a rubbish bin to leave my bag of rubbish. I turned left down Longworth Road which was extremely busy not just with traffic but many cyclists. It was quite a long way passing the reservoir and steadily uphill to Egerton Road.

Fortunately the continuation of Longworth Road to the Belmont Reservoir is a dead end so there was little traffic. However there were still many cyclists riding by. I reached the reservoir embankment and crossed over to the A675 and turned left and down the hill to what used to be the Belmont Bull Inn. It closed in 2018 and is now being converted to flats. Across the road used to be the post office and shop but that is now a private house. However the red post box remains. When I last came here camping I called at the post office to buy some chocolate bars.
Site of the old Belmont Post Office.

The Belmont Bull being converted to flats.
Belmont Bull in 2009.

I left the main road to head west along naylors Terrace until I came to a gate at the end and headed out along a grass path to the site of the ruins of New Barn. I had a rest here and something to eat and drink before continuing.
I continued along the old Quarry access track which was in reasonable condition. It didn't stay that way for long and was soon very wet. When I reached the fence and stile I had a quagmire to negotiate. I reached the road to Hordern Stoops which was very busy with traffic. The small car park at the summit was full and as I turned right to head north along Spitlers Edge.

Spitlers Edge.

There were many people out walking. It was excellent underfoot with the stone slabs to walk on but the weather had deteriorated so the views were very limited. However there was no rain and as I approached Great Hill I could see the views. I turned left at the fence to head directly towards Great Hill Farm ruins.

Last wall at Drinkwaters.

Walkers at Drinkwaters.

Following the old track I joined the main footpath past Drinkwater's ruins. It was incredible how many people were out walking. I stopped briefly and took a few photos before descending to white Coppice. I stopped here on a bench to have something to eat before heading home along the lanes.