Members: Dave Wylie, Iain McCallum, Keith Williams, Pete Walker, Kasia Hoyle, James Hoyle, Chris Thicket, Sandy Gregson, Jim Gregson, Alan Peck, Bob Kelly, Phil Ramsbottom.

Twelve set off from Ashworth Moor reservoir on a dull morning. After a good path we took a line directly across a trackless bit of moor to reach the Coal Road passing very close to our first windtower of the day. Whilst they are a very long way off pretty I have to admit that I was surprised that they are relatively quiet - it's a great pity that they do not produce any significant amount of electricity.

We reached the viewpoint overlooking chez Thickett in time to enjoy elevenses as the sun came out, Mrs T must have got fed up with waiting for us as she drove off just after we got there so we were able to conserve the energy we were all saving to wave to her.

From here the sun was ever present as we continued over Scout Moor, just before we reached Waughs Well Kasia provided the only excitement of the day by stepping into a very deep, very muddy hole - I've not seen knees that black for a long time but she still managed to carry on smiling. When we reached the trig point at Cowpe Low the views to the North were extensive, Pen y Ghent was clearly visible and possibly Black Combe in the Lakes (you did need binoculars and a bit of hopeful imagination for that one).

Lunch was taken on the edge of the quarry above Cowpe village. Pete and Keith decided to take a direct line across the moor to Knowl Hill whilst the rest of us stuck with the Rossendale Way, taking a short diversion to the Top of Leach trig point.

After a pleasant stroll down Rooley Moor Road, the walk suddenly took on a more serious character as we struck out directly across the moor, the low sun made it very difficult to find a good line across pathless tussocky ground but we finally managed to find a way steeply down to Naden Higher reservoir. As soon as we got down we set off straight back up to climb steeply out of the valley and back up to Knowl Hill where we met up with Keith (Pete having carried on without stopping).

After this it was simply a case of following the tourists back to the cars at Owd Betts.

Not a very eventful walk but an enjoyable one with lovely weather and very good views - thanks to all who turned up.

This was intended to be a walk around Holcombe Hill, unfortunately Frank chose to do exactly the same walk in April so I have been forced to rethink.

What I have come up with is a tour around Scout Moor (dodging the wind towers as much as possible).

Meet at Ashworth Moor Reservoir at SD833157 at 9.15 for a 9:30 start.

The route is intended to be: across the moor to join the Coal Road leading to Whittle Hill (wave to Mrs Thickett), across to Cowpe Low, Rossendale Way to Top Leach (trig point). Then South along Rooley Moor road before turning West across the moor to the North End of the Greenbooth Reservoirs. Before climbing up to Knowle Hill and back to the cars. That should give three trig points and 12 miles.

So far I haven't checked the route, hopefully I will do so before the day, if not I am hopeful that a well known local door mouse will act as a guide.

Best Map - Outdoor Leisure 21 - South Pennines.