Heptonstall Autumn Colours Walk                                          

Sunday October 24^th       

Members: Dave Wylie, Steve Torley, Andy Stratford, Mark Rothwell, Michelle Harvie, Kate Harvey,  Mark Garrod, Joe Flynn, Paul Evans

Prospective Members: Michelle Harrison, Brian Tarnowski

Guests: Lorna McWilliams

Full marks to Kate for coming on the meet all the way from Chester. Also good to welcome Michelle to her first meet, and Brian to his 4^th (membership application signatures obtained in the car park post-walk!).

We started from Heptonstall by dropping down into Hebden Dale, and as the drizzle hadn’t completely disappeared, took the “up-the-valley” option following the river as much as possible. Joe queried the decision to only use the composting toilets at Gibson Mill but not the café as well – it was only 11am though. Further riverside walking and nattering took us back over the river and then up the side of the valley and out of the woods – just as the sun came out. Not bad planning eh. We then followed the track up to the side of Alcomden Water before cutting over to Clough Foot and the Pennine bridleway, which led us to Gorple Lower Dam. Lunch was had – sort of out of the wind.

The return route was over Heptonstall Moor on the Pennine Way, up and over Hot Stones Hill, and dropping down to the edge of Colden Clough. This was then followed all the way back to the carpark, with some super autumn wood views over the clough.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the walk (or you are all very polite), despite it being measured at only 17.5 kms when advertised at 20. I must have mislaid the other 2.5 kms somewhere en route. Thanks for coming.

Mark Garrod

Autumn Colours Walk - Heptonstall        Sunday October 24th                                      Mark Garrod

Is it better to view the autumnal colours from within a wood or above it? How about we take a view on the day; if it’s fine, I suggest going above, if wet, then within (where possible)? The main woods in question are those in Hebden Dale, but Eaves Wood, S/W of Heptonstall, should also be looking good.

Start point is the “end of road” parking in Heptonstall, grid ref 988277. To get there, go up the hill off the A646 toward the village, and turn 1^st left as you enter the village. Follow the road round to its end – parking in the car park on the left (honesty box payment when I was last there).  

Meet 9.45am for a 10am prompt start. Plan is to drop down into Hebden Dale at New Bridge (via Heptonstall church remains and gravestones for those that have not seen them before), then either head up the Dale in the valley, or climb up onto Turn Hill and head over to Walshaw. Either way, we will aim for Alcomden Water, then start our return by going over Gorple Lower dam. The Pennine Way then leads us over Heptonstall Moor, and after leaving the PW, heading along the edge of Colden Clough back to the cars. Very roughly around 20 km, but can easily be shortened if the weather isn’t kind.     

Hope to see you then – let me know if anyone needs a lift.                                

Mark