Introduction

Today I headed northeast, with the forecast for rain spreading in from the southwest. As we reach the back end of the summer, I suspect there may be fewer opportunities ahead to enjoy the Pennine moors in relatively pleasant conditions.

The weather behaved as promised and a sunny start eventually gave way to a rainy finish, but that was too late to spoil my walk!

The walk was around 8.5miles, with 1162ft, 355m, of ascent.

Winscar Reservoir is at the far end of the Woodhead Pass near the village of Dunford Bridge, 45 – 60 minutes drive, depending on the traffic.

I completed this walk in 3 hours 15 minutes.

I wouldn’t recommend this walk to dog walkers, the best parts being over open moors with sheep grazing.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.

It starts at postcode S36 4TF, Dunford Bridge. There are three free car parks, I used the first one which is signposted for the Sailing Club.

Winscar Reservoir

I completed the walk in a clockwise direction, so on reaching the reservoir I went through a gate to the left of the Sailing Club entrance and up a steepish bank for a first view of the water.

Usually, I follow clear paths, but this southern edge of the reservoir is Access Land with no paths marked on the map. The ground here is difficult with tussocks and holes created by cattle, of which, fortunately, none were seen today! The views in the sunshine were splendid.

Sticking quite close to the fence I came to gate. After this a path led down through the wet ferns to a stream at the head of the lake. Great images both ways from here.

The ferns were heavy and wet. Thankfully, I’d worn gaiters and stayed relatively dry. There was a reasonably defined path along the second finger of water.

Another stream had to be negotiated here.

Heading on towards the farmhouse, the contrasting green grass & trees and purple heather reminded me of Wimbledon!

And there was a last sunny view of the reservoir before I headed on, turning left at the house to rise up Snailsden Edge.

Snailsden Edge and Snailsden Reservoir

The open moors were draped in heather, and dotted with freshly prepared grouse butts. And there were were plenty of grouse being flushed out as I walked along the edge.

This picture captured another common bird here, a kestrel hovering over the grass, with Snailsden Edge stretching away in the background.

A short detour off the edge led to the freshly painted trig point at 475m above sea level on Upper Snailsden Moss.

More glorious heather was on display here.

As I headed downhill to Snailsden Resrvoir I met two fellow hikers, Charlotte and Matthew, who were happy to pose for a picture. Lovely to meet you both!

Forestry Plantation

Walking on, I reached the road and took in a loop of the Copthurst Moor plantation.

The first part is on a quiet road. Thereafter, tracks run through the forest where there is a pretty bridge and colourful narrow valley.

Disused Quarry and Tip

This section has returned to nature, and creates an unusual semi-natural environment loved by the heather.

Back To Winscar

The reservoir soon comes back into view.

The stroll back along the dam in the rain still afforded a splendid lakeside view up to Snailsden Edge and a picture of the hamlet of Dunford Bridge below.

This was a great walk, off the beaten track, and highlighted by the incredible swathes of purple heather.

And Finally….

Not quite what I saw today, but here are Stars On The Water by Rodney Crowell.