Introduction

Venturing onto the hills, after last night’s fun with Razorlight and The Kaiser Chiefs outdoors at Castlefield Bowl in the heart of Manchester,it suddenly felt like the very moment that summer turned to autumn.

The weather was cool and cloudy with a very fresh westerley breeze.

The walk is approximately 4.5 miles with 900ft, 275m, of ascent to tackle.

The drive is about 30 minutes from Cheadle Hulme and the walk took 2 hours to complete, plus a 20 minute lunch stop.

For dog walkers, the walk wasn’t great as there were both sheep and cattle on much of the open moorland.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.

The start is just to the north (uphill) from The Lamb Inn (postcode SK23 6AL) on the A624 from Chapel-en-le-frith to Glossop. Parking is either in the large lay-by on the right beyomd tThe Lamb or, as I found, just turn into the side road on the left where there is space to pull in at the entrance to “Peep-O-Day” Farm!

Peep-O-Day to Chinley Churn

As soon as I left the car, the stunning views hit me, though the weather meant that the photos don’t do it justice.

The Kinder Scout massif to the northeast dominates the area.

Heading west up the track, I soon come to the inscribed bench which is featured at the start of the blog.

It would have been rude not to follow its instruction. This is the magnificent view that I enjoyed for a short while.

A short downhill stretch and I leave the track to the left, heading up towards a farm building which again has lovely views over to Kinder.

The view across the deep valley is also worth stopping for.

As I neared the top of the ridge, two lazy cows lie and stand motionless as I passed.

These three are equally accommodating.

After passing through a gate, I enter the quarry section. I elected to go up onto the ridge, dodging between the rocks. This is access land, and there are many ways to go. It is easy to get lost so the GPS OS map definitely helped as I enjoyed the craggy scene, and more great views.

Over Hill Road

I turned round the end of the ridge and headed down a gully which was more gorse than path!

Eventually I found the proper path on my left hand side and made my way down to the road. I’ve been here before at this time of year and knew it was good for blackberries, so I made a small collection for tomorrow’s breakfast!

North On the Bridleway

Just after a farm drive I left the road on the bridleway. I was now fully exposed to the chilly west wind, and the views were now across Manchester. The sheep didn’t know who to support, some had red dye, others blue, but United were more numerous than City!

As is the case on many paths, this sign is looking worse for wear.

However, it did its job, and I headed east from here, back towards the car.

At the top of the ridge, there was a final view to Kinder Scout, with Kinder Reservoir clearly visible.

The final stretch took me back downhill, and I was tempted to stop at the “Poetry Bench” for a last look at the view down the valley. It looked like it had been sunny, perhaps 15 miles to the south. Oh well, never mind, it was still an enjoyable morning out!

And Finally…..

Last night I enjoyed the Kaiser Chiefs They played all their classics. Here’s one for you!