| Walk: | Rushy Hill, Haslingden Grane, Calf Hey Reservoir and Nab Hill | ||
| Start Point: | Grey Mare Inn, Belthorn | Grid Reference: | SD 732 240 |
| Distance: | 5.25 miles | Ascent: | 750 feet |
| Time: | 3 hours | ||
| Weather: | Wall to wall sunshine, warm and no wind. Dry underfoot. (Perfect for walking) | ||
| Comments: | Our leader, who attracted a group of
thirty-four, first headed along the Grane Road to join the
Rossendale Way near to the Lancashire/Blackburn with Darwen
boundary. After a short walk along the side of Rushy Hill the route
descended to cross the Grane Road and on to moorland. Continuing
along the Rossendale Way the tea break was taken near to the remains
of Haslingden Grane. Haslingden Grane is a glaciated valley lying to the west of Haslingden and in the north east of the West Pennine Moors. It contains three reservoirs: Calf Hey Reservoir, Ogden Reservoir and Holden Wood Reservoir. Prior to the construction of the reservoirs in the 19th century the settlement of Haslingden Grane had a population of 1,300 and was the centre of an illegal whisky distilling industry. The remains of some buildings can still be seen. Much quarrying has taken place in the past and continues at Jamestone Quarry. The valley is overlooked to the north by Oswaldtwistle Moor and to the south by Musbury Heights. The attractive moorland scenery makes it a popular place for walking especially through the well known Fairy Glen beauty spot, there is an information centre, parking and cafe at Clough Head. Leaving the ruins behind the group walked over moorland and through wooded areas to reach Calf Hey Reservoir. Signs at the reservoir forbade Swimming, however the water level was so low there was hardly enough to swim in. Crossing the dam the sun drenched group ascended to Grane Road and crossed it to rest once more at the café at Clough Head. Here, thirsts were quenched and ice creams licked. The start of the last leg of the walk was by climbing a few feet from Clough Head up part of Nab Hill to re-join the Rossendale Way in a westerly direction. Walking on the moor just above the field line the merry band headed for the Grey Mare Inn and a well earned meal and a drop of ale. Fine fare, an enjoyable walk and most of all good weather. Thank you leader! |
||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Leaving the Grey Mare Inn via the Grane Road
Slowing down to join the Rossendale Way
Up to the moors
A distant Darwen Tower viewed from a Lancashire-Blackburn & Darwen boundary
On the side of Nab Hill
Approaching a ruin at Haslingden Grane
Refreshments in the shade . . .
and in the sun
Des and Stewart take it standing up
Ann and Elizabeth take it sitting down
%20and%20friend%20have%20been%20framed.jpg)
Judith (right) and a friend have been framed
Running repairs
Brian borrows a stepping stone
Looking towards Calf Hey and Ogden Reservoirs
On the Rossendale Way with Musbury Heights top right
Wooden toadstools
A bevy of beauty descend from the woods. No, not the men
On the right track
Is this the way for the Clog Dancers?
Ian and Craig backmark
Not much water going to the reservoir
Approaching Calf Hey Reservoir
What - no water!
Not much water to swim in
.jpg)
It will need a lot of rain to fill this (But please not Wednesdays or Sundays)
Ascending to Grane Road . . .
for another break
Information about the moors
The last major incline to Nab Hill
Ba Ba Black Sheep
A view from Rushy Hill