Sunday, 31st March 2019

18 walkers set out from the access road up to Hall Barn, a gentle climb up to the barn took us on the pathway into the central area of the remains of  the family home of Lord  Leverhulme. All now that remains are the bases of the numerous buildings situated on the site, and the multi level gardens which were a feature of the property layout. It was interesting to see that there is a big investment in clearance and general repairs and some new build to the area of gardens in particular. We climbed out from the remains up to the Pigeon House where we stopped for coffee. Onwards out onto the open moor to pass close to the Rivington communications mast, following the pathway we reached the junction of Belmont Road, where almost directly opposite  we turned for a welcolme wind at our backs and a pathway taking us downward to Higher Hempshaw’s  to a derelict property where we stopped for lunch. The route getting now easier and gentle, dropping to a level to start our circular of the Rivington Reservoir, with easy walking on good pathways back to our start at the road to Hall Barn. A great days walking despite the weather, no mud and no rain or snow, thanks to Richard for a good day out.