Thursday walk 5 Aug 2021 – report

[Andy Smith]

Ten members , one former member and a dog met at the Rushup
Edge layby which was nearly full but with a bit of careful
manoeuvring and sign relocation, everyone got a place for
their car. The weather was warm and windy and with a few
spots of rain now and again. The sort of day when
waterproofs get taken on and off, but we avoided the
scattered heavy showers which had been forecast. We set off
along the Roych (Pennine Bridleway) towards South Head
passing a construction site for the renovation of the
railway tunnel ventilation shaft. Our progress was briefly
disturbed by a construction vehicle threatening to drive
through a puddle and soak us, and a cyclist who wanted a
clear run downhill and through a ford. We had our coffee
break on a convenient trackside grass bank before
continuing to the South Head col. The keen members of the
party (all but three), bombed up to the top of the hill and
reported a good view. We all now headed to Brown Knoll,
mostly on flagstones, pausing to eat our lunch in the
shelter of a wall corner. Some diverted to look at the
aircraft wreck site near the summit (Airspeed Oxford HN594
December 1945; all three crewmen survived) en route to the
trig point. There was a fine panorama in all directions
from here. We made good progress along the flagged path
before turning off to reach the castellated ventilation
shaft of the Cowburn Tunnel, reputed to be the deepest in
England, and now covered in scaffolding although no
workmen were in evidence. After a short walk farther on we
arrived at the stone igloo. Only three of the group had
been there before. Some explored the interior, ignoring
social distancing. We left along a pleasant grassy path by
an old wall which brought us to Chapel Gate. After another
half mile we were back at the cars. A good day. 7.2 miles,
just over 1000ft of ascent and 2 Ethels. Thanks to all for
coming. Andy

[Author]

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