Tuesday, 28th April 2015

Walk: Wheelton Plantation, Solomon's Temple, Roddlesworth Reservoirs, Hollinshead Hall, Redmonds Edge, Jepsons Gate, Stronstrey Bank
Start Point: White Coppice Grid Reference: SD 619 190
Distance: 12.6 miles Ascent: 2,020 feet
Time: 6 hours
Weather: Sunny with a cold wind
Comments: A 'make it up as you go' walk, I was pleased to find that a path is now visible heading from Belmont Road to Redmonds Edge. Initially this is a wide track marked on the map but after turning east there are signs of a way up to Redmonds Edge on this Open Access area of the moor. Leaving the main path at Redmonds Edge I then found another unmarked path which joined the track leading to Lead Mines Clough. An enjoyable day with lots of sun.

This ruin may have housed people employed by the calico printworks which closed in 1928 and is found near the edge of Wheelton Plantation . . .

while this ruin is next to a small quarry just outside the plantation

Looking over Wheelton Plantation to Preston . . .

and zooming in on the football ground

The sheep decide to take their leave . . .

but a couple of lambs are more curious . . .

and this one is quite brave

The ruin of the farm known as Solomon's Temple . . .

a popular stop for walkers

As I take a break . . .

one sheep comes for a closer look . . .

showing off its curved horn . . .

and enjoying a sunny spot

The water looks rather low in this reservoir

Ready for take-off

Crossing Rake Brook

Can't identify which type of goose these are

Come in number 10!

Roddlesworth Reservoir with Darwen Tower on the horizon

A bird's nest spotted near the reservoir . . .

what a construction!

Not much water in River Roddlesworth . . .

even where it is channeled . . . .

over the flat rock

The bridge over the river . . .

provides a good drink stop

The ruins of . . .

Hollinshead Hall . . .

and the nearby Well House . . .

and a peep inside

Winter Hill from Redmonds Edge

Lead Mines Clough . . .

where the gorse is in full bloom

Manor House is a Grade II listed building and was formerly known as High Bullough, from a family of that name. It has a 1604 date stone and other stones inscribed "RS", "WS", and "WL1778"

Healey Nab . . .

and more gorse in bloom

Return to 2015 Diary