Wednesday, 13th February 2019
| Walk: | Rochdale Canal, Hey Head Green, Langfield Edge, Withens Gate, TC Way (Todmorden Centenary Way), Stoodley Pike Monument, Pennine Way, Mankinholes, Lumbutts Clough, Rochdale Canal tow path | ||
| Start Point: | Todmorden car park | Grid Reference: | SD 937 241 |
| Distance: | 9 miles | Ascent: | 1,350 feet |
| Time: | 4.75 hours | ||
| Weather: | Overcast with some sunny spells and a cold wind | ||
| Comments: | A very pleasant walk with views across the open moors and into the valley. The strong, cold wind was at our backs along the higher part of the route but the afternoon was colder than we had expected. A cafe near the car park made for a very welcome end to the walk. | ||
Fielden Wharf was a derelict site which received a much needed face lift and was awarded a Commendation in the 'Community' category at the 2008 British Urban Regeneration Waterways Renaissance Awards Ceremony. The stainless steel fish sculptures (and nearby planters) were created in collaboration with artist/blacksmith Nick Green and Todmorden in Bloom
Walking just below Langfield Edge . . .
we are able to see the rock face
An early view of . . .
Stoodley Pike
Just the spot for a break . . .
or time to put the feet up!
Withens Gate where the Pennine Way and the Calderdale Way meet
Stoodley Pike
The current structure was designed by local architect James Green in 1854 and the building was completed in 1856 when peace was declared at the end of the Crimean War.
An earlier monument had existed on the site, started in 1814 to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon and the surrender of Paris then completed in 1815 after the Battle of Waterloo (Napoleonic Wars).
This structure collapsed in 1854 following an earlier lightning strike and ongoing wear and tear from the elements.
From the balcony we can see Todmorden in the far distance . . .
and are lucky enough to be able to zoom in on a train leaving the market town
Our onward path is clearly seen from the balcony . . .
where Marie looks rather cold . . .
and I catch a spot of sun
Leaving the monument behind . . .
we eventually reach the Rochdale Canal and are welcomed by a flock of geese
Looking back to Stoodley Pike from the car park