Saturday May 11th

 Marsden to Northern Rocher

It has been a lovely week weather wise and so we were keen to get out for a longer walk on Saturday. Starting from Marsden Station, we grabbed a coffee at the Standedge Tunnel café- all the better for being a Dark Woods blend (Deer Hill). The café was playing host to quite a few dogs as well as humans- some of which were clearly feeling the heat!

Several hot hounds

The start of the walk was a welcome change from the usual route along the canal and it took us high above Marsden. The stone weavers’ houses are really impressive and it must be so nice to enjoy the views from them.

A nicer path above the canal

We made our way up to Great Edge, stopping for a drink and to admire the Belted Galloway cows- (Rachel is the resident cow expert).

Stone houses and Belted Galloways

The journey up to the open moorland is familiar, but so different from the last time Jacinta was here. On that occasion, Jacinta turned back and spent a pleasant couple of hours in Katie’s Homemade Kitchen while David battled against the elements. We ate lunch at the March Haigh Reservoir, always a pleasant stopping off point.

March Haigh Reservoir and March Hill

From the Reservoir, the walk follows an easy path until the Pennine Way and Northern Rotcher are reached. This name indicates the local influence of the Normans, almost a thousand years ago. 

On the way up to Northern Rocher

The views are fine, although smoke from a moorland fire down in the valley, created some minor problems at this point.

We walked on, past the National Trust signs for Marsden Moor and arrived at the A62 by the Great Western Inn. From here we ascended Pule Hill, having the place to ourselves and it was well worth the pull up the hill to enjoy the rock formations and view. We were supposed to see the poetry of Simon Armitage on the way down but I don’t think we were in quite the right place! We made our way back to Marsden, passing the church and its massive graveyard. All in all- a grand day out.

9¼ miles with 475m ascent.


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