Tuesday November 5th

Gradbach, The Roaches and Black Brook

Another dry but misty day for a walk, this time in the West, starting from Gradbach. We made the suggested detour at the start to avoid the slippery path across the stream, emerging near Bradley Howel and close to the Gradbach Lime Kiln.

The plaque at Gradbach Lime Kiln

We picked up the old right of way, which was clear enough and we followed it for a couple of kilometres, although the same could not be said of the view which was non- existent in the mist. The terrain changed into rough moorland and the route skirted a boggy path against the fence line.
A wall and fence to follow in the murk

We then came to the track near Adder's Green and at the minor road, we turned downhill.
Approaching Adder's Green. The best view of the day?

Again the route after a while became more like open moorland, although it was not very easy to see what was around us as the mist remained stubbornly down. It was interesting to see the shapes of the gritstone rock formations emerging through the gloom.
Grit in the gloom

We followed the easy section to reach the gap between the Roaches and Hen Cloud. Here we stopped for lunch and then followed the well walked rocky path to reach the ridge of the Roaches. In many respects the walk after lunch was more enjoyable.
More grit and gloom- through The Roaches

There was also an enjoyable section through the trees above Black Brook.
Autumn colours above Black Brook

The sight of Gradbach Mill at the end of the walk is very impressive and it has been much restored, serving now as a wedding and conference venue. We got back to the car and agreed that overall the walk was a little dull but with a reasonable finish.

A walk of 8½ miles with 440m ascent.


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