A Walk in Irwell Vale

Early 29/03/2013, I popped into the home of one of the local Lions people, who normally takes part in an annual Easter walk in Irwell Vale. This often involves helping organise local scout groups. Due to weather, local scouts weren’t taking part in this walk so he was doing it alone. He said ‘It’ll take just over an hour’ so I offered to come along. In my mind was ’1 hour = 2 to 3 miles’.
So we set off – down past Helmshore Textile Museum, turn left at Ogden Water and follow Holcombe Road for half a mile, past Musbury Tor. It seemed to go well – then my guide found a hill to go up. We turned right; up, up and up again.
No, we were nowhere near the clouds; it’s just that I’m used to walking on the flat. Anything further than the car (which is currently in its second half-life) is too far. Angles are bad for my ankles (okay that was awful).
Eventually we found snow. We could have found it by using binoculars – or simple watching the news – but this was Good Friday; to hell with comfort – on with the walk!!
At first the going is up but steady.