Widdop
We know, we know - the more astute of you will point out that Widdop is in that other place (TOP), so how can it be a Lancashire walk? However since this is our 75th contribution to the Blackpool Gazette we have sought a special dispensation; for although this walk undoubtedly starts in TOP the best part is in Lancashire. All in all this is a pretty wild walk in the border country of the South Pennines. It is a landscape of sweeping moors littered with outcrops of millstone grit eroded into weird forms by the action of wind, water and ice.
Start: Widdop Reservoir. From M65 junction 12 turn right onto A682 towards Brierfield. After 1/2 mile turn left at traffic lights in Brierfield centre onto Halifax Road. Keep on this for 1 ½ m to reach a T junction close to Nelson Golf Course. Turn right. At Haggate turn left at the Sun Inn. After 2 ½ m turn right at a junction. The road drops into the Thursden Valley before climbing up spectacularly towards Heptonstall and Hebden Bridge having all the feel of a border pass which is exactly what it is for once over its summit you cross into Calderdale. The car park is beyond Widdop Reservoir on the right.
Summary: Distance: 11k 7m
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Terrain: This is a demanding moorland walk. As for footpaths think of Mr Spock! ("It is a footpath Jim, but not as we know it!") Suffice to state where they exist they are not always clear.
Map: OS OL 21 South Pennines.
Map by kind permission of the Blackpool Gazette
Car park to Lad Law. 5k 3m From the car park cross the road obliquely right and find a way through the tussocky grass and heather onto the edge of the moor.
The idea being that once you reach the edge (you'll know it when you see it) bear left and follow it, roughly parallel to Widdop Reservoir, towards a prominent high point on the skyline. (Grey Stone Hill)
On the way you will encounter a number of rock outcrops.
Grey Stone Hill is a fine view point.
The route now turns north westwards (right) to a large outcrop called Dove Stones a little under a mile away. It is a tough mile for there isn't much in the way of a path. The largest rock, a little way to the left of the main group, is Dove Stone.
It looks nothing like a Dove. From here the route follows the contour round to Lad Law. If the prospect of forcing your way through more peat and heather daunts you be of good cheer for since reaching Dove Stones you are now back in Lancashire!
Dropping off from the outcrop bear left keeping height as the route begins to swing towards Boulsworth Hill. Below its highest point there is a fence to negotiate before scaling up the last few metres. Once on top it is a short way to the trig point.
Lad Law to car park. 6k 4m Lad Law provides a wonderful viewing platform with a panorama encompassing a good chunk of Red and White Rose counties. From the trig point bear left, past a distinctive outcrop on the edge (the eponymous Lad Law Stones), and cross a stile.
The footpath (one of the clearer ones) leads down the flank of the hill, and after crossing a stream reaches a flat, grass covered area evidently once the site of a building. From here a landrover track leads out to the Widdop Road, a mile away.
After all the exertion over the moors you'll appreciate this track and you'll make good progress along it.
When you reach the road turn left and then pick up a footpath on the right which keeps roughly parallel to the road and indeed will bring you back to it shortly after crossing the border into TOP.
Then at a footpath sign turn right onto the Burnley Way. After crossing a brook the route begins to climb along the fellside with a ruined wall on your left. Here you will have fine views of the reservoir.
1400m from the road it meets the downward track that is now part of the Pennine Bridleway.
Turn left and walk downhill to the end of the reservoir close to a utility building clearly inspired by Egyptian monumental architecture.
Turn left across the dam. A footpath on the right a short distance from the road will take you back to the car park.