Solstice Walk, South Pennines, 22nd Dec' 2007

Today we did our fifth Winter Solstice walk, an arcing route from Milnrow, taking in Blackstone Edge, to Littleborough.

With all the frost of late, we eagerly expected a moorland walk in cold, clear and icy conditions, so imagine our disappointment, when we left Milnrow, in cold, drizzle and swirling mist. Moorgrime as the older end call it around here.

Three of us set off up Kiln Lane (myself, Lee and Bob), with 'Tommo' a notable absentee this year (poorly). In the fields by Crossgates, good numbers of 'Peewits' wheeled over the boggy pasture, along with a good sized flock of Starlings.

At Heights Barn, we got a our first view of the dark moors of Blackstone and Hoar Edges, part veiled in drifting mist. Surprisingly, the Hollies by the old lane were full of berries, which seemed strange as many in the borough are devoid this winter. Even on this windswept hill, Robins and Blackbirds were still to be found, feeding on the berries.

Through Rakewood, the track began a steep climb and we entered the thicker mist just above Scholfield Hall. Snipe can often be seen in the marshes hereabouts during the winter months, but all was quiet today, with not even a winter straggler Meadow Pipit.

Reaching the open moor on Hoar Edge, the rain fell heavier and colder and the three of us wished it would turn to snow.

Eventually the summit rocks of Blackstone Edge were reached (a respectable height of 1548', or 472 m) and we were all sodden and freezing. Despite the end of the frosty spell, many of the gritstone outcrops were still decorated with droplets of rime and the wind blasted rocky bowls were thick with ice.

It was with great relief to reach the White House inn for mulled wine and pints of beer by the open fire. We also supped a few more on our journey down off the moor, calling in The Moorcock, The Red Lion, The Falcon, The Wheatsheaf and the Royal Oak.

Now to start planning our summer equivalent walk.