David and Jacinta's Walks- 2026

 Cowms Moor and Kinder North Edge A nice day for a walk, and the "Helicopter Walk" beckoned. I parked up at the Birchin Clough car park and started up through the depleted woodland (larch trees having been felled because of infections) and soon had a a view of Fairbrook Naze, looking like the prow of a ship. Fairbrook Naze Because time was limited (and I'd had a long walk a couple of days before), I skipped the trip to the Oyster Clough bothy. I piqued the interest of a couple of sheep as I walked through Cowms Moor. Inquisitive Sheep I crossed the Snake Road at Alport Bridge, crossed the River Ashop ford and had my customary break sitting on the granite roller (a picture sometime?) with a view of the plantation opposite Alport Castles. Alport Bridge and plantation The Lonely Trees on Crookstone Hill were yet to come into leaf. The Lonely Trees and Crookstone Knoll I had my lunch at Crookstone Knoll (I'm a creature of habit...) with great views in the fair weather. La...

 Marsden to Pots and Pans David had not been out for a while, and he fancied stretching his legs. The walk from Marsden to Pots and Pans has always been challenging, and to do this would be very satisfying. Knowing that the walk could be shortened slightly by parking just off the A62 rather than the station car park, this seemed a good idea-especially as the final stretch up to the car park is quite up hill! The initial section of the walk goes up the Standedge Trail, all the way up to the parking spot that used to be Peter's Transport (later Pennine Way) Café. I was graced with a rainbow at the start of the walk. After the site of the café, the walk descends to Diggle Edge, where I should have turned left. However, I had stuck in my mind that I should stay of the Oldham Way for longer than I had previously. I rather overdid it and returned to Diggle Edge where I was persuaded to go back down the Oldham Way, which was a bit of a yo-yo! Nevertheless, I ended up at Pt. 225, just befo...

 Moscar and The Eastern Edges Saturday seemed like a reasonable day weather wise and Jacinta was keen to have a walk before her (temporary) break from our walks. We parked at Moscar Cross Road and started up across the Derwent Moors, negotiating some impressive mud along the route. The journey to the Eastern Edge was pleasant and we made good time. We turned right at the top and continued along the edge, passing the spot where the photo of Jacinta and The Wheel Stones was taken in November 2025 which now adorns our hallway. The rock formations never cease to provide interest on this walk. We stopped for lunch in a sheltered spot at Back Tor and considered our options for the second half of the walk. Back Tor lunch spot Back Tor with its trig We decided to go down to the Strines Inn, which always provides a welcome break. The pub was very busy and the sight of huge Yorkshire puddings being served to large numbers of customers was impressive. After the pub, we ascended to Strines Edg...

Grey Knotts, Green and Great Gables and Base Brown (with The Curmudgeons) David was staying in Seatoller with Julian, Tim, Chas (the organiser), Greg and Andrew; we were joined by Mike and Andy. Chas had the list of  Wainwrights that he planned to do and made it clear that Great Gable wasn't one of them, having done it already. It was great that we could do the walk directly from the cottage where we were staying. The initial ascent wasn't too steep- a nice warm-up- and we all settled into our various paces. Greg and Andy reaching the snowline Andrew and Julian following at a sensible pace Andrew and Julian- in case you missed them! The snowline coincided more or less with the cloud base, so we didn't get much in the way of views. More snow- fewer views Vanity suggested that I took a birthday selfie. Only a few better ways of spending a birthday! Having got to the top of Grey Knotts, and Brandreth, we went on to Green Gable, where we had a discussion about whether to go on ...