David and Jacinta's Walks- 2026

The Helicopter Walk via Oyster Clough David was out for a walk on his own today, and wanted to do the full helicopter walk as it was a nice day. After parking up at Birchen Clough on the Snake Pass, the first section was up through the remains of the felled larches, which had a desolate feel. However, the treeline was soon cleared and there was a view of Fairbrook Naze and the edge of the Kinder plateau.  Fairbrook Naze- the way down from the plateau The way up to the Oyster Clough bothy used to be a long haul, but nowadays it feels much easier, but it's still lovely to see it in the distance. Oyster Clough and the bothy The bothy had recently been cleaned up and tidied (the log book suggested that it hadn't been left in a particularly good state, though) and someone had left a Monopoly set in case people staying the night got bored. Monopoly set to while away the hours Having found a straightforward way down from the "Hope Forest" higher level above Cowms Moor, I sta...

 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...