Chris Maylor, who runs a Saddleworth Discovery Walks blog and Facebook page, looks back at a walk across the Chew Valley Edges.
For more information about local walks, email Chris at saddleworthdiscoverywalks@gmail.com or visit his Facebook page or website.
AFTER THE success of my first book, Saddleworth Discovery Walks, I set about writing a second title, Oldham Discovery Walks, which is due for publication before Christmas.
When planning the routes I felt it important I included a selection of wonderful routes in Saddleworth: the tranquil and picturesque Castleshaw Valley being one.
From the car park adjacent to the Castleshaw Outdoor Centre, my son and I set off along Cote Lane and along the Lower Reservoir dam wall before following the course of Hull Brook.
Reaching Hull Mill Lodge, we crossed the ford and ascended an ancient packhorse trail called Hey Flake Lane. Reaching the top of the climb, we turned east along Broad Lane where wonderful views of the valley unfold.
At the crossroads at Four Lane Ends, we followed the course of the Oldham Way down Low Gate Lane. Crossing between the upper and lower Castleshaw Reservoirs, we made our way along Dirty Lane to reach the few remaining properties of Castle Shaw hamlet, which dates back to the 17th century.
From here we explored the site of the ancient Roman Fort, which was originally constructed around 79 AD. After being abandoned for awhile, it was re-occupied in the 2nd century AD to protect the military road from Chester to York.
Leaving the fort, we descended a grassy meadow to return to our start point.
Chris Maylor’s new book ‘Oldham Discovery Walks’ is out now. To pre-order copies of Oldham Discovery Walks, please email info@saddleworthdiscoverywalks.co.uk
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