Chris Maylor, who runs a Saddleworth Discovery Walks blog and Facebook page, enjoyed a camping trip to see the Tour de France in Yorkshire.
For more information about local walks, email Chris at saddleworthdiscoverywalks@gmail.com or visit his Facebook page or website.
WITH TOUR de France fever gripping the United Kingdom, and the Grand Depart passing within reach of Saddleworth’s doorstep, I planned a weekend’s wild camping to coincide with the spectacle of this fantastic sporting event.
Setting out from Greenfield on Saturday evening, myself, my son and a few friends hoisted loaded rucksacks onto our backs and set off to our intended camping spot.
Following the old tramway through Chew Valley, under a setting sun, we strolled along the shores of Chew Reservoir, where a flock of geese drifted along in the calm, sunbathed waters.
After passing Laddow Rocks, we reached our campsite where we settled down for the night, discussing past and future planned adventures.
Awakened by the sun’s early morning rays we broke camp and headed for Holme Moss, via Black Hill. These normally quiet, peaceful moors where alive with people walking along the Pennine Way to what was arguably the best hill climbing section of the whole Grand Depart.
Finding a good spot by the side of the road, we settled down to enjoy the friendly carnival-like atmosphere. Thousands of people had lined the route and the warm air was alive with friendly energy and joy.
Around 3pm, after the carnival processions had passed by, the cyclists suddenly appeared as they made their athletic attack towards the summit of Holme Moss. Lifted by the cheering crowds they appeared to climb the hill with ease and within a couple of minutes were gone.
With the peloton racing away towards the day’s finish line in Sheffield, the crowds quietly drifted away towards Holme Village, where much partying would still go on.
However, our little group once again shouldered our packs and set out across the moors – Saddleworth being the end point of our own little Tour de France adventure.
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