Summer Stroll: Saturday, 20th August 2023

Leader & Reporter: Vanessa Miller

On a nice dry day, 10 walkers plus dog friends Jim, Barney, Fossie and Freddie met at Turton and Entwistle Reservoir near Chapeltown, for a walk of around 7.5 miles over the tops towards Turton.

The circular walk took in woodland and moorland paths which were a little rough going in places and very soggy. Good to see our local peat bog well hydrated keeping down the risk of any Moor fires.

The route took us up initially to Turton Heights, and then along the moor before dropping down to cross the A666 near to Dimple.

From here it was roughly West along a well made forest track before turning onto a narrow woodland path up to Charters Moss Plantation. Passing through the plantation we came out on the side of Turton moor, where we noted an old tramway. Having looked into the history of this I can advise it originally ran between a small coal mine and a brick works.

We then descended the lower slopes of Turton moor where the path became easier going again. After a short break for Steve’s Eccles cakes (thanks as always Steve) we spotted a large herd of cows blocking our route and decided to go round the edge to avoid any altercations.

Crossing the A666 once again near to Cadshaw brought us back into woodland and onto well made paths down the head of the Turton and Entwistle reservoir.

Our destination was the Strawbury Duck pub where we enjoyed a well deserved rest, food and drinks. From here it was an easy stroll of around 1⁄2 mile back to the car park.

Many thanks to Dave who mainly planned the walk on my behalf.