Blackstone Edge from Littleborough

This is a classic circular route from the town of Littleborough that takes in some rugged moorland and the striking Millstone Grit Escarpment of Blackstone Edge, which used to mark the border between Lancashire and Yorkshire. 

Overall, the walk is suitable for anybody with a moderate level of hill fitness. There is a particularly steep section and some uneven terrain on higher ground is encountered, but the lower level paths are very well surfaced.  The total length of the walk is 15km, or 9 miles and is expected to take around six hours at a leisurely pace.

There is a nice, flat warm up through pleasant woodland before making a steeper climb up an old Roman Road to the edge itself. 

Blackstone Edge offers many fantastic photo opportunities and is an intriguing place to explore with lots of cool rock formations and unique views across the surrounding landscape.

Working our way southwards, we will cross the M62 by a lofty bridge known locally as "The Concrete Plank" to Windy Hill. From here, the walk will lead us in an elevated position above Longden Clough to join the Rochdale  Way for a short while and head beneath the famous Rakefoot Viaduct, a real feat of engineering.

The final, and very flat, stage of this walk will bring us to Hollingworth Lake, which is a very beautiful spot on a sunny afternoon. There will be chance to get refreshments at the Wine Press afterwards. 

I have embarked upon this route many times and have decided to offer it as a guided outing because I would love to share it with others and belive it to be a really enjoyable walk without having to head too far off the beaten track.

A moderate level of hill fitness is required to take part on this walk. There is steep hillside and some uneven terrain. If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss this before making a booking.

Places are available on this walk at £22.00 per person. 

Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group. As mentioned, a moderate level of hill fitness is required.

It should be mentioned that weather in the hills of Britain can be unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity. Unless there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, walks will go ahead regardless of conditions.

What to expect when booking a professionally guided activity with Moors to Mountains.

I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to share my knowlege of each area we visit and engage all participants in interesting conversation. I always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.

While I have led groups all different sizes over the years, all Moors to Mountains groups are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or helping an individual accross a section of unever terrain. My promise is to deliver that level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.

As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting.  I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.

Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.

It is imperative to wear clothing that is suitable for both the activity and the time of year. Weather conditions can change very quicky while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear, approved for use for the booked activity. Advice can be found from any reputable outdoor clothing retailer, and I am personally happy to give guidance prior to the activity. If you have not used an item of footwear, clothing or equipment for a similar activity previously, you must seek advice from me on the durability and suitability before the activity takes place.

Unless advised otherwise, a list of items that participant must have on their person (other than approved footwear) should include:

• Rucksack suitable for the activity. Minimum 20 litres, unless otherwise stated.
• Waterproof coat is essential, and trousers if possible.
• Mid layer, such as a fleece or gillet (synthetic or hydrophobic down).
• Suitable base layers and walking socks. Synthetic materials and Merino wool work best by wicking away sweat.
• Hat and gloves, stowed away in your pack if it is not perceivably cold at the start of the walk.
• IN SUMMER – cap or other sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream!
• Lunch and adequate food provisions..
• At least one litre of water.
• Personal medication, accessible and labelled with dosage information where necessary
• Headtorch, fully charged or with spare batteries.
• Mobile telephone fully charged.

Once a place has been booked on any activity...

I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where neccesary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.