RW Clough Head to Causeway End Mon

14 Mar 2016

The path down to Calf Hey and Ogden Reservoirs

To Clough Head cafe before dropping down to the reservoirs to start a walk into Musbury Valley. I was delighted to see that at last the signpost below the steep climb to Musbury Heights has been re-sited, and there are now new Rossendale Way signs on both sides of the way-marker posts! 

At last the way marker points upwards!

Both way markers corrected!

The only place still needing signing is in the old quarry workings on the Heights. Turn left as you come to the chimney on The Heights.

The rebuilt chimney on The Heights

 I went along to Rushy Leach which, as usual, was very muddy, the path having disintegrated into a bog. There are two more places like it before reaching Nettle Hall. Some drainage needs to be done. There was evidence, though, that the route is being used a lot, which is good.

Causeway End Farm ruins

The roof crashed down years ago

I went up to Causey (Causeway) End, and then tried to locate the cart track that the inhabitants must have used to get down into the valley. There is little evidence visible, possibly because the hillside was disturbed when a new gas pipeline was installed a couple of years ago. 

The distant farm from the slab bridge over the brook. 

The map shows a bridge crossing a huge gulley further along, and I went to explore it. The slab is hardly noticeable because of the moorland grass. I dropped down the steep slope into the gulley to take photos.

There was very little water on the day I visited

 I think the faint track is the one I used to descend from Causey End some years ago. Lower down it is quite obvious and an accompanying wall is well supported by a firm foundation as it nears the main track round the valley.

The track is on the other side of the wall 

It was time to walk back; I stopped for a refreshment against the wall on Musbury Heights, and then dropped down to the reservoirs. 

The dam on Ogden Reservoir

I suddenly looked at my watch: it was 19 minutes past four! The car park at Clough Head closes quite early, so I had to make a quick march all the way up the hill and through the woods, hoping the gates wouldn't be closed. I don't think I have ever walked up a hill so quickly! I took in huge breaths and I'm sure that helped. It took only twenty minutes to reach the car park and to my relief it was still open! It closes at five o'clock at this time of year but after March it stays open till six.

     A very good day, especially seeing the new way marking. I must write to the person or office to thank whoever has got the job done.