| Walk: | Hazelhurst Wood, Hazelhurst Fell, Fairsnape Fell, Parlick Pike, Bleasedale Stone Circle | ||
| Start Point: | Car park at Delph quarry | Grid Reference: | SD 546 455 |
| Distance: | 14 miles | Ascent: | 2,000 feet |
| Time: | 6.75 hours | ||
| Weather: | Dry sunny and very warm with a welcome breeze on the tops. Very dry underfoot everywhere. | ||
| Comments: | 6 people took part in what turned out to
be a very interesting walk. Leaving the car park a short road walk
took us to the entrance to Hazelhurst wood. On the way we were
treated to a display of orchids growing by the roadside. Entering
the wood we followed the track and as we climbed steadily Ian (the
leader) suddenly motioned for us to keep quiet and remain still.
Sitting on a low branch by the side of the track was a young owl
which allowed us to get quite close (see photographs) before
eventually flying off into the woods. Eventually emerging from the wood we climbed to the summit of Hazelhurst Fell and then along the track over Bleasedale Moor. Here we paused to look at the wreckage of a Blenheim bomber which crashed in bad weather in 1942 while on a training flight killing both young pilots instantly. A plaque now marks the spot amongst the scattered wreckage. From here it was on to Fairsnape and Parlick Pike for lunch whilst watching the many gliders and para-gliders. Leaving Parlick we descended to the valley for a detour to the mysterious Bleasedale stone circle. From here a pleasant track took us back to the car park. A very interesting and varied walk was enjoyed by all. |
||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Delph car park as we prepare for the 'off'
Debbie checks out the long-disused quarry
Orchids grow by the wayside . . .
in abundance
We are stopped in our tracks by this owl as we climb through the woods . . .
and it allows us to get quite close before flying away
The summit of Hazelhurst Fell is reached soon after . . .
then it's across the moor . . .
passing the memorial, to two young airmen, from the second world war . . .
who's Blenheim Bomber wreckage is scattered . . .
across a wide area
Eventually we reach Fairsnape Fell . . .
then it's on to Parlick Pike . . .
for lunch, while we watch the free air show . . .
of fixed wing gliders . . .
and para-gliders
Karen thinks she might take up the sport and checks out the apparatus
Back in the valley we pass Bleasedale School . . .
and this plaque gives the details of the stone circle
Approaching the circle . . .
more detailed information . . .
of the circle itself
Karen liked this tree (that's why it's in here!)
A pleasant track leads us back to the cars