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DAY 1

Edale to Torside

Start	Railway Station, Edale, SK 123 853
Finish	The Old House, Torside, SK 049 978
Distance	25.5km (16 miles)
Total ascent	680m (2230ft)
Total descent	680m (2230ft)
Time	8hrs
Terrain	Elevated, extensive and exposed boggy moorlands, with several stretches of firm flagstone path. Careful navigation is required on some stretches in mist.
Maps	OS Landranger 110, OS Explorer OL1, Harvey’s Pennine Way South
Refreshments	Pubs and cafés at Edale. Café at Torside.

In its earliest days, the Pennine Way left Edale in two directions. The ‘main’ route made a direct ascent of Kinder Scout, crossing soft peat bogs that proved very confusing in mist, while the ‘alternative’ route skirted round the edge of the plateau. The top of Kinder Scout became very badly over-trodden, so the Pennine Way now follows only one route out of Edale, staying on firm ground. The moors between Kinder Scout and Bleaklow were once trodden into a filthy quagmire, but now boast fine flagstone paths. Attention to route-finding is necessary on Bleaklow, where some walkers drift off-course. Bear in mind that this is a hard day’s walk, and some trekkers realise too late that they are not equal to the task. The final descent of the day is quite awkward and rugged underfoot. Originally, this first stage ended at Crowden, but in recent years most wayfarers stop at the Old House at Torside.

EDALE

This little village can be overwhelmed by visitors, especially on summer weekends. If arriving by train, simply follow the road a short way into the village. The Moorland Centre (open daily from April to September, free entry, tel 01433 670207), a Peak District National Park visitor centre, is worth exploring. The unusual building has a waterfall at its entrance and a lush sedum roof. There are a couple of pubs and cafés, as well as a post office and general store. If planning to stay overnight, there are campsites, bunkhouses, B&Bs and a nearby youth hostel.

The Pennine Way starts, whatever the weather, at the Old Nags Head in Edale

The Pennine Way starts in the centre of Edale at the Old Nags Head, around 250m (820ft). The first signpost is across the road from the pub, pointing towards a commemorative gate that was erected in 2015 for the 50th anniversary of the route. An obvious path climbs gently beside a little streambed flanked by trees. Emerge from the trees and turn left to follow a flagstone path up through a few fields, passing through gates; there are fine views across the dale to Mam Tor and Lose Hill. Continue gently up an earth path through a couple more fields, then head down through more fields to pick up an enclosed path and track past Upper Booth Farm, which has a campsite and a group bunkhouse.

Turn right along a narrow road, crossing a bridge over a stream and passing fields to reach Lee Farm. The Lee Barn Information Shelter is here, containing interesting notices and offering shelter from inclement weather. Follow a track onwards, passing through gates from field to field to reach a narrow, stone packhorse bridge at the foot of Jacob’s Ladder.

Turn left or right – left being a long and stony loop once used by packhorses, right being a shorter, steeper, stone-pitched path. Both routes meet at a cairn and a stony path climbs onwards. Towards the top, turn right along a flagstone path. Climb a short, steep slope of grass, with tufts of bilberry. When a sprawling cairn is reached in a slight dip, keep left to follow a clear path, passing big boulders and gritstone outcrops. Take care in mist while crossing broad, bare peat. Pass a trig point on top of a gritstone outcrop on Kinder Low, at 633m (2077ft).

Trig point on a gritstone outcrop at Kinder Low

Walk across an area denuded of vegetation and peat, where the gritstone bedrock is often seen. Keep right to follow a path round the edge of the broad moorland plateau, heading roughly north above Cluther Rocks. The path is sometimes narrow and occasionally involves hopping from boulder to boulder and slab to slab. Follow the path to reach the waterfall, Kinder Downfall. Cross a stream above the waterfall, taking care on blustery days, as the wind can flip all the water back up into the streambed, soaking the unwary! This is a very popular lunch spot, but don’t linger too long as the day has barely started.

Keep following the gritstone edge, where a path gradually rises, crossing a fence and reaching rock outcrops on Sandy Heys. This point was gained during the famous 1932 mass trespass, when it was all private property. What a contrast today, when walkers have every right to be here – a right they exercise in great numbers! In mist, don’t be tempted to follow a path downhill, but stay on the broadest, clearest path, which turns right and climbs a little to reach a sprawling cairn. Keep left of the cairn to pick up a steep, stone-pitched path leading down to the grassy gap of Ashop Head, around 510m (1675ft).

A flagstone path heads left, but the Pennine Way keeps right along a broad and stony path. Pass a prominent marker post where another path crosses, and climb straight over a grassy hump to reach another gap. A flagstone path climbs straight uphill, giving way to a broad, stony path leading to a cairn at 544m (1785ft) on top of Mill Hill. Paths cross on the summit, so turn right to follow another flagstone path onwards. Note that the flagstone path is often a considerable distance from the course of the Pennine Way shown on OS maps.

This used to be one of the worst areas of bog on the Pennine Way, but the path now offers a firm, dry footing. The old path can often be seen on the left as a black, boggy line, although it is slowly re-vegetating. The moorland is predominantly grassy, with areas of bog cotton, sphagnum moss, rushes, bilberry and heather. Look out for cloudberries, a distinctive, broad-leafed arctic remnant plant, that positively thrive on the highest and bleakest boggy moorlands.

The path undulates very gently and writhes to avoid awkward boggy areas on Moss Castle and Featherbed Moss. There is a strange sight ahead, where vehicles apparently speed straight across the moor, since the surface of the A57 road on the Snake Pass isn’t seen until it is reached at a gate. Cross the road with care, as the traffic is sometimes very fast.

There are no snakes on Snake Pass, nor have there ever been. Originally, there was a Snake Inn, whose sign bore a snake emblem that was part of the Cavendish crest, the family being related to the Duke of Devonshire, a major landowner in Derbyshire. Snake Pass took its name from the inn. However, the inn recently changed its name to the Snake Pass Inn, curiously taking its name from the road originally named after itself! The road runs at an altitude of 512m (1680ft) and is one of the first to be blocked by snow each winter. It’s a sobering thought, but every so often a walker will abandon their Pennine Way attempt at this point, having seriously under-estimated the nature of the route.

A track leaves the road and runs to a gate, where a broad and firm path crosses what was once desperately over-trodden moorland. There is a slight dip where the Pennine Way crosses Doctor’s Gate. Here, a stone-paved path crosses at right angles, clearly cut across the moorland.

This is thought to be an old Roman road linking Glossop with the Hope Valley. Its name comes from an association with the 15th-century Vicar of Glossop, Doctor John Talbot, who had the old road improved.

Keep straight ahead and follow the path as it rises gently over largely grassy moorland, with heather and bilberry becoming more noticeable after the path changes to flagstones. A few steps lead down into Devil’s Dike, a deep cutting in the peat where the stony ground beneath has been exposed. In wet weather it carries a stream. A gradual ascent through the cutting links with more flagstones, then the path becomes a stony channel flanked by peat. Another stretch of flagstones leads to Hern Clough.

Turn left to walk upstream, crossing and re-crossing the little stream as necessary. Later, there are more flagstones, as well as a series of helpful marker stones bearing carved directional arrows. These are useful as OS maps mark the route incorrectly. The broad and peaty top of Bleaklow Head is worn to sand and grit in places, with a large summit cairn bearing a wooden stake at 633m (2077ft).

Views south are blocked by the plateau of Kinder Scout. Other prominent features include distant Winter Hill and Pendle Hill, with Black Hill closer to hand. In very clear conditions, Pen-y-Ghent can be seen far ahead, maybe as much as a week away via the Pennine Way.

Summit cairn and a tall wooden post on Bleaklow

To leave Bleaklow Head, make a slight left turn, confirming the correct path by looking for ‘PW’ carved on a rock. Take care, as many walkers fail to spot this marker. A narrow and gentle path heads roughly north, then, swinging west down a slope dominated by bilberry with cloudberries dotted around, the path becomes rather awkward, with stones and boulders underfoot on the way down a heathery slope. There are some stretches of flagstones, but the path is quite rugged as it leads down to a confluence of streams. Ford both streams and climb a short, steep slope above Torside Clough.

The Pennine Way runs along a heathery edge, passing a few gritstone outcrops overlooking the stream. It can be rugged as it runs downhill, but a good stretch on flagstones crosses a fence. At a junction of paths, keep right downhill, later climbing to traverse Clough Edge. There is a view down to Torside Reservoir, with Black Hill beyond. A stone-pitched path descends steeply from the edge, passing through a gate in a fence. Turn left down a broader path, keeping left of a farmhouse at Reaps, following its access track to the B6105 road at 220m (720ft). Turn left if staying nearby at the Old House B&B, otherwise cross the road as signposted for the Pennine Way to continue to Crowden.

The Old House at Torside is a popular choice among wayfarers

In Torside facilities are limited to the Old House, which offers a tearoom during the day, then B&B and bunkhouse accommodation in the evening. The proprietors are willing to run guests to and from the nearby village of Padfield for pub meals, while the bunkhouse has a self-catering kitchen. Padfield also offers a small choice of B&B accommodation. Weekend buses link Torside with Glossop and Holmfirth.

DAY 2

Torside to Standedge

Start	The Old House, Torside, SK 049 978
Finish	A62 road, Standedge, SE 018 095
Alternative finish	Diggle, SE 003 080
Distance	21km (13 miles); Diggle 23.5km (14½ miles)
Total ascent	760m (2495ft)
Total descent	620m (2035ft)
Time	6hrs 30mins; 7hrs 15mins
Terrain	Mostly moorland walking, with several stretches on flagstone paths, but a couple of wet and boggy areas too. One stretch uses firm tracks and paths through a valley, passing reservoirs.
Maps	OS Landranger 110, OS Explorer OL1, Harvey’s Pennine Way South
Refreshments	Campsite shop off-route at Crowden. Snoopy’s snack van might be parked at Wessenden Head. Pub off-route at Standedge and other pubs well off-route at Marsden and Diggle.

Black Hill once had a fearsome reputation among Pennine wayfarers, with its broad top covered in deep black bogs that were desperately over-trodden. The hill now bears a long line of firm flagstones. The ‘black’ has gone, replaced by ‘green’ as the whole top has been re-vegetated. The Pennine Way ‘main’ route originally headed directly to Standedge across truly appalling bogs, with an ‘alternative’ seeking firmer ground via Wessenden. These days, there is only one designated route, which runs via Wessenden. Standedge is completely lacking facilities, so walkers must detour off-route to find food, drink and lodgings, either on foot or by catching a bus.

Leave the Old House and walk back along the road to find Pennine Way signposts. Turn left along a tarmac path, which quickly reaches a track, where a sharp left turn leads down a short tarmac road. This gives way to a track across the dam of Torside Reservoir, overlooking Rhodeswood Reservoir. There are five reservoirs in Longdendale: Bottoms, Valehouse, Rhodeswood, Torside and Woodhead. Climb stone steps from the reservoir dam and cross a track to spot a Pennine Way signpost. Turn right to follow a path through a belt of pine trees between Torside Reservoir and a busy road. After passing through a gate, turn left up some steps.

The curious cascading outflow of Torside Reservoir

Cross the busy A628 road and turn right through a gate. A narrow traffic-free tarmac road runs gently uphill through gates. When it runs downhill through a gate, the Pennine Way is signposted off to the left. Those wishing to visit Crowden should walk straight ahead here down the road.

Crowden is barely 500 metres (¼ mile) off-route, however, facilities are limited to a campsite, following the closure of a long-standing youth hostel. Food supplies are limited to whatever the campsite shop stocks. The main road has a National Express coach service linking Manchester and Sheffield. If starting from Crowden, walk up the narrow road from the river and turn right as signposted for the Pennine Way.

The path rises through gates to reach a small memorial plantation on the hillside. Beyond are slopes of bracken, where the path becomes awkward due to stones protruding from the ground. Heather and bilberry are apparent as the path passes below Black Tor, where a quarried edge bears patchy woodland. The path undulates and crosses a stream, then climbs steeply up a rugged, bracken-clad slope. When the path levels out, there are fine views along the valley. The climb becomes steep and rugged again, crossing Oaken Clough to pick up a stone-pitched path up to the edge of heather moorland.

A narrow path wanders along the top of Laddow Rocks, occasionally offering views of gritstone crags that were once popular with rock climbers, but are rarely climbed these days. The crag doesn’t look too dramatic, but keep looking back to spot one part that features an overhang. The path rises to around 500m (1640ft), then descends gradually across a slope of grass and bilberry, becoming boggy and over-trodden as it runs parallel to Crowden Great Brook.

Step across a tributary and walk parallel to the main stream on a firm path. Cross another tributary, then when the main stream bites into a shale bank, cross and re-cross the flow to continue. If there is too much water to ford safely, climb over the shale bank and pick up the path later. The path becomes wet and boggy and walkers sometimes detour too far from the stream, thereby missing the start of a firm, dry flagstone path. This pulls away from the stream, leading to a stile over a fence on Grains Moss.

Simply follow the flagstone path straight up a grassy, rushy slope polka-dotted with bog cotton in early summer. Cross a boggy rise at Dun Hill, then the flagstones end for a while. A firm path passes peat hags that have been stabilised against erosion. Another length of flagstones leads over the broad moorland summit of Black Hill, passing through a pool of water at one point, reaching a trig point with a flagstone ‘patio’ around it at 582m (1908ft).

Black Hill was once covered in a vast expanse of bare black peat

The summit of Black Hill was for many years trodden to death, until not even a blade of grass remained. The bog was so over-trodden that it was often impossible to reach the trig point, which stood on a firm ‘island’ known as Soldier’s Lump. The name derived from a time when Ordnance Survey ‘sappers’ set up camp on the hill while surveying the land. The trig point they planted on the summit was close to collapse after the wholesale erosion of peat in recent decades, but it has been stoutly buttressed. The ‘Moors For The Future’ project (www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk) has successfully re-vegetated the summit of Black Hill with grass, bog cotton, heather and bilberry. The Pennine Way originally left the summit in two directions, but has now been confined to a single firm, dry, erosion-proof line across the moors.

Follow the flagstone path onwards, as it gently undulates across the moor. When the flagstones end, a firm path continues downhill with good views eastwards. When another flagstone path is reached, it swings left to pass grouse butts, where heather dominates over grass, bilberry and bog cotton. The path undulates gently, then features a short, steep descent and ascent while crossing Dean Clough. There is no bridge, so fording after heavy rain will mean wet feet. A lesser stream, rusty red in colour, is crossed before the path climbs to the busy A635, or Isle of Skye Road, at Wessenden Head.

Ashley Jackson’s ‘Framing the Landscape’ at Wessenden Head

Turn right to follow the road with care. If Snoopy’s snack van is parked, you could take a break for food and drink, and lament the fact that a nearby ruin was once a pub called the Isle of Skye. Turn left up the minor road signposted for Meltham and Huddersfield. Turn left down through a gate to follow a track straight down to Wessenden Head Reservoir. There is a fine view down the valley to another reservoir, and a house among trees, with the distinctive profile of Pule Hill beyond. The land from here to White Hill (Day 3) makes up the extensive National Trust Marsden Moor Estate.

RESERVOIR COUNTRY

The Wessenden reservoirs – Wessenden Head, Wessenden, Blakely and Butterley – drop one after another in a narrow valley. Construction was financed by a consortium of Marsden mill owners, whose mills were located beside the River Colne. The reservoirs were completed in 1800, shortly after the opening of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. The mill owners jealously guarded their water supply and weren’t keen for any of it to be used by the canal company.

Black Moss and Swellands reservoirs, along with four others, were constructed on the high moors to supply the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. A system of drains catches little streams and feeds the water into the reservoirs. Black Moss Reservoir has a dam at either end, being constructed on a broad moorland gap. The dam of Swellands Reservoir broke in November 1810, sending a deluge of peaty water down to Marsden, where it caused great damage in what was called ‘The Night of the Black Flood’.

Walk straight down a broad and clear path. This makes a couple of loops round little side valleys to reach the dam of Wessenden Reservoir. Follow a track downhill from the dam, catching a glimpse of Wessenden Lodge behind tall deer fences. The track rises gently to reach a signpost. At this point, turn left for the Pennine Way, down a path on a steep slope of bracken. Be sure to make this turn if staying on the main route.

Off-route to Marsden

Marsden lies 3km (2 miles) off-route, with a descent of 140m (460ft). If planning to visit Marsden, at this point you keep straight along the track. After passing Wessenden Lodge, simply follow the clear track down through the valley. Pass Blakeley Reservoir and follow the track onwards past Butterley Reservoir. Turn left when a road is reached, and while this could be followed into town, turn left down a flight of 211 stone steps instead. Turn right to follow a track through a wood before passing between tall mills on the outskirts of Marsden. Turn left down a road and pass a small roundabout. Follow Fall Lane and fork left to pass through a tunnel. Turn right along Towngate to follow a river into the town centre.

In the past Pennine wayfarers frequently visited Marsden, however, numbers reduced after its youth hostel closed. There are a few other accommodation options, however, and this is a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town, www.marsdenwalkersarewelcome.talktalk.net. Facilities include a post office, shops, pubs, cafés, an information point (tel 01484 845595) and a Co-op with a cashpoint. Regular daily buses link Marsden with Huddersfield, Standedge, Diggle and Manchester. Regular daily trains link Marsden with Manchester and Huddersfield.

The detour to Marsden leaves Pennine wayfarers in a quandary. Should they walk back to Wessenden to pick up the route? Catch a bus or short-cut to Standedge? The following route is a direct short-cut, measuring 3km (2 miles) back to the Pennine Way, with an ascent of 150m (490ft).

Leave Marsden by walking along Towngate, climbing beside the churchyard to reach the main A62 road. Cross the road and climb a short way up Old Mount Road. Turn right where a signpost indicates a ‘public footpath’ and follow a track towards an isolated house. Turn left before the house as indicated by a marker post. The way is overgrown for a bit until a stile is crossed. A deep-cut, rushy groove climbs up a grassy slope, with fine views of Marsden and its mills. Keep to the left of the groove to follow a track up to a farmhouse.

Go through gates to pass the farmhouse and climb straight up another grassy slope. Pick up and follow another path in a groove, passing through a gate and climbing to join a broad, clear, stony track. Follow this straight ahead, gently uphill, with fine views back to Marsden, as well as to Black Hill and the moors above Wessenden. The track levels out and rejoins Old Mount Road, which itself drops down to another road.

Cross the road to reach a public footpath sign, and drop down a little to cross a stream. Climb a little and keep right, watching for a grassy path and a marker post. Simply walk straight ahead, gently up the moorland slope, always following the grassy path. After crossing a crest, Redbrook Reservoir comes into view. The path runs along an embankment, and there is a prominent notch where a stream crosses. Beyond this is a clear track, which is the Pennine Way, leading directly to Standedge at 387m (1270ft). There are bus stops beside the main A62 road, for those intending to leave the route.

Main Route to Standege

Cross a footbridge and climb steeply up a rugged path on a slope of heather. The gradient eases at a stone-built structure, where there is a view down the valley to Blakeley Reservoir. The path is almost level as it reaches a stream. Cross it and climb stone steps, then continue along a flagstone path through bracken. A length of stony path is followed by more flagstones, and Black Moss is surely misnamed when masses of white bog cotton nod in the breeze. Pule Hill is seen across Swellands Reservoir, while the Pennine Way crosses a dam on Black Moss Reservoir, where there are a couple of small sandy beaches.

Overshoot the end of the dam before turning left. The path follows a fence to a corner. Keep straight ahead before turning right up a flagstone path, going through a gate in a fence from grassy moorland to heather moorland. Walk downhill and go through another gate, back onto grassy moorland. The flagstones end at a small stream, where a left turn leads up a track on a stout embankment overlooking Redbrook Reservoir, another feeder for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. The track leads up through a gate, crossing a crest parallel to the busy A62 road, which runs through a deep cutting. Turn right and walk parallel to the main road to reach the Carriage House. Descend to the roadside beside Brunclough Reservoir at Standedge, at 387m (1270ft). The Peak District National Park ends beside the main road.

STANDEDGE

There are no facilities where the Pennine Way crosses the road at Standedge, so extra distance must be covered in search of accommodation, food and drink. Following the main road is not recommended, as it is too busy. However, there are regular buses. The Carriage House, beyond Redbrook Reservoir, is a popular choice, offering accommodation, food, drink and a campsite. Anyone heading further off-route to either Marsden or Diggle can either catch a bus, or, if they insist on walking, use the route descriptions offered here.

There are actually four tunnels under Standedge, all measuring a little over 5km (3 miles) in length. A narrow canal tunnel was constructed first, between 1794 and 1811. It was the highest canal in Britain at 147m (645ft) above sea level, but also the deepest underground, lying 145m (638ft) below Standedge. A single-track rail tunnel was cut between 1846 and 1849, followed by another one between 1868 and 1870. A twin-track rail tunnel was built last, between 1890 and 1894. Dozens of transverse tunnels link all four tunnels together, primarily between the rail tunnels and the canal tunnel, for the purpose of extracting waste. The Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre (open throughout the year, free entry, tel 01484 844298, canalrivertrust.org.uk/standedge-tunnel) is only a short stroll from Marsden.

Alternative finish at Diggle

Diggle lies 2.5km (1½ miles) off-route, with a descent of 180m (590ft). To continue to Diggle, don’t cross the main road at Standedge but walk between the road and Brunclough Reservoir. Walk down from the reservoir to a clear track to find a Pennine Bridleway signpost. Turn left down a track marked for Diggle, passing a derelict house. Turn right at a marker post and stay on the clearest path downhill, passing a spoil heap and reaching a house on the hillside. Continue down a walled and fenced track past fields, reaching a tarmac road at the Diggle Hotel. Turn right at a road junction to cross a railway then turn left to walk into Diggle.

Entrance to the Huddersfield Canal tunnel at Diggle

Diggle has two pubs, a fish and chip shop, a small shop, post office and a couple of places offering accommodation. Buses run regularly through the village, linking Manchester, Standedge, Marsden and Huddersfield. The entrances to the railway and canal tunnels are fairly close together.

DAY 3

Standedge to Callis Bridge or Hebden Bridge

Start	A62 road, Standedge, SE 018 095
Alternative start	Diggle, SE 003 080
Finish	Callis Bridge, SD 971 264
Alternative finish	Hebden Bridge, SD 991 272
Distance	24km (15 miles); Hebden Bridge 24.5km (15¼ miles)
Total ascent	360m (1180ft)
Total descent	630m (2065ft)
Time	7hrs 30mins; Hebden Bridge 7hrs 45mins
Terrain	Gentle moorland walking on good paths gives way to rugged paths on Blackstone Edge. Broad, firm, level reservoir tracks allow speedy progress. Moorland paths and farm tracks later, with an option to follow the Hebden Bridge Loop.
Maps	OS Landranger 103, 109 and 110, OS Explorer OL1 and OL 21, Harvey’s Pennine Way South
Refreshments	A snack van might be parked at Bleakedgate. The White House pub near Blackstone Edge. Plenty of choice off-route at Hebden Bridge.

This is a relatively easy stretch of the Pennine Way. Low, gently rolling moorlands give way to the rough and rocky crest of Blackstone Edge. A series of firm, level tracks follow reservoir drains and cross reservoir dams, where it is possible to stride out with confidence and pick up speed. The stout stone monument of Stoodley Pike is seen from time to time. Pennine wayfarers tend to agree that it never seems to draw nearer! At the end of the day there is a descent into post-industrial Calderdale via Callis Bridge. Alternatively, the bustling little town of Hebden Bridge and all its facilities can be reached by using the recently signposted and waymarked Hebden Bridge Loop.

If you have stayed in Diggle, retrace your steps to return to the starting point at Standedge. Start where the Pennine Way crosses the busy A62 road on Standedge, following a clear track uphill. Keep straight ahead at a junction, and keep straight ahead when the Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway run concurrent for a short distance. At the top of this track, the Pennine Way turns right as signposted, while the Pennine Bridleway continues straight ahead. Following the Pennine Bridleway for 1.5km (1 mile) leads to Wellcroft House B&B, near a crossroads at Bleak Hey Nook.

The Pennine Bridleway and Pennine Way are both National Trails. For the most part, they remain separate while pursuing parallel courses. On a few occasions, they run concurrent for short distances. While the Pennine Way has half a century of history behind it, the Pennine Bridleway is still evolving. It has been opened piecemeal since 2002, and at the time of writing currently starts near Matlock and finishes near Kirkby Stephen. The trail will ultimately extend into Northumberland.

The well-worn path leads away from the track, up a grassy slope. Cross a stile and follow the line of a fence, then cross another stile and climb uphill as a low, rocky edge develops along Standedge. A trig point is passed at 448m (1470ft). The path continues gently, becoming broad and stony, with a low rocky edge to the left and denuded peat to the right. A dip is reached where a stone marks the Oldham Way down to the left and the Pennine Way up to the right. A firm gravel path undulates over tussocky moorland with bog cotton and rushes. Cross a footbridge and soon after the A640 road is reached at a small car park.