Wednesday 29th April 2020
Today’s walk is organised by Andy O’Connor, however, due to lockdown requirements you are invited to take part in his
Virtual Walk around Hade Edge
No lockdown restrictions have been broken in making this virtual walk
I do hope that you are all well.
The April walk was going to be a 4 mile circular of the village of Hade Edge and Boshaw Whams reservoir about 1 mile south of Holmfirth. The start point should have been The Boshaw Trout, which reopened after a very long period of refurbishment a week before the lockdown started.
The rather unusual name comes from the nearby reservoir, which is the headquarters of Huddersfield Sailing Club and Huddersfield Angling Association. In February I was getting concerned that it would not be open in time for the April walk. The new owners, who rumour has it, have spent £1 million on the refurbishment also run a pub called The Nook Brewhouse and a small restaurant next door called the Tap House in Holmfirth so I was confident all would be ok.
Originally called The Bay Horse it had never been anything other than a very basic pub, which as it happens, suited the locals and members of Huddersfield Sailing club, who would pop in for a pint or two after Wednesday evening sailing. A change of name a few years ago to The Algy Arms had no effect, and it looked like it would go the way of many other pubs.
The walk starts at 1000 feet above sea level and climbs gently on tracks through the village with views over the Ribble valley and Holme Styes Reservoir. The gentle climb continues to Bare Bones Road at 1350 feet above sea level – see picture of members of Huddersfield SC on their annual Boxing Day Walk in 2017
The Route – just under 4 miles – easy!
Having taken in the stunning views to the east as far as the power stations at Eggborough and Drax the walk goes down Snittlegate then across fields by the sailing club.
From this point the walk is downhill all the way back to the pub, well almost! After crossing the fields behind the sailing club there is a short section of road to Jordan before crossing more fields. See picture below.
The final part of the walk goes past a modern wind turbine. In 1986 one of the first modern wind turbines was installed to generate electricity for the Longley Farm dairy that produces yoghurt, cream etc.
After about 30 years of service the original one has been replaced with a new 225Kw one which is a community cooperative.
The pub is a little further along the track where I am sure we would have had a very enjoyable meal, drink and a chat.
