Todmorden – Blackshaw Head – Heptonstall Hike.

With another decent weather forecast we parked up at Hebden Bridge bussed it to Tod. and hiked another few miles of the Calderdale Way.

Calderdale Way Link

The path from Todmorden goes up one steep section of the valley, along for a mile then down into the valley and steeply up again to pass Whirlaw Stones – a tough section to start.

 We did the whole Calderdale Way 20 years ago (in our forties) – it did not seem as easy today.

Birds seen:-

Stones Farm area: 3 Jays arguing. Robin. Mistle Thrush. Starling. Goldfinch.

Todmorden Edge South. 5 Skylark. 2 Greenfinch.

Buckley Wood: GSW calling.

Rake Hay Farm Area: Kestrel

High up on Whirlaw Stones: 2 Raven ‘croaking’ overhead shortly followed by a single Raven.

Law Hill: Kestrel. Meadow Pipit. Chaffinch.

Blackstone Edge: My first sight of a Curlew this year. (I have heard them calling on Ogden Moor). Red Grouse. 6 Redwing.

Jack Bridge Area: Jay

Heptonstall: Swan Inn waiting for the Hebden Bridge bus.

(I think tomorrow will be easier - Ogden Res.)