Thursday, 19 June 2014

Bradshaw – Hebden Bridge

10:10

Today’s hike started cool & overcast with patchy drizzle before hot sunshine in the afternoon.

The route goes through Bradshaw Farms onto Per Lane and down through Brockholes to Stod Fold before climbing steeply over Hunter Hill. It then drops down to eventually pass the old “Moorcock” pub building then across the moor north of Wainstalls to the “Hullet” & down to Jerusalem Farm. From here it climbs steeply towards Castle Carr area before turning left over moorland to exit near the Hare & Hounds at Billy Lane. A downhill stretch into H.B. completes the walk (with Gammon & Pineapple in the White Swan – excellent grub at an excellent price!).

Birds Seen:-

Mainly Meadow Pipit & Skylark for company with the odd Linnet & Swallow. Also about Swift & Pied Wagtail with Lapwing & calling Curlew.
Hunter Hill was dead quiet with just the odd Skylark.
Approaching the “Moorcock” an Oystercatcher passed calling loudly.
At Jerusalem Farm with no time to dawdle, Mistle Thrush Blackcap & Wren were spotted from the footpath.

Leaving Jerusalem Farm for the climb to the moor a Male Pheasant and a Curlew were seen. A GSW clung to a telegraph pole but zamoosed before I could get the camera out. In the fields there were Pied Wagtail. A Sparrow Hawk circled scattering birds.
After the last farm before the moor a Common Buzzard appeared high up before landing on a fence post, a long way ahead of us. I managed a few pics. but the quality was not great. The colours, on the Buzzard photos, seem a lot lighter that those in my Collins Bird Guide?

A long moorland tramp followed, with just Meadow Pipit for company before descending past the Hare & Hounds, with very noisy Jackdaws & Willow Warblers with us - nearly until our arrival H.B.
(Granddaughter for the next day or two so no more hiking for a while).

A few pics:-














Veal - tomorrow's tea as seen today.




3 comments:

  1. I think you should write a book on local hikes John.

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  2. I will - after you publish Bri's Queensbury Bird Guide!

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  3. PS. Great header shot of the Common Sand.

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