Hebden Bridge to Haworth

After a diversion, to take a quick peek at Mixi Res. following an exciting text from B.S. regarding a phenomenal 244 Whooper Swan there, we set off to Haworth.We were in a bit of a rush because the Sunday bus service to Hebden Bridge is limited and we needed to get back before dark. Nice to see Bruce & Chris on the road above Mixenden taking in the view of the Whoopers.

We parked the car at Haworth and caught 11:18 - 500 - bus to Hebden Bridge.

We enjoyed a moor land hike today in fine sunny weather with an unexpected bonus at the end.

The walk follows the route described in a marvellous booklet by Derek Magnall – “Bronte Round & Pendle & Ribble Round”.

We left Hebden Bridge and made our way to Midge Hole then on up past Gibsons Mill. The path goes through Walshaw Wood and approached Walshaw before turning right on a really beautiful section of moor land. Then we made our way around Shackleton Knoll dropping down to Crimsworth Dean before rising steeply to Top of Stairs. We dropped down via Bodkin Top to Bodkin Lane past Leeshaw Reservoir  and arrived at Haworth via Marsh Lane & Sun Street.

We called for a quick thirst quencher at the Fleece Inn before heading home.

I’ve noticed that since I’ve taken a more keen interest in birding these walks are taking a lot, lot longer. We did this walk in Aug 98 in 4 ½ hours but today it took us 5hrs 15 mins.

11:55 Hebden Bridge.

The path next to Hebble Water is really a delight on a day like today. There was an Archery Competition in the fields at the side of the water and a Grey Wagtail was feeding on the water. Soon we were in the woods near the Hardcastle Crags car park with a long uphill trek. Green Woodpecker , and many a Nuthatch were  heard calling a bit further along.

13:15 Butty Time

 Fairly soon after passing Gibsons Mill we had a quick stop for some sandwiches before heading off again. Soon we heard a GSW calling, and a few Long Tailed Tit were in the trees also a Pr. Mistle Thrush were on the telegraph wires. There were Pheasants about and Curlew were calling for most of the day.

13:45 Walshaw.

We turned right at the buildings at Walshaw   - a Pied Wagtail was on the wires here. On the moor there were 3 Mallard, Red Grouse and Curlew and just the odd Meadow Pipit. A large flock of Fieldfare passed overhead.

The approach to Crimsworth Dean crosses a very boggy ‘right to roam’ field – here we had a decent view of a flushed  Common Snipe. It flew about 100 yds before landing again.

 14:45

We left Crimsworth Dean by turning left onto a road that rises very steeply and continues for a mile before becoming a track ,this track is followed for the next hour or so.

There were Lapwing in a lot of the fields and Curlew overhead and a few Meadow Pipit. Another Mistle Thrush was in a tree ahead and a Kestrel flew over. Red Grouse could be seen on either side of the track with maybe 6 or 7 seen. A fly-over of 7 Golden Plover was a nice surprise here.

15:30 saw us at "Top of Stairs’ , ready for the long route down to Leeshaw.

Here again Red Grouse were making themselves seen.

A very quick look at Leeshaw – not my usual tour -  revealed 52 Canada Goose, 13 Greylag Goose, the usual Lapwing and Curlew were about and also 3 Oystercatcher and , leaving on the track, a Little Owl on a wall, added a tick for me – first owl seen this year.

We follow Marsh Lane and Sun Lane for the final mile or so of the walk – we were now a bit weary. We heard a familiar sound of “ large flying birds” assuming it was from a farmyard, when a massive flock of Whooper Swan were spotted in the far, far distance – the ones seen earlier on Mixi as it transpired.

What a strange coincidence.

Looking down to Crimsworth Dean and our road ahead

Large Raptor? passed by before  I coul get a better pic.

Leesshaw in the distance

Mixi Whoopers!!!!! at Oxenhope a long way off.