Get Lost Mountaineering

M62 to White House via Pennine Way

Start/Finish

On the A672 Denshaw to Ripponden road where there is a large but rough parking area, at SD 982 142, a few hundred metres south west of the motorway junction. Be careful entering the parking area as there are significant drops in places. The easiest way to the start is via the M62. Leave the motorway at junction 22, signed for Ripponden, then follow the signs for Oldham to reach the parking area which is close to a large mobile phone mast.

Distance/Time

5 km (one way).  About 2 hours.  Double this if returning the same way.

Peaks

Blackstone Edge Trig Point, 472 m, SD 972 163.   OS Outdoor Leisure 21: South Pennines.

Introduction

This is a fine walk with no real hills and no difficult ground. It is mainly high moorland with views of edges and reservoirs. Unusually, the Pennine Way crosses the M62 motorway by a footbridge high over the motorway. This crossing may be unnerving for those who are not good with heights, especially if a strong cross wind is blowing. Signage is not particularly good on this section of the Pennine Way. The White House is a pub restaurant which is very popular in the locality despite its rather isolated position.

Route

(1) Take the path from the parking area which starts near a flat stone. Follow this past the mast then down to the M62. Cross the footbridge and reach a sign. Go left, W, here and follow the rough track which, surprisingly, is not signed as the Pennine Way. Follow the track/path which is slabbed in places and soon swings NNW, crossing a minor clough, before making a long gradual ascent up towards Blackstone Edge. Once the angle eases, a large shelter cairn is passed. Continue, gradually converging with the edge on the left. Reach the trig point which sits on a boulder and may be awkward to reach when the rock is slippery. This is Blackstone Edge Trig Point, 472 m.

(2) Continue along the edge. The path is not as well defined as earlier but it leads to a fence and sign where one goes left which is signed as the Pennine Way. This descends gradually to reach a “crossroads”, near a gate. Go right here – not signed. Follow the curving track around the weste side of Blackstone Edge Moor. Pass a “concrete plank” bridge which, if returning, provides a shorter route back to the sign. Continue to reach a wider “concrete bridge”. On the right is an old quarry. On the left, a track descends to the road. This track is the Pennine Way so follow it down to the road then walk up the road to the White House.

(3) If transport has been arranged, it can be awaited in the comfortable surroundings of the White House. Otherwise retrace back to the A672.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 19th March, 2018.