Shawclough & Healey Feb 2022

Syke Walk & Talk Group
RAMSDEN ROAD WALK
Ramsden road originally ran from
Wardle through the village of
Watergrove to Higher Slack 2 miles
to the north. Here it connected with
the Long Causeway an old pack horse
route to Ramsden and Walsden.
The construction of Watergrove reservoir in
1938 flooded Watergrove village and the
section of Ramsden road which ran through it.
The walk starts from Syke Chapel, is about
6 miles and includes a half mile section
of Ramsden road on the north side of
Watergrove. It mostly follows lanes and
trackways but there are a few sections on
pathways which can be muddy during wet
weather. There also several uphill sections but
nothing too daunting for reasonably fit walkers.
From Syke Chapel head north on Dewhirst
road and at the junction of the road with Ring
Lows lane go through the gate into a small
copse and follow the path towards Wardle.
Beyond Rydings reservoir The path reaches
Clough House Brook. Cross the bridge
and take the path to the left which runs up
eastern side of a small valley. Take care the
path is narrow and can be very muddy in wet
weather. At the top cross two stiles and turn
left heading towards the gate at the north end
of the field. Turn right onto Clough House lane
and follow it to the end at Lower House lane.
Opposite you is a trackway which brings you
to Watergrove reservoir. Turn right following
the road under the reservoir embankment and
through the car park which marks the end of
the southern stretch of Ramsden road from
Wardell.
At the end of the embankment turn left
following the track northwards. The date
stones from some of the buildings demolished
during the building of the reservoir have
been set in the reservoir wall and date to
the 17th and 18th centuries. More than
30 properties were demolished during the
reservoir construction. There are good views of
Watergrove and Brown Wardle from this side.
At the end of the trackway route turns right
onto Ramsden road close to the point where it
emerges from the reservoir.
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