It had been a while since we had taken a walk around this area. Not too far from home, Holme near Holmfirth is right on the edge of the north east Peak District. We had done some other walks around this area before, notably the climb up Black Hill, a popular summit for hikers in the area. Today we decided to take a walk around the opposite side of Holme to Black Hill, a less explored area.
The walk began in some woodland beside Rake Dike, a waterway that channels the water off the peaks and into the reservoirs below. The colour on the trees was a sight to behold. Some had already lost a lot of their leaves. Ted took advantage of the fallen branches to clean his teeth by chewing on them, something he loves to do!
At the edge of the woods we came to Ramsden reservoir. With all the surrounding trees displaying their autumn colours, everything looked so picturesque.
On the other side of the reservoir we entered some more woodland as we climbed up higher toward the peaks. This channel of trees had been cleared, lending itself to a naturally framed photo, I was quite pleased!
Soon after the trees started to clear, we were out in the open, surround by heather with views down to the valley below. The local farmers release their game (pheasants / grouse) onto this moorland once they are old enough, and then come back to shoot them a few months later, not a practice I am in favour of.
Isaac is a working cocker spaniel, bred to flush the birds out, so as soon as the woodland cleared he was in his element, running around like a maniac chasing them down. Every other minute you would see them flying out of the heather as he closed in on them. He was having the time of his life!
To complete the walk we circled around the valley and came back down the other side. Everywhere we looked was beautiful. Such a visually appealing time of year. Such depth of colour!
Shortly before the end we came across Yateholme reservoir. It was almost perfectly still. We took 20 mins here, relaxing with a cup of tea, watching the light shimmer off the surface, with the peaks behind creating a great backdrop. We reminisced about what a great walk we had just been on. We will certainly be returning!
