Alphin Pike via Turf Pits and Wilderness

Glenn Costin

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A superb compact walk that has a bit of everything from wide double track to pathless bogtrotting across wild moorland.

The walk starts just outside the Pennine town of Mossley and soon climbs via good tracks onto the moors above Stalybridge and Glossop. A rather interesting path then takes you up by the picturesque Ogden Brook into an area called Wilderness, where you will see how it got its name despite only being a few miles from a principal town. As you steadily climb, take time to glance back at the ever-unfolding views of the Dark Peaks and over the Cheshire Plains. Also keep your eyes peeled for the elusive mountain hares in this area, instantly recognised in the winter due to their white coats.

When you finally reach high ground (after negotiating some soft sections) you pop out overlooking the rather spectacular Chew Valley. From this point you stay on high ground for several miles, with the views getting better with every step. Eventually you reach Alphin Pike. This is the highlight of the walk, with 360-degree views across the whole of the NW and as far as the Welsh Mountains on a clear day.

A steep descent takes you off the Pike, where you pick up the Pennine Bridleway which will lead you back to the car park.

England - North England - Lancashire - Pennines

Features

Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Wildlife

7/2/2014 - Norman Brannick

Completed this walk 2nd July 2014. My thanks to Glenn Costin for a truly delightful walk, directions were clear and easy to follow. It was a bright sunny day which made the walk more interesting with all the views opening up for you as you reach higher ground, in particular the view of Dovestone reservoir (top right on this page) from Wimberry Rocks was magnificent. I would recommend this walk to anyone who feels fit enough to take on this strenuous walk..

6/18/2012 - Stuart Berry

Undertook walk on 17/06/12 in good weather - parts of walk very boggy after recent rain. Unable to find cross path between points 11 and 12 but got back on route. Was unsure at which stake we should be looking for path at point 14 as many on route. Again lost way for a while but regained path after a period. Overall good walk but could be very wet. Stuart & Janet

2/25/2012 - Barbara Howcroft

Did this walk 25th Feb 2012. Managed it in 5 hours 40 mins so the time was spot on. Very dog friendly, directions very good. All in all a good walk. Barbara,Jeff,Kathryn and Millie the dog.