Cowpe Circular
Summary
The Cowpe circular started on Royds road just outside of Waterfoot in Rossendale. There is parking on the side of the narrow road as it is fairly quiet. This is where the walk begins.
The Hike
The well surfaced paths are easy to follow and a lot more manageable on foot which also makes sense why it is popular for mountain bikers, especially on the tops!
It was a hot and sunny day that made the views of the valley much more visible. On the start of the walk there is an easy to follow path to a field that heads to the first and only steep hill of the walk. It becomes very steep very quickly! At the top of the valley there are Cairns and windmills that offers gorgeous views of the rolling moors over Lancashire and West Pennine Moors. Following the windy roller coaster tracks on the Pennine Bridely way through the Cragg quarry, the views are non-stop throughout the entire walk. On the plateau it was comfortable easy walking as we soaked up the glorious sunshine and panoramic views. All you can hear are the light winds and the occasional bleat from a wild sheep. The paths go on for miles which gives plenty of options to extend the walk if needed. The decent back down to Royds roads is very gradual and easy on foot back to the car, where we finished off the walk with a nice cold beer!
It is one of those walks which provides an invigorating way to get away from the world!