HEALY CORNER TO STACKSTEADS NO.3

"don't judge a book by its cover  "
                     

Saturday 2nd September 1978 .

"I have arrived in Srinigar , it is great -cooler & quiet. Train journey cost 32 rups,took 14 hrs.Bus B class 19 rups (11hrs).Very spectacular bus journey-fantastic views.Went through 1.5 mile tunnel &when you came out the Kashmir Valley lay in front of you it was really beautiful. Last night I stay in the tourist guest house but today I am going to find a house boat . I have found a house boat which is called the Golden Rod . I have a really comfy bed and get two meals a day for 30 rups.The evening meal especially is really good . The family are also very nice , though there are too many people trying to sell me things . I bought a ring and  pendant. The ring was black star & the pendant Alexanderin. They cost 165 rups together.Today I went out with Paulo in the Sikera-it was great fun but i was f*cking useless. We went to a house boat where a Scotish couple were staying .They shot some morphine &the girl was quiete sick but she still claimed it was good . We spent all day there and it was enjoyable -but I would prefer to be with people who don't smoke as much "  

Door Step Adventure NO.3

4 to 5 Hrs.

       HEALY CORNER TO STACKSTEADS

              WHEN

Any time of year . Can be very cold in Winter. A combination of high winds and driving rain can make it rather extreme!! but fun.

               WHERE

                                                Start from Healy Corner post code ref. OL12 8RP

                                                                            DIFFICULTY
                                                                        Easyish, but see above

                                                                             COST
                                                                        Bus fare back .

                                                                            EQUIPMENT
                                               Boots if wet and waterproofs , but trainers ok in Summer .
                                                                   

                                  

                                                                            HOW LONG

Allow 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Stacksteads and then the bus journey back . Its a long treck if you walk back on the road , but 15 mins on the bus and it will take you back to Healy Corner .

                                    
 
                                                                              F FACTOR

Again f*ck*ng good this , the views along the packhorse route are amazing in clear weather , a coffee or beer stop in Stacksteads is also very welcome .

          

                       THE ROUTE.

From the junction at Healey Corner take the steep tarmac road which leads down into the Dell. On reaching the bottom of the hill and opposite a fishing lodge there is a row of houses on the right . A path which is difficult to spot runs along the front of the house . This leads to a bridge which crosses the River Spodden.Cross the bridge, turn left and you  are now on the path which climbs up through the Dell. It is a little difficult to follow at times as it goes up through the Dell  but after passing through a farmyard  comes out at the top of Rooley Moor Road. On reaching the road turn right and cross a cattle grid .Follow the track uphill.

                                                            Can be cold in Winter
                                                                  but great views

Keep following the main  track up hill carrying straight on for 45 mins to 1 hr. ignoring crossroads ,with Knowl Hill and the turbines on your left.

Much of the route is cobbled and from the top you can see the  Yorkshire peaks and I presume the Lake District , where we will be heading later , but not today. Carry straight on  past the fancy sign to Lee  and Cragg Quarry .

and very soon  where the road splits take the right fork down the steep path signposted Stacksteads .The road gets steeper , becomes tarmac and passes the scrapyard on the left .At the bottom turn right and this leads to the boarded up Commercial Pub on the main road and bus route back to Healey Corner .The way back is  right at the Commercial . You are now in Stacksteads which offers many drinking and eating establishments .



 TIPS

Try to pick a clear day as this route has fantastic views .