A WARNING.

"Look in the mirror long enough and you will see the devil"

This blog contains some references to illegal drugs, and uses the occasional swear word.I will be posting a new adventure on a weekly basis as much as possible . All adventures have been undertaken by myself , and all are recent . They will range from short walks to more ambitious hikes , but all should be achievable,but undertaken at your own risk.
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               Ricardo.  

PROLOGUE 1978

"still waters run deep"

Monday 24th July 1978

 "Arrived in Istanbul at about 12 o'clock. Terrified and totally lost ,got bus to Sutan Ahmet area, booked in at youth hostel 40 t.l. Had to sleep on the floor "

Monday 27th October 1980
  
     "Arrived Delhi changed £20.00, 18.55 rups to the pound . got room in Vishal Anex 15 rups each . Bought 1 tola ganja 35 rups 2 tola opium 100 rups"

Saturday 1st November 1980

 "Changed £20.00 bought 1 tola hash for 45 rups from Gov. ganja shop. Bought two tubes of Dexedrine from chemist 4 rups each 25 tabs in each"

Monday 24th November 1980

"Stayed at Tatopani went to hot spring(brill), started going to bed early (7-8) and getting up early . Smoking good hash for 20 rups a tola .bought 2 tola"

Monday 8th December 1980

"Went to Shiva Temple , Pashupatinath, pretty amazing place, saw bodies being burnt on the ghats. For Des's birthday we went to K.C.'s and the sizzling steak was fantastic beyond. Had a draught beer . Got rickshaw to Freak Street. "

Bom Shanker

This was 1980 David , you were 5

WELCOME

"wait for the weather wait forever."

Tuesday 1st January 1974 .

"I have never kept a diary before, and my thoughts now are whether I will keep it up,or,if it will get pushed to the back of a cupboard. I hope it won't be the latter, because memorise are valuable: I let the New Year in at Debora Livingstones party .,it wasn't spectacular in any way but I quite enjoyed it.I went to bed at 1am and didn't get up till 11 in the morning.We went to Maragery's and Dorothy's for tea. The meal was fantastic ,soup with warmedcobs.Main dish , with fantastic vedgatables,followed by trifle and cake . The evening itselfwas boring(expected), we played stupid games. The thing that stuck out the most to me , was how lovely Auntie Winnie is." 

    Hi my name is Ricardo , I am 58 years old  .I grew up Bolton .An oldish guy lived at the top of our street and two or three times a week he would set off on his bike for a days ride . I heard conversations , weirdo , no job , odd ball . My Dad  stuck up for him and was one of the few people who spoke with him, only jealous he would say . Have I become that guy ha ha . Welcome to my Adventure Travel Blog where I will be sharing my experiences. My hero, or I suppose heroine , is  Dame Ellen MacArthur, who I have met . One tough cookie. I dedicate this blog to my Parents who gave us a f*cking amazing childhood ,and to my older sister who ended it.  My childhood ended abruptly at the age of 13 for 2 reasons,I heard David Bowie on the radio and I had my first experience of LSD (courtesy of my older sister) , I know this as A Clockwork Orange was in the cinemas . We went to see it as part of our trip , it was fun , the cigarette smoke was amazing . I don't remember too much of the film . If you had told me when I was 30 that I would know, to speak to, 5 people who had committed suicide before I reached 50 , I would not have believed you .Also if you had told me when I was 30 that a considerable number of people would have called me an arsehole or similar by the time I was 50 I equally would not have believed you . My school days ended abruptly when I was asked to leave at the age of 17. The major effect of this was having any hope of re-entering the educational system totally and utterly squashed . No 2nd chances! The upside was that I was forced to forge a very successful business career for myself .This gives me a chance to introduce one of my favorite topics ,old sayings. We have here "as one door closes" and "every cloud has a silver lining "  I credit myself with inventing the following saying which is very relevant to people living in the UK , and to people wishing to indulge in Adventures "wait for the weather wait forever."
 The definition of Adventure is "an unusual and exciting,  experience or activity". I have missed out the words " typically hazardous" as I consider it an unnecessary and possibly negative inclusion .I will be grading the Adventures I describe thus

                    WHEN
                    WHERE
                    DIFFICULTY
                    COST
                    EQUIPMENT
                    HOW LONG
                    F FACTOR
                    TIPS  

My Adventures are aimed at novice Adventures of all ages and fitness levels . I have completed all the Adventures , sometimes with companions but often on my own . A true Adventurer will find it necessary to sometimes travel alone to achieve his/her aims . I live in Rochdale England , on my door step I have The Lake District , The Yorkshire Dales and The Peak District . I will also be undertaking  what I will call Door Step Adventures , ranging from shorter  2 hr. Adventures to longer 5 hr Adventures.  No car will be necessary, they will start from my front door and most will be suitable for a summers evening as well as during the day. Obviously if you are not from the area they will not be Door Step Adventures for you . If you want to do your own Door Step Adventures why not e mail me and I will try them out .Also please e mail me with any comments regarding the Adventures.
          As well as the Adventures I will attempt to entertain you with exerts from a diary I kept when I was young . I promise these will be unedited and at times of great embarrassment to myself .
                                         
                                                                An early Adventure

           
                                                                 A young serious Adventurer
                                                                               

My older sister who supplied the LSD not long after

Family Adventure  .This was my elder sisters last family holiday. 

I made it ! any ideas where?

Ok lets get going with the first of Ricardo's Adventures , but first a word of warning . I am a big fan of the word f*ck , what better description is there than f*cking steep, or totally f*cked or f*cking delicious or thank f*ck etc etc.

 So I don't have to keep repeating myself on all the Adventures a few basics are necessary. Always take some water a mobile phone a bit of food . Plus suitable clothing , it rains rather a lot in the UK.Oh and tell someone where you are going .

You can find me on Facebook, ricardomason25@gmail.com and twitter @ricardomason

HEALY CORNER TO PRICKSHAW AND COWM RES. . NO.1

 

"Everything comes to he who waits"

Wednesday 26th June 1974 .

"I am a little drunk at the moment for we went up to the sailing club and people bought me drinks. I always get a little drunk there without spending a penny, it is great fun .We did well in the sailing, I don't know what has come across that boat of ours . We finished first , the two boats infront retired but what the hell . That was our first , first , and I am looking forward to winning some things at the end of the year . Nicola wanted some books from the Library , first we went to see a collection of Matisse pencil drawings and it was really enjoyable looking at them and some of them I really liked . That was in the museum and by the time we had come out the library had shut . We went to see 2001 Space Odessy at the pictures after and i didn't really enjoy or certainly not understand it .The seats were dead uncomfortable and the whole film was a little slow . If some one asked me what the story was about , I wouldn't be able to tell them"

Door Step Adventure NO.1.

 2.5 to 3 Hours

 HEALY CORNER TO PRICKSHAW AND COWM RES. 

                                                                            WHEN

                                                                     Any time of the year

    

                                                                          WHERE

                                          Start from Healy Corner post code ref. OL12 8RP

                                                                          DIFFICULTY

                                                                              Easy

                                                                           COST

                                                                             Zero

                                                                         EQUIPMENT

                                                          Boots if wet but trainers ok in summer.

                                                                          HOW LONG

                                                                        Allow 2.5 to 3 Hrs

                                                                          F FACTOR

                  The path round the back of Cowm Reservoir deserves a f*ck*ng good for this route

                            

                                                                         THE ROUTE

From the junction at Healey Corner take the steep tarmac road which leads down into the Dell, before going under the viaduct take the steep steps on the left and at the top turn right crossing the viaduct.

Just after the tree carvings take the path on the left and on joining the road turn right and follow the cobbled road past the lodge and up towards Prickshaw .

Just after the Hay Barn follow the road round to the right and down the hill , go past the derelict red brick building and keep left at the next intersection , carry on following the road round to the left without going through the metal barrier at the edge of the estate. After about 100 yds and before the gate the track splits , take the track to the right and keeping right follow the path between the wall and the wooden fence, with the estate on the right . At the end of this path it opens up and there is a row of garages, go past these and take the first path on the left up the hill ,enjoying the views as you climb up( an alternative route is available a short distance further on which goes through a stone style but leads to the same place) . On reaching the buildings the path goes up the side of the end house (past the wooden telegraph pole  ) and joins a well defined track where you turn right .Follow the road down the hill, keeping left as you reach the houses.At the end of the houses on reaching another track/road turn left and after Fold Head High Barn turn right up the path which resembles a ravine between a wall and a high bank . After 4 gates the views return with a great view of Cown Reservoir

Follow the cobbled road down taking care as it is slippy when wet , go past the derelict hamlet heading towards the top end of the reservoir. Take the path keeping the reservoir on your right . Go through the gate and follow the road down turning 2nd  right along Cowm Park Way South at the bottom . Carry straight on at the end taking care as it is a bad junction and this road leads back to Healy Dell . Carry on through Healey Dell until you reach the viaduct , straight after which  take the path on the left , then turn right at the road to return to the start or left for the tea rooms ( only open at weekends)

                                                                             TIPS
             Try to ignore the rubbish dumped at the edge of the estate . This route can be done on a mountain bike,                      

HEALY CORNER TO HOLLINGWORTH LAKE.NO.2

"make hay while the sun shines"
                                      

                 Wednesday 23rd August 1978 .

"Today was a good day . When I left my friend I walked to the station and then got a rickshaw to the Red Fort (4 rupees).I went to the Post Office but there was nothing .Then I went to the Red Fort . When I came out a Auto Rickshaw driver was trying to sell me coke , morphine,hash, opium and he was trying to get me involved in some mad scheme where he posted the stuff to my house . He was a nice chatty man and seemed fairly straight . I then went to the Jama Masjid Mosque and climbed the big tower. The view was fantastic . I was talking to an Indian guy up there who was from England . I then walked through

the Chandi Chowk market , got hassled for hash all the time and got dragged into a tailors shop . They said that white cotton costs 8 rupees a metre and the striped 10 rupees a metre , needing 5 metres for the lot . This seems rather expensive . I got away . I then got a rickshaw back to the station , he took me down the back streets , and I will never forget Delhi." 

Door Step Adventure NO.2

4 to 5 Hrs

       HEALY CORNER TO HOLLINGWORTH LAKE.

              WHEN

Any time of the year .Good Bus and Train services back to Rochdale from Hollingworth Lake . Could be combined with a night out on a dry summers evening .

               WHERE

                                                Start from Healy Corner post code ref. OL12 8RP

                                                                            DIFFICULTY
                                                                                Easyish

                                                                             COST
                                                                   Bus fare back , beer and chips!

                                                                            EQUIPMENT
                           Boots if wet but trainers ok in summer, also this route is possible on a good
                                                                                mountain bike

                                  

                                                                            HOW LONG
                                                Allow 2.5 to 3 hours walk to get to Hollingworth Lake .
                                                 Then you have to get back .    

                                                                              F FACTOR

           This is a pretty f*cking good minus . Its spoilt a bit by the unavoidable road section ,but Hollingworth Lake is worth it.

                       THE ROUTE.

                     

It starts opposite Healy Corner follow this track up the hill past the houses , under the bridge and keep right at the first intersection. At the next intersection take the left hand path that hugs the wall , with the reservoir on the right  then turn left at the next junction.Carry on up the hill and turn right at the junction where the proper tarmac starts .

                     

This leads to here,go across the junction as this is a farm track and then turn right
after a short distance , there is a choice of two or three paths take the least muddy as they join up further on .Carry on till the path forks and take the right hand path with the large rock that leads down the hill .You are now heading towards Watergrove Resevoir .Follow the path till the next sign post where you turn right and after a few yards pass through some old stone fence posts .Take care on the descent , go over the style up the wooden steps and turn right when you reach the road . After a couple of gates you will reach the wind surfing club at the reservoir . You may fancy returning to Healy Corner from here as its a great picnic spot and the round trip would be about  3 to 4  hours .If going to Hollingworth Lake turn left and follow the path round the Reservoir.At the car park take the exit in the left hand corner through the blue iron gates .This road leads down to Wardle Village , go past the Globe Inn and then left at the mini roundabout down Wardle road . This will bring you out at the junction with Halifax Road . Cross at the  monitered crossing and take the road up the side of the Belvoir old peoples home. This is blocked off to cars and on reaching the next main road turn right and follow the road past the station to Hollingworth Lake .You can get the bus or train back to Rochdale from the lake, and then a bus back to Healy Corner.

Hollingworth Lake
Hollingworth Lake is a f*cking gem , I love it . Yes there are more  scenic isolated beauty spots which I will be journeying to also , and there is the traffic ,dog shit , crowds and the fully fledged experts in the use of the F word , who put my feeble attempts to shame . But it has 2 pubs a  chippy numerous cafes an amusement arcade a campsite , you can go sailing rowing or fishing , it is also a renowned spot for rare birds.You can walk round it , jog round it cycle round it , or just sit and watch the goings on . Something for everyone !

TIPS
You may want to give Hollingworth Lake a miss on a nice summers day , it can get overcrowded to say the least . In Winter it can be very cold and bleak and wet on the moors so be prepared.Mountain bike route as well .

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 .

                                                            

HEALY CORNER TO COWM RESERVOIR NO.4

 

"All that glitters is not Gold  " 

Wednesday 15th April 1981.

"Two rooms North and South"

"Lying on a bed smashed in North India is quiete a different experience than in the South . In the North paranoia takes over, you hear things on the roof +outside the door, people are wretching, cougthing+spitting outside your roon+you feel there is some catastrophy  close at hand-you don't know what is going to happen next.This is an exciting + interesting experience. The South is much more relaxed, you can gouch watching the street scenes+and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing country"

           

Door Step Adventure NO.4.

 2 Hours 

 HEALY CORNER TO COWM RESERVOIR.

               WHEN

          Any time of the year

                                                                           WHERE
                                              Start from Healy Corner post code ref. OL12 8RP

                                                                          DIFFICULTY
                                                                         Very Very Easy

                                                                             COST
                                                                                Zero

                                                                         EQUIPMENT
                                                          Boots if wet but trainers ok in summer.

                                                                          HOW LONG
                                                                         Allow 2 Hours

                                                                          F FACTOR
        I love this mini Adventure the first bit through the Dell is a f*cki*ng little gem that I never ever tire of .

                                                                         THE ROUTE
From the junction at Healey Corner take the steep tarmac road which leads down into the Dell. On reaching the viaduct go under it and take the path on your right cutting back on yourself and passing under the viaduct again . Follow the path down to the bottom , cross the small stream take the stone steps and follow the path up until you reach the wooden steps that lead to the road .Be sure to take the little detour halfway up the hill on the left that leads down to the river Spodden.

Climb the wooden steps watch for any traffic and go straight across the road to the path. Keeping left you    will soon come to a gate , go through it and take the path straight ahead which leads round a picturesque pond.

  Walk round the pond and at the end cross a wooden bridge .Turn left after the bridge and soon at the next junction turn right and follow the path taking the route that does not pass under the bridge , but up past the playing area

. Carrying straight on you will reach the road .Follow the road going straight across at the first junction (care needed) and carry on down Cowm Park Way South. On reaching Tonge End turn left between the Farm and the Cock and Magpie pub.At the top of the hill turn left , go past the Ski Centre and follow the path across the damn and all the way round Cown Reservoir returning to the road that leads back to the Cock and Magpie pub.Following the same path back the pond and fantastic route through the Dell can be enjoyed again .
                                                                             TIPS
At the far end of Cowm Reservoir just through a gate there is a stone bench and a quirky pond , I am going to take a couple of cans and a portable barbecue there on a summers evening and have a burger and a beer .  Could be done on a mountain bike or jogged .


                                                                         Picnic spot