Overnight continued misty and the temperature increased slightly to turn the snow very wet. I was away my 08:15 and continued NE in the direction of the trig point I’d seen on the Higher brown Knoll horizon yesterday afternoon. I couldn’t see anything now except for a short distance in front. Underfoot was quite difficult due to the wet snow and numerous hidden pot holes. I reached the trig point, still in the mist, and turned left to follow a reasonably visible path through and area of boulders known as Limmers Gate. At Naze end there was a tricky descent through steep wet snow before I reached a flatter path and main A6033 road. I turned left and headed towards Hebden Bridge.

Descent to Kitling Bridge

War memorial on Smeekin Hill.

It was still thick mist but at least it was now very easy walking and there was little traffic about. Approaching Pecket Well there were traffic lights on the road as a stretch of stone wall was being re-built along the west side of the road. Just after the pub I turned down the footpath to the right called Carr Lane. Its centre is the stone slabs which I’ve seen on the moors hereabouts to make walking easier. A steeper turn off took me down to Pecket Well Clough and a decent sized bridge over the river. I wanted to have a look at the war memorial obelisk that can be seen from the road but there was no obvious way up to it. I continued along the muddy track but still couldn’t see a branch up. Eventually I just climbed steeply up through the trees and dead leaves until I reached it. The location is on Smeekin Hill and the base of the obelisk with an inscription dedicated to the Wadsworth War dead in the Great War and that of 1939-45.

I couldn’t find another path down so had to retrace my steps back down to the muddy track. I descended via Jockey Gate to the road at New Bridge and was surprised to see a Public Convenience, but sadly it wasn’t free. I headed towards Hebden bridge along Midgehole Road.

Iron fence near New Bridge

Hebden Bridge

There were empty building from previous industry. I met up with the A6033 again and started my final descent into Hebden Bridge. I continue to be amazed by the roads and building clinging to steep rocky sloped. Looking down over the side of the road there is a considerable sheer drop in to Hebden Water. All of it is a fine stone wall which looks as though it could stand forever. It was overcast and drizzling but I sat for a while in the square area and bought a very tasty Cornish pasty from the Country Stores shop. I sauntered on through the town to the Railway Station.

Hebden Bridge

I was in good time for the next Preston train which was due about 11:36am. It is always pleasure to visit Hebden Bridge Railway Station as it is well looked after. The pedestrian underpass was spotless and must be the cleanest I’ve ever seen. It even smells clean. The waiting room had an excellent display of pictures and copies of old prints to celebrate the station. The weather continued overcast and dreary as I caught the train to Preston. I changed trains to Chorley where it was now raining. I was home by 13:30.

My train arrives

Hebden Bridge Railway Station in the 1840s

Ladies cleaning the trains during WW1