Thieveley Pike and Hoof Stones Height (Black Hameldon)

[Broggy1]

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Only had the morning to spare for the fells so a quick dash to the West and South Pennines to take in two prominent summits there.

The steep sided valley leading to Todmorden is an interesting one and Thieveley Pike itself is very good from here - steep, well pathed, good views - and would make a fine short walk. Early morning valley mist promised potential inversion weather (pea soup setting off but I knew from the drive in there was blue sky around).

Mist was lingering further along the ridge near Heald Moor and it looked like an inversion was developing on Thieveley Pike so I turned around on the ridge (abandoning plans for a circular walk in favour of two "there and backs" to catch it - well worth it if not the best inversion I've ever seen.

The climb up the other side was not as good - farm tracks, wind turbines and a long road stretch before a very wet, rough and unpleasant climb up to Hoof Stones Height - the high point on Black Hameldon.

An area I intend to give a bit more attention to - particularly in winter.

Pics....

Good Pennine Bridleway out of Holme Chapel

Above the cloud already looking to Pendle Hill

Although the Trig on Thieveley Pike had yet to clear

Back at the Trig.

Half way along the ridge to Heald Moor I could tell that it was clearing behind me and with the ridge ahead still in cloud - I changed my route to enjoy the best of the conditions.

East over the clouds to Hoof Stones Height

Above the clouds

Fascinating conditions

Once above the clouds it was very warm again

After dropping back into the mist in Holme Chapel, I headed up the Bridleway on the other side of the valley.

The cloud was now beginning to shift all together on Thieveley Pike

On the lengthy road stretch above Coal Clough Wind Farm - summit of Hoof Stones Height in view

The valley cloud is still built up South of the Wind Farm

Rough going now on route to Hoof Stones Height

Hoof Stones Height Trig - the summit of Black Hameldon. Looking over towards Boulsworth Hill - the highest of the South Pennines

Descending back to Stiperden Barn House and looking over the Wind Farm to Thieveley Pike

On the Wind Farm track as an alternative descent

Thieveley Pike has a striking Eastern side

Rural descent - not quite as clear as it looks on the map and I ended up going a bit far and ending up back in Holme Chapel.