Great Hill – 06 March

Despite its name, Great Hill is little more than a protuberance of peat bogs about 3 miles north of Winter Hill in the South Pennines The summit at 1252ft (381m) is only slightly higher than the surrounding moorland, but provides excellent views in all directions particularly to the north and west – on a clear that is, of course. Sunday wasn’t particularly clear but Great Hill is quite gentle and after Saturday’s encouraging run along a flat bit of the Leeds-Liverpool canal I felt my knee might be up to a gentle hill. Pauline and I set off from White Coppice to go over Healey Nab before returning along the goyt to north of Great Hill. The gentle climb along the skyline leads to the summit.

From Healey Nab north east to Great Hill

The Waterman’s Cottage overlooking the reservoir

Sunshine through the trees on below Withnell Moor

Great Hill summit with two walkers on the path south to Winter Hill

Winter Hill from the summit of Round Loaf

Not only did my knee survive 20 miles over the weekend it actually felt better after the 20 miles than it had before them. I think (hope) a gentle week will see a further improvement ready for the 33 mile Haworth Hobble on Saturday – fingers-crossed!