Over Moors and bit of TDF

A great little drive, best on a clear day. Watch out for the sheep, & cyclists. Stay on the track!

Setting off from the car park at Norland, opposite the Moorcock Inn (closed at time of writing)... there may be a small cafe across the road. Right out of the car park towards Norland village, road narrows by golf course, care over crest and follow road around the edge of the moor. At the bridge the road bends sharp left, take the right turn and you will soon pass Greetland All rounders Rugby club on your left. If you need a glass of water or some food there is the Spring Rock public house at your next junction. Pop in and then google the sport of Nurr and spell. Think golf, without a course plus arguing.

On to Rochdale road for 100m then left turn down Far Bardsey, its narrow but quiet. At the bottom of the road take a right and up the hill to Barkisland. Stop at the post office for a fantastic pork pie or scotch egg or continue up past the church on your right- again stop if you would like a spot of Cricket.

There is an alternative route taking a left at the Church to Krumlin. Home of the Krumlin Folk festival, again, google it. But Elton John played and Billy Connolly was an opening act. Pink Floyd were fog bound apparently though the truth is the organiser had run off with all the ticket sales and the festival was cancelled due to inclement weather on day 2.

Back on the route and up to Ringstone Reservoir, named after the stone circle that can still be seen in a field on the far side over looking Rishworth valley.

You are now on one of the finest roads in the country. Enjoy the route over the M62. Sensible speeds now. The sheep will not stop. Take in the views (fog permitting). Stop at the next junction (car park opposite) to eat your pork pie and watch hang/paragliders or turn right and wind your way down across Saddleworth moor to Denshaw. Enjoy the route but watch the bends, especially on the reservoirs. There are some big drop offs that you wouldnt want to end up in.

At the junction, climb back up the hill towards Yorkshire.... cross the Pennine way and then under the M62, marvel at the Farm house island in the M62 where absolutely the owner did not refuse to move, just the moor land was too waterlogged.

Technically you can enjoy watch your MPG climb up and off the chart for the next 7 miles. At the end of Boothwood reservoir drop the speed. And twist and turn in to Rishworth, passing the school first on your right and then your left.

In the village of Ripponden, you will kind find a good selection of shops and places to get a coffee. plus some lovely pbulic houses for water and food. Theres free car park behind the social club through the junction.

If you stick to the route and turn right, just after the lights, you are now on a Tour de France hill climb so watch out for the cyclists and be glad you arent pedalling.

Up the hill , the road forks right, (do not take the right fork!)

At the brow of the hill you have finished the big climb. As the road drops take the first left and you are back on the road to Norland. The caravan parks make it feel like you are by the sea ! You are nearly at the end of your route. Slow to enjoy the views to Halifax and Wainhouse Tower, then pull in to the car park on your right. Enjoy your scotch egg if you haven't done so already.

Alternatively, this route can be done in reverse and its still great. Avoid in the snow. But its great just after snow if the roads are clear.. like being on a snow moon. Enjoy.