Cataclysmic change is nothing new to Lees Hill. First this hard sandstone ridge was formed in the Ice Age when Longdendale was scoured by glacial meltwaters. Then came the disruption of the Romans, followed by the Norman Invasion and after that the Civil War. Although the 15th century Hollingworth Hall survived Cromwell it finally met its end at the hands of the water board. Fortunately they left the magnificent beech trees, so let's hope these are again spared, for the next major upheaval has already been announced - the new bypass.
LOCATION: Five miles east of Hyde
START: Tintwistle. Turn left off A628, immediately after Arnfield Reservoir, limited roadside parking on Crossgate Lane
Grid ref: SK015973 Postcode: SK131NF
DISTANCE: 4.5 miles
GRADE: Moderate
TIME: 2.5 hours
MAP: Explorer OL - Dark Peak Landranger 110
REFRESHMENTS: Pack a flask
EN ROUTE: Pennine Bridleway, Swineshaw, Hollingworth, Swallows Wood
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News