Friday 2nd September - Hathersage to Saddleworth part 1

Little John and Little Don

We discovered that Little John's grave is in Hathersage churchyard, so we left our bags at the hostel and set off to view it. The grave is 11 ft long. In 1794 they dug up the body and it's been calculated that the occupant was over 2m tall, which was quite something in those days.

The original headstone with the letters 'L I' clearly visible





Hathersage's other claim to fame (other than being the centre of the needle and pin industry in the 19th century) is the Jane Eyre connection. Apparently Charlotte Bronte used many local settings in the book, and got the Eyre name from one of the local worthies. We went on a very long bike ride up some very steep hills in order to see the original of Thornfield Hall. Whose idea was it to do that trip before we'd even set off?!

Arrived knackered back at the hostel to collect our bags and set off towards the Snake Pass. On the way we passed Ladybower Reservoir, where the Dambusters squadron trained and the film was made. The ride up to the top, interrupted by refreshments at the Snake Pass Inn was not as difficult as anticipated. We crossed the Pennine Way and then it was an exhilarating descent into Glossop, where we stopped for lunch.





Then on to Saddleworth via the the Station Buffet at Stalybridge and the canal towpath.

Along the canal towpath from Stalybridge to Mossley

Here we met up with my old friend Bobbie Brunt, her partner Dave, and my old mate Martin Stimson. 

We had another delicious meal prepared by Bobbie, a few halves at the pub (including probably the WORST BEER IN THE WORLD!!) and then back to Bobbie's for a good night's sleep..

Don, Bobbie, Martin & Martin (confusing eh?) in the Rising Sun, Mossley