A tough bunch of 13 arrived at Stalybridge Buffet Bar on the 06:55 train out of Dewsbury on a cool but sunny Sunday morning with smiles on their faces ready for the more than a marathon challenge of walking 27 miles back to The West Riding in Dewsbury.
After a light breakfast and with the weather set fair our intrepid walkers set off along the canal and followed the nice and gentle winds of the canal through Mossley, Greenfied and Uppermill onto Diggle. This is when the small matter of a 800 foot climb began to the top of Pule Hill which was a killer, provided nice views, but still a real tough ask. A brief stop to catch our breath and appreciate the fantastic views it was then on down to Marsden where the steep walk down was nearly as hard on the bodies as the climb but at least there was a break and refreshments in sight.
First stop and the completion of the first leg was The Riverhead brewery tap in Marsden where the kind people at Ossett Brewery had laid on some complimentary refreshments for our walkers. A drink, a great hot beef sandwich with a few chunky chips, applications of ointments & plasters and taking of ibuprofens and then they were ready for the off again. Leg two was the seemingly easier task of walking down the canal towards Huddersfield and stop number 2 – The Sportsman. However its not all down hill, the short but steep hill up towards town from Longroyd Bridge was not appreciated after 19 miles and 7 hours of walking but as the walkers approached the promise of a beer, some more food and chance to have a short sit were too much. What we planned to be a 10 minute toilet & drinks break turned into an hours recharge as the heat and distance took its toll (as did the blisters and injuries).
An hour later after two refreshing pints and the chance for the ibuprofen to kick in and they were off on the final walk towards Dewsbury, down Leeds Road and through Mirfield, Ravensthorpe and on to home. Hobbling, tired and completely exhausted our team managed to find enough to energy to get to the end and a welcome home drink. With the clock approaching 8pm and 27 miles covered in 10 and a half to 11 hours of walking our team reunited at The West completely knackered, nursing numerous injuries but happy to have completed the walk.
A great effort by all involved which has raised a great amount for our West25 charities. If you haven’t managed to donate or want to find out more please visit our money giving site here:
Also some thank yous:
A great big thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the walkers – you are all legends and will be forever friends of Beerhouses. You know who you are – well done.
Thank you to all who supported along the route and at each pub, it meant a lot to the walkers.
Thank you for Ossett Brewery & The Riverhead for providing refreshments for the walkers as well as the staff at our pubs – Stalybridge Buffet Bar, The Sportsman & West Riding for looking after the walkers needs.
Thank you to Paulaner UK for sponsoring the walk which meant every walker and everyone who sponsored £20 or more received a free pint.
Thank you to Sam from The Corner and all her patrons and staff for supporting our charities, doing the walk and smashing the sponsorship funds.
Finally a massive thank you to everyone who sponsored or donated to the cause. It really is appreciated. Kirkwood Hospice, Candlelghters & Bens Music Foundation are some great charities and people will really benefit from your efforts.
#TeamBeerhouses #West25 #CharityChallenge #SmashedIt
Sunday 12th – 28 Mile walk from Stalybridge Buffet Bar to West Riding LRR with the small matter of the Pennines in between. Beerhouses staff and friends are doing the Walk in aid of our West25 charity friends.
Approx timings and route:
PART1: Stalybridge to Riverhead Pub, Marsden – approx. 12 miles / 4 hours
Start – Stalybridge Buffet Bar 8:30am
Route – Stalybridge – Heyrod – Mossley – Uppermill – Diggle – Marsden
Finishing Part 1 at Riverhead, Marsden where our friends and hosts at Ossett Brewery have kindly helped sponsor the walk by providing the walkers with some refreshments and opportunity to fill up the water bottles in our brief (30 minutes or so) break
PART2: Riverhead Pub, Marsden to Sportsman, Huddersfield – approx. 7 miles / 2 & half to 3 hours
Leave – Riverhead hopefully 1:15pm or so
Route – Weather and condition dependent may be direct on A62 Manchester Road or on Huddersfield Canal or a mix of both.
Finish Part 2 at The Sportsman in town for quick comfort break and refreshments. Brief 15 minute stop off.
PART3: The Sportsman to West Riding LRR – Approx. 9 miles / 3 to 3 & half hours (legs dependents!)
Leave – Sportsman around 4pm
Route – Dependent on conditions under foot but hopefully along the Calder Valley Greenway that goes over Bradley viaduct – Dalton Bank – Colne Bridge – Mirfield – Ravensthorpe – Dewsbury Country Park – Dewsbury
Finishing at West Riding LRR hopefully around 7pm / 7:30pm (fingers crossed)
All timings are approximate and dependent on weather, conditions and weariness or fitness of the walkers.
#West25 #CharityChallenge
