Washgate Ford and Packhorse Bridge

The walk this week took us to the 18th century grade 2 listed packhorse bridge, spanning over the upper reaches of the river Dove.
We parked up in Hollinsclough and walked up the hill then right at the first footpath sign and around the contours of Hollins Hill up to Booth Farm, following the track to Leycote where we met Steve. The view from his cottage is to die for, to wake up to that every morning is priceless.
Continued down the packhorse route to the bridge. This is called Washgate Ford and Packhorse Bridge, apparently it was a sheepwash in generations gone bye and a lovely spot on the river Dove.
From the bridge its an uphill hike to the road above Hollinsclough, then down again into the village. The views over to Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill are superb. Chrome Hill is the larger of the 2 and a year ago we did that walk and had our breakfast on top of Chrome Hill.
This walk was only about 3 and half miles but well worth it.

The 4 of us on the bridge

Geoff with his new stick

Washgate Ford and the Packhorse Bridge

Trail up to Booth Farm

Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill

This is the Hollinsclough Tree
(Hollinsclough version of the Sycamore tree on Hadrians Wall)