Introduction

In researching this section it was necessary to visit the Castleshaw area, which must be one of the most beautiful parts of 'old' Yorkshire. This area remains unspoiled and not yet discovered by tourists, unlike Holmfirth. (See the Graveship of Holme pages). For this reason it has been decided to include a selection of photographs to help take you back to the time of the early middle ages, one thousand years after the departure of the Romans.
This has been achieved by illustrating a circular walk starting from Delph and taking in Roebuck Low, Standedge and the Castleshaw Roman Fort (site of), illustrated with photographs.
This area is on the borders of Cheshire, Derbyshire and the West Riding of Yorkshire. . The route of the walk is shown on the map of the area as it was in Roman times .
The first part of the walk can also be followed on the 1850's map.
To see larger versions of the photos, click on the thumbnails.

The Walk

This is a circular walk of about 10 miles starting and finishing at Delph and taking in some of the most stunning Yorkshire scenery. There is a convenient car park next to the River Tame, at the foot of the very steep Knott Hill
From the car park take the footpath along the Eastern side of Knott Hill, leading to the farm at Hill Top where the path meets Hill Top Lane From this path are magnificent views of the Pennines including Castleshaw valley to the North East

Continue along the ridge towards Badger Edge, taking Four Acres Lane to Badger Edge Lane
Following Badger Edge Lane and Shilo Lane takes you to the road junction on which the Roebuck Inn is located As this is shown on the 1850's map, the original building is at least 150 years old. This has since been extended to the side and more recently to the rear to provide a restaurant.
Roebuck Lane takes you to Roebuck Low Brook and the village, comprising only about half a dozen dwellings
Continuing past Luke Lane head leads to the Medlock valley and to the footpath across the fields and up Roebuck Low, the hill At the top of the Hill is an impressive early 20th century monument Even more impressive are the views: to the South East can be seen the high peaks of the Derbyshire Peak District; to the South West can be seen the plain of Cheshire, the radio telescope of Jodrel Bank and the Welsh Mountains beyond; to the West you can look over the sprawling city of Manchester to the coast; to the North and North West you can see the Pennines continuing as far as the mountains of the Cumbrian Lake District; and to the Northeast you can see the Pennines of the West Riding of Yorkshire with Standedge rising high above the Castleshaw valley
Descending from Roebuck Low to the North East takes you down some steep slopes and into the valley of the River Tame, which flows from Denshaw to Delph and Uppermill
The route now continues off the North side of the map, rising steeply up the other side of the Tame valley to a place called Heights. This comprises a farm, a pub and a church and overlooks the Castleshaw valley to the East
Continuing from Heights along Broad Lane, which runs North East along the top of the ridge, which also overlooks Castleshaw valley and takes you onto Castleshaw Moor and the summit of the Pennines . From here are magnificent views, back over Castleshaw Valley and forward into Yorkshire. The castle rebuilt by the Victorians at Almondbury is clearly visible as is the television transmitter sited at Roydhouse, Shelley With the aid of binoculars it is even possible to make out York Minster about 50 miles to the North East. One of the most striking features, which becomes obvious from here is the location of the Castleshaw valley. It is a 'lost' valley completely surrounded by steep sided hills and ridges.
The route continues along Standedge, overlooking the Castleshaw valley, before descending along some old lanes down to Bleak Hey Nook and then further down the steep slopes of Harrop Edge to the site of the Roman Fort at Castleshaw. These old lanes actually follow the route of the old Roman Roads leading from Castleshaw and ascending the Pennines and might also be the route followed by the traveller from Roebuck Low who arrived in Netherthong around 1200 BC.
The actual site of the Roman Fort is little more than a level section of field on top of a hillock not far from the Upper reservoir
From Castleshaw Fort, it is an easy walk down the valley and back into Delph.