Countryside Walking is inspired by scenic landscapes, natural wildlife and love of filming. Walking routes cover areas in the North West, Lancashire/West Yorkshire and beyond. Most routes are within easy reach of Rochdale Greater Manchester Lancs. Whilst I do both the filming and music production side, Michael supports my walks with navigations and extensive knowledge of areas. (Map info is for guidance only, so please check out first.)
Most films provide information on history, archaeology, or geological features, even myths and legends. My filming is very much fly on the wall, or in the moment. Also my love of composing and recording music, I use as soundtracks for my videos. I therefore have another channel focusing entirely on original music via - youtube.com/@Instrumentalmusic68 or from banner youtube icon.
I love the Holme Valley, have done a few walks around there before now. I've only been to Digley Reservoir though, none of the others you featured here. Amazing that house was built to be covered in earth. I'm with you on the stiles not being built for us with short legs, that one you were climbing certainly looked a big 'un! 😯 I think they forgot to finish building that gate where the latch came off on your hand though! 😁 I enjoyed "Day Dreaming", a every uplifting score 👍
Hi Patrick. I knew you had filmed Holme Valley in the past. I think Underhill got a reputation for its' environmental friendly structure, but glad you agreed about climbing stiles for short legs. I wasn't expecting the latch to drop off when I opened that gate, so thought amusing to keep in my film. It was quite a contemporary piece of music I used so Im relieved it found favour with a few viewers. Once again thanks for dropping by with comments. All the best
That was a good walk, I followed it on the map. So handy that you live in the same area, I can look at places not far away without moving a muscle. I have also been walking along the Holme Valley but nearer to Huddersfield. Got curious about the buckets on the sheep, so Googled it, apparently if the sheep rejects its offspring, the bucket means it doesn't know who it is feeding, haha. Another nice bouncy rhythmic piece Shanita.
I find it rewarding that folk are checking up routes on maps to see the locality. I thought you lived nearer to Bury or Rivington than Holme Valley. Having said that its interesting how certain localities are popular with viewers. I have passed on your theory about buckets on sheep's head to Michael. Feel sorry for them though, but had another chuckle about your google theory on reasons for sheep bucket attires.☺ Thanks Steve for feedback. All the best to you both.🙂
Changed a bit since we played in the the old world war tank left up there. Spent a lot of time in the 60’s and 70’s as it was just up the road from Belmont street and then St Mary’s. Haven’t been back since.
That's good to read Brian. We were pleasantly surprised how popular this walk was with viewers. Michael had often seen the Oldham Hill driving down towards Royton, so we checked it out. Thanks for comments.
Hello. Thanks for enquiry. I have asked Michael and he says he doesn't know the answer. The National Trust covers lots of places. Maybe check up on line Jennifer. Cheers
@@CountrysideWalking It’s a walk I’ve been wanting to do, which I found on the National trust website, I was just wondering if you had done the complete route or joined at a different part section. Etc - thanks anyway
@@Jenniferharv1 We did our own route so not sure whether or not its the same as National Trust. I think the map route directions were given in my film on Holmcome Moors. It's at 10.19 - 10.22 on the bottom timeline bar.
Michael was very evasive about the milage you were about to cover. That was quite a hike, Shanita, especially that big climb towards the end. Was that someone's water bottle hanging off the sign at the start? Michael is definitely a font of knowledge. We never did anything like that in our Primary School. (I started Infant School in 1966). That was so interesting. It did make me laugh when that latch came away in your hand. It definitely wasn't attached. I always get confused with those latches and don't know which way I'm supposed to lift them. I love the matching jackets. They do look warm. You seemed to have had it really muddy in places too. I'd love to have the pennies to buy one of those old run down thick stone buildings and bring it back to life. I'm finding the longer hikes tiring too. The problem is that I live 1 1/2 - 2 hours away by car - depending on what end of the Peaks I'm hiking in - (I live in Stafford) so I feel I need to get the miles in to justify the expense. I've had a few stiles that have been missing a bottom step too, they are a big step up otherwise. Another great hike with beautiful views and I loved your music too. Thank you for sharing Shanita and I hope you and Michael are enjoying your weekend.
Hello Chris. What a lovely message about outrwalk. So pleased you noticed so much going on with our walks. I will have a look as don't remembering seeing a water bottle at the start. I expect you notice how easily we get distracted on walks, or rather I like to capture those spontaneous moments. My goodness you do live a long way off from walk routes. Is there nothing where you live in Stafford ? Really glad you liked the music too. I sometimes can't keep up with videos and music but somehow manage to make it. Really enjoyed reading your comments Chris. All the best.
@@CountrysideWalking yes, the item was hanging off the sign at the very start, just before Michael talks about the hike. It is quite flat or undulating around where I live. The D-Day Challenge Hikes I did were the only local ones. I specifically wanted to hike them but sadly they did not perform well on this platform. People seem to love the Peaks and the Lakes more, whereas I like to watch hikes by people I like. You and Michael for instance. You could hike anywhere in the country and I know it will be really interesting video. So I follow the person, rather than the places, if that makes sense? But I'm normally a few days late watching as I like to watch a video twice and absorb the hike, look at the map, so I can follow in my mind where you are and the terrain. Thanks again for sharing Shanita.
@@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling Seen it! Must have missed it when filming! it was only a second in shot though. What lovely comments Chris. Hope maps and SO routes help with orientations. Thanks so much Chris.
I love Yorkshire, beautiful place & the walks are great. Your jackets looked so warm and good for the wet weather. Been to Wales was paradise were we stayed! The farmland & hills glorious. We put it up on youtube called.. little pudding cottage, under Mark Collier. Please take a look its only a short vid but it looks like heaven! All the best to you & Michael x
If it's mark Collier8935 I've found the right video. Lovely area. I remember an idyllic week many many years ago touring the area in a horse-drawn gypsy style caravan with three friends I'd shared digs with.
@@michaeldenham9681sounds wonderful!! I bet you had an adventure, with a horse drawn gypsy caravan yes you saw the right vid under mark collier x! It was near to Elam valley in Wales.
Hello Anna. I have often looked at your channel before, so its nice to know you have now a video. Wales is such a lovely place to visit. I will have a look on Mark's channel. Thanks for letting me know.
Hi Anna. Just watched the Little Pudding Cottage. Its lovely to watch, and the scenery looked idillic on a sunny days . I found the link to Mark's channel and sharing it here for others to see. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VlGMJ1PYwDA.htmlfeature=shared
@@CountrysideWalking thanks so much! It was a holiday i will never forget! I was suffering muscle pains in my side before i went, when i was there and when we came back they were gone ! Due to pure relaxation i guess !!
Yes Chris. I felt the Stiperstones were quite a hostile environment. If spending a few days there might get a better ideas of alternative camping opportunities. I noticed less harsh terrain in the opposite direction from The Bog. Having said that due to lateness of the day, we didn't do the whole of the ridge so not sure if terrain improved further ahead - but somehow doubt it.
It was strange having that sign in the middle of nowhere. Of course Michael is correct in his pronunciation. But I did check Shanita. It looks like a cold and windy summer day. I love Michael's zest for the climb. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed the video as I enjoy all your videos.
Thanks for your kind comments Chris.It was a bitterly cold day and not long ago either. I wondered if anyone would pick up on that sign post in the middle of a field. Can't think of the logic behind it. Usually signpost directions are at junction of paths! Thanks for your continued support.
We went up there many years ago...i remember getting an earie feeling...a sense that we were being watched by something...i have had that feeling a few times...also on Bodmin moor.
Hi Steve and Karen. Reassuring reading your comments about the eerie sensations up on the Stiperstones. It was such an isolated desolate place, almost alien to me, and bitterly cold that day too.
I've heard of the Stiperstones, but not been there myself as yet. It looks lovely, very rocky underfoot, so I'm glad you were shown an easier route at one point. Laughed when Michael said he was disappointed you didn't join him on the summit! 😂 "Another Dimension" was a lovely piece, gave your video quite a mystical atmosphere 👍
Thanks Patrick for comments. Glad it amused you about the invite to attempt that trig point. We stumbled on the Stiperstones Ridge by visiting The Bog where it was advertised. Pleased you noticed my music too. 'Another Dimension' composed to reflect the eerie/mystical mood of the terrain. It was quite a novelty experience for me.
That area is new to me, but I've had a look around on the map and there appears to be a lot to see, well worth a visit for a few days. Well done with the rock climbing Michael, there's no stopping some people. We haven't been coping with rocks particularly well lately. Great piece of music Shanita with those eerie layered sounds, clever.
Shropshire/Church Stretton is indeed an area full of places to visit. We discovered the Bog Visitors Centre by accident, also shuttle buses run between various places in Shropshire. Hope it encourages your visit. As for Michael's show of rock climbing exhibitions, you can tell I am not as enthusiastic. I am so glad you noticed my music too 'Another Dimension'. It was experiental music with synth effects to reflect the feeling of wildness and eeriness around me.
History will remain historical because it leaves so much marks that will remain in our minds and country's pride and that includes the unbreakable architecture built by an ordinary people or let's just say a no bachelor degree people! The grass were so clean and green, the trees were so fine, the signage were shouting safety! Overall, it was indeed nice to wander around there and think about something that will make you happy or even just remember the past as well as the weather were so good perfectly fine for your journey there! Have a nice day!
Hello Beyonce. Thanks for your kind message. It was good to read your thoughts on nature, architecture and history. The past does remain as you say today.
I think the Long Mynd is an interesting landscape Shanita, with its own character. We have visited Pole Bank but cheated and went in the car! Bye for now, Chris
Never mind about cheating to the Pole Bank trig point. I suppose you can always return and take on the actual climb up. Don't think you'd have any problems there, Chris. All the best to you and family. Shanita
That path was a bit tricky in places on the way up. I'm glad you got to see the ponies. Such beautiful vistas on the way back down too. Thanks for sharing Shanita.
Hi Chris. That first part was challenging. I suppose it's easier when younger managing tougher terrain. At least it became easier once higher up. Thanks for watching.
Having been brought up in High Crompton, Shaw, I really enjoyed this. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never been in Bishops Park although been passed it many times. Glorious views.
Hi Margaret. Saw your comments from our walk to Grains Bar. We did this quite a while ago hence not seeing your message before. It's easy to miss local places as potential walking areas. We never seem to run out of ideas for places, or rather Michael is the one to choose most areas. Hope you may have the chance to explore. Thanks for watching.
You're certainly selling the Shropshire Hills to me Shanita! 😁 What lovely valleys with the flowing streams, and great to see those ponies. The path looked a bit difficult at times though when Michael was struggling a little over the rocky bits. Nice folky sound to your music in this with a bit of guitar accompaniment 👍
HiPatrick. Thanks so much for watching and commentating. We certainly liked Shropshire for its variety of walking opportunities. It was a lovely area to have a holiday too, but the Long Mynd track we followed exceeded all expectations, especially the beauty of the last bit. Thanks for noticing my music 'After Sunset' too. I really enjoy experimenting with different style/moods of music.🙂
Have you both been to this area? Shropshire is ideal for walks and very popular with hikers. It was rewarding to see the wild ponies in the end. A day to remember for me. Thanks Steven. All the best.🙂
Oh love that place, some stunning views nicely captured Shanita. Great shots of the wild ponies. Nice flute piece "After Sunset" it blended well with the commentary. That has gone into my 'to do' folder, just wish our legs were working better than they are these days. How long did the walk take?
You're not on your own Steve about reluctant legs!👩🦯 It was a lot easier 10 years ago! but a walk to remember for our experiences during that day. It took us longer than most walkers. Probably about 6 hours but prolonged by rocky terrain. As always nice to see your comments Steve. All the best to you both.
That's nice to know Chris. It always good getting to visit new areas to see what's around. I found Shropshire particularly attractive in terms of landscape and opportunities for great hikes. All the best, Shanita
That was a nice change of scene Shanita. Shropshire is an area of which I've barely scratched the surface and would love to explore more of sometime. I've heard of Caer Caradoc but not been there yet. The wind was certainly strong during your walk but it looked a lovely spot from your video. I was on the edge of my seat shouting at that poor lamb to crawl under the fence when Michael was trying to help. Not much more you can do though as you say. Nice to hear "Chill of the NIght", you could make that your Shropshire or Caer Caradoc theme 😊👍
Had a chuckle at your comment being on the edge of your seat for the trapped lamb, also mentioning music as a Caer Caradoc theme. Good idea Patrick 😊😄. I would recommend any walker exploring Shropshire for magnificent walking scenes. Despite a week of severe gales, we managed 3 walks including The Long Mynd which I did with a walking group many years ago. They will be due up next. That lamb must have got out because it wasn't there when returning.
I know what you mean with the wind, Shanita. I have been blown over a few times. Luckily, the wind was towards the hill when it kept knocking me over. Next time I'm sure it will be calmer. It was still a great walk, and I never knew about the different ages of the rocks, either. Thanks for sharing.
Yes. It was worse than what it looked in film. Depends on the direction of wind too. This was side on with steep drops on other side. I didn't know about the ages of rocks either so not alone with that one. Cheers all best for weekend. (ps I hope quality of this video is OK. I've notice youtube changing resolutions down to a low one and had to increase via settings quality under the video screen. Curious to know if you noticed this too. Cheers)
@@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling Thanks so much for responding. This morning, couldn't believe my film resolution reduced to 350 when filmed at 1080. Managed to correct via settings and quality. Weird ! but thanks again.
Hi Shanita & Michael, i do hope that little lamb was reunited with its mum. Beautiful part of the country Shropshire. Good history associated with the area. A very windy day you had , pleased you made it and was safe .. just about. Going to Wales soon ( near to Elan valley south Wales) cant wait! Hope to get some nice walks in! Hope you enjoyed your stay it looked lovely. Thanks for sharing!
Hope you enjoy your pending holiday in Elan Valley South Wales. lovely places to visit in Wales. Yes made it back safely once in the lower valleys. I think the lamb did get re-united as it wasn't there on our return. So all sorted. Thanks Anna.
Hello from France. Thank you very much for these good times spent watching your videos full of life, superb landscapes always with good timing of tranquility, I really like it! All the best! One more subscriber in solidarity between hikers and RU-vidrs! Laurent🙂👍
Nice video and beautiful area, shame about the gusty winds. I've been listening to your music on Bandcamp Shanita, good to be able to hear it without the video sounds. Purchased one of those GPS walking devices, really useful for GPX routing, wouldn't be without it now.
Is the GPS for navigating a route as when walking? Michael has a Garmin GPS. Very expensive. What a compliment to check my music out on Bandcamp. Been with them for years but never seem to get far with it. Convenient if someone wishes to hear the whole track, and also a home for my music. Thanks for looking in.
Nice to see the Two Lads Shanita. I'm familiar with them but haven't been. There is a less well known 'Two Lads' nearer to home, above Cragg Vale but they are tiny compared to these. Great film of an interesting looking area. Best wishes, Chris
Hi Chris. We didn't know about the Two Lads until a dog walker mentioned it to us when asking about route. Then another walker kindly walked with us to find it. Never know what to expect on a walk. Can't remember if we have walked the Cragg Vale area. So nice to read your comments Chris. Cheers. All the best.
@@CountrysideWalking Don't worry, we're not what I would call 'real' walkers - too many painful bits to go long distances! A couple of miles is doable though. 😀😀
Thanks Steve. Glad you like the areas we choose. Mainly Michael's idea but sometimes it's me. Have been interested in the Smithills country park, but the added bit of The Two Lads was accidentally.
Hi Shanita, what a fab walk in my neck of the woods. Smithills was my secondary school and visited the coaching house up there. Barrow bridge we used to walk from Mossbank park. Golden memories! Great seeing Blackpool tower in one of your shots and Rivington pike! Loved watching always look forward to them, big thanks you two ! X
Hi Anna. I had a feeling this area was not far from yourself. I would like to return to visit Smithills Hall for a socially outing and get photos too. I know there is another starting point further down the lane we parked off. (I think that was Mossback park). It was nice to be joined by a local Bolton lad who pointed out Blackpool and other areas on the horizon. Glad you enjoyed Anna. As always thanks for your support x🙂
Hi Shanita & Michael, how nice to get a mention in your film, that made me smile. I think we sat at that bench a bit too long, I remember struggling to get out of it. Looking forward to seeing more films around that area. I missed the Two Lads on my West Pennine Way walk, good you got help to find them, aren't walkers a good bunch. Noticed your GPS navigation receiver, I was looking at them only yesterday (Garmin eTrex 22x), are they good, the OS phone app monthly costs are not cheap.
The main reason for having a GPS device for me, is that it gives an OS grid reference wherever you are. If ever you were in trouble in the wilds that would come in very useful.
The GPS navigation belongs to Michael. So top notch stuff there! Yes it was a natural part of conversation mentioning your name and video of the area. (I will put a link up to your page in blog above.) You are right about the friendliness of other walkers, even the dog walker helping us out. We didn't know about the Two Lads until she mentioned it.
How nice Patrick taking trouble to respond whilst away. Hope having a good break and look forward to staying in touch when returning.🙂🙂Apologies for poor quality of film not realising on a lower resolution than normal.
@@CountrysideWalking I must admit Shanita that I didn't notice any drop in quality watching this on my 43 inch Samsung TV. Hope you didn't lose your sandwich in the wind when you sat on that boulder, a better place to have your lunch though than that rather flattened picnic table and bench earlier! 😂 That was a good walk up towards Winter Hill. Went there myself back in 2016, but walked from Rivington Pike. Nice to hear "Autumn Nights" again, remember that from some of your previous films. Although it sounded in places like a new arrangement? All the best 👍
@@solitaryrambler That's a big viewing of 43 inches Patrick. I was trying a new Sony camcorder HDR-CX625 as the one you recommended earlier, no longer available . I only noticed poor results when someone complained film not my usual high quality. (Now changed to higher resolution). I don't recall playing Autumn Nights before. As far as aware its original music, unless it's the opening guitar loop although I usually mention if its a variation - but not to worry. Thanks so much for your loyalty and support.😊🎼 Hope now fully recovered from your recent heath ordeals. 🤕👍
Those stairs were steep at the start Shanita. You seemed to have my windy, muddy hike. I think Michael is very like me. He is never lost, just breaking new ground. Such beautiful views from up there, too, on two lads. Another fantastic video which I have really enjoyed. Thank you for sharing, Shanita, and I hope you are both having a great week.
So kind to keep in touch with our walks. It's certainly new a area for us with new routes to discover. Quite a good comment about "never getting lost just breaking new ground". Like that one Chris. 🤩Have good weekend.🙂
