How to beat M62 traffic

Back in the old days, no the really old days before Newcastle's last trophy, getting from Leeds to Manchester or indeed the other way around was a touch arduous. I'd been reading some bizarre old stuff about the original way over the Pennines and how there we many routes across but only one safe one. I'd like to think they built the M62 in parallel to this route deliberately as a nod to the old days. I suspect it had more to do with avoiding the posh bits on either side where the local MP's and their mates lived.

So I had a spare Sunday and I thought I'd investigate, I'd also been partying again so needed the exercise. 

Start by Hollingworth Lake just off junction 21 and walk up to the old Roman Road which crosses the Pennines. Hang a right at the top onto the pennine way across Blackstone Edge ( you'll see this bit in September Craig), over the M62 hang a right over Windy Hill and then nip back under the M62.

Only the last bit is tricky where you have to nip through someones garden without them catching you . Anyway the route in pictures

Up the old road until  you reach the Aiggin Stone which was the Packhorse route equivalent of the big blue motorway signs, not to be mixed up with the more modern and funky lighty up signs for numpties.

Take a break if you are tired.......

Don't drink and drive..........

Bad weather drive slowly.........

Traffic jam 4  different motorways ahead.....

Fire-breathing Dragons beware.....OK not yet but it's a timing issue

So that's the stone, no wonder they needed better signposts

And that's a signpost which can be identified easily by the massive cairn right next to it.

I'm not sure a road could look any less Roman

The top of Blackstone Edge - you can see this from the motorway, travelling eastbound is best as its a bit of a serious rubberneck the other way. Just for reference and safety if given the option to drive a car or be a passenger with Craig driving then unless you are blind of limbless always take the driving option. Actually I'm not sure blind should stop you. Its not the inability to drive that's the problem it's just when he's looking out of the side windows for 5 minutes at a time that's disconcerting. In fact being driven by the girl from The Exorcist that spins her head round and chucks up would be less disconcerting. You could put that down to travel sickness.

This is Floody Road just off Windy Hill

That bridge on the M62 from a different angle

and a funky picture to finish with.