Sunday 25 April 2010

25th: family cycle ride

25th: family cycle ride

Yes, we did do a ride starting at 11am. The weather was mostly kind to us.

There were three families - us, the Lilleys (minus Catherine who was on a Brownie centenary day) and the Butlins. The two 5-year olds were towed by their dads, acting as an occasional 'booster engine'. We set out from Parsley Hay and cycled about 7 miles south on the High Peak trail, back in time for tea and before the second downpour of the afternoon.

Plenty left to explore for another trip!

Shirley

25th: Kinder walk

25th: Kinder walk

Eighteen of us met a keen leader in Helen on Sunday am. We set off from Barber Booth CP in Edale and headed for Crowden Brook on Kinder Scout. Through a very pleasant field of lambs and small stripey ponies (banded galloways). Onwards and upwards we strode, crossing river and stream, many, many,times, ascending onto the plateau of Kinder itself.
On reaching the edge no stopping for views, on into the heart of Kinder, 4m deep groughs and peat hags, to pop out near the top. On Kinder that means serious mud, lts of it, glutinous, slippery, peaty, spongy, mud. (Did you know eskimos have over a dozen words for snow- new competition to find adjectives to describe Kinder mud)
Arriving at the Downfall, and around the edge path to Red Brook, no worries, but then the weather changed, suddenly our party was joined by others, all wondering where they were, the top of Kinder Low became a mass of voices, zero visibility, and Helen counting 18, but where was Father and Ranger Steve (lost in the widerness - we were at the trig point!!!) and how come we still had 18.
It all went rather downhill from here, via Edale rocks to Jacob's Ladder, and back to Barber Booth. Leader points redeemed with mega brill Bradwells (adverts on a blog) most excellent ices, and toilets. We arrived back at cars just as it started to rain.
A grand walk with all the excitement offered by Kinder Scout, sweeties for the well behaved, and a week on the naughty step for those who wandered into the mist
Steve
PS we arrived back with a satisfactory count, still 18
 

Sunday 18 April 2010

18th: Cuckoo walk

18th: Cuckoo walk

On a very warm and sunny day 13 members tackled the cuckoo walk. Plenty of the walkers had already looked up the walk on the net and knew more about the history  then the leader. How it was named the cuckoo walk. So we left the baking hot streets of Marsdon and soon we were walking very steep hills. Layers soon came off. Soon we were on open  moorland, which was dry to the recent good weather. In the distance we could see a small moor fire starting and as the day went on, it soon turned in to a major moor fire. 
The leader kept a good pace up with a couple of stops. One of these stops was a ice cream stop which seem to go down well.But it soon was worked off again.  We soon back down to the town by 5.00pm. Walk was about 16+miles. After the walk a few went to the local pub for a swift drink and to use the loos. 

Sunday 4 April 2010

04th: Easter Sunday walk

04th: Easter Sunday walk

Whilst many in the group were in South wales, nine of us gathered in Alstonfield for a sunday ramble. The weather in Stockport was wet as we gathered, but the leader had a word on the hot line and we had a sunny day.
 
Starting in Alstonfield the plan was to follow a bit of Chris and Wendy walk into the river valley then turn right, down the popular end of Dove Dale, passing Dove Holes, Reynards Cave, 12 apostles, Jacobs Ladder, 400+ ramblers and 50+ dogs (ranger joke) we arrived at the third  conveniences of the walk. Navigation in the hands of the co pilot we went uphill to luncheon overlooking Ilam, then carried on across fields to Alstonfield, 4th PC stop, cars, change out of slightly muddy boots and in for a pint.

Saturday 3 April 2010

01st: Easter weekend

01st: Easter weekend

The group enjoyed a great Easter weekend at Brecon. Based at the Canal Barn Bunkhouse, which offered excellent facilities, we ate and drank well and celebrated Chris and Wendy's  30th wedding anniversary in fine style.
Poor weather on Friday and Saturday didn't deter us from venturing out and on the Sunday we were rewarded with a bright, clear day. Most of the group conquered the principal mountains in the region whilst a smaller group opted for a lower level route. The rain-washed atmosphere ensured brilliant and colourful views of this beautiful area.
Thanks to all who participated so enthusiastically, thus making it a thoroughly enjoyable event.