Hawes Weekend Septemeber

Hawes Weekend 23 -25 Sept

I was encouraged by a good forecast for the week-end ahead and set off by train on Friday morning. I arrived at Horton-in-Ribblesdale at mid-day and after a stop for refreshments at ‘The Crown’ set off along the Pennine Way for Hawes. The path was clear and direct, much to my liking. After booking in, we retired the short distance to the pub for our evening meal. Several hours and several drinks later, we staggered back to the hostel.

For Saturday, the majority of our group ventured south along the Pennine Way, ably led by Harvey. Contrary to that forecast, we soon disappeared in the enveloping gloom and drizzle. There was much slip sliding about in the wet conditions; Simone in particular sported a nifty line in the latest mud splattered look. We enjoyed a tasty meal at the hostel; thanks to Shaun for negotiating a bulk purchase discount before further refreshments at the pub.

Sunday dawned brighter; but by the time that we were ready to leave, the drizzle had returned. The planned ascent to Great Shunner Fell northwards on the Pennine Way was abandoned and we went our separate ways. I headed south ascending again into the gloom. By the time I descended into Wharfedale the weather had improved and I enjoyed brightening conditions as I walked on to Malham. I continued on the Pennine Way over the next couple of days to Haworth and finishing at Marsden.

Thanks to Shaun for organizing a most enjoyable week-end.


John H

More Photos Here. 

Rushton Spencer 18 September

On what turned out to be a pleasant mainly sunny day, 13 of us met up at Rushton Spenser for a choice of two walks.

Walk 1 Bosley Cloud.
We walked over gently undulating Staffordshire countryside for much of the morning. Several people were looking forward to the conveniences I had promised them for lunchtime. Regrettably they were shut due to the council cuts. Nevertheless we tackled the only real climb of the day to the summit of Bosley Cloud where we had lunch. The views from here were spectacular, covering the Derbyshire and Staffordshire hills and extensive vistas over the Cheshire plain. From here we followed the Gritstone Trail down to the Dane Valley. A final rather muddy loop along the canal feeder took us back to The Knot Inn at Rushton Spenser where we met up with Vince's walkers.
Jack

Walk 2 Rudyard Lake.
On what promised to be a lovely day three of us set off on Vince's shorter walk around Rudyard Lake. Moving at a leisurely pace across fields we saw large numbers of migrating swallows and house martins making the most of the fine weather to gorge themselves on insects before undertaking the mass migration back to Africa, keeping a close eye on them a buzzard no doubt hoping to gorge itself on any unwary birds. Having caught a tantalising glimpse of the lake we would have to wait till later to see it in all it's glory as next we passed Cliffe Park Hall the old Rudyard hostel in a former life (where many a great weekend was had by walkers) which sadly closed in 1969. On past new builds along the lake's edge till coming out at the mooring, café and small visitors centre where we partook of lunch overlooking the beautiful and tranquil waters. After crossing over the Lake we visited the beautifully restored Earl of Macclesfield's boathouse. Then following the miniature steam railway we made our way back to the Knot Inn to be reunited with the larger group. Many thanks again to Vince for what promised and then turned out to be a lovely day.
Lesley.

More Photos Here

Gritstone Trail 10 September

Gritstone Trail

Seven hardy souls completed the Gritstone Trail from Rushton Spencer to Disley a distance of 22 miles (not the 19 miles given on the sign to Lyme Park as we had to walk from the bus stop to the start of the Trail and from Lyme Park back to Disley). It was an early start for everyone to get to Stockport to get the train to Macclesfield, then to get the bus to Rushton Spencer to get there for 9.30am.

The official photographer turned up to take the group picture before we all set off through the Shell Brook valley to the first major climb of the walk to Croker Hill with the distinctive telecommunications tower on the top known as Wincle Lighthouse. It was rather windy on top but at least it was dry. Because of the distance to be covered we had to keep up a good pace and we had lunch at Tegg's Nose Reservoir before the next steep climb to the visitors centre at Tegg's Nose. I had not been there for many years and the whole group were disappointed to find the cafe had closed.

We then descended to Rainow for yet another disappointment the pub which was nearest the trail had also closed so we had to slog up White Nancy without the benefit of a pint which made it even harder. We were now on the home straight and after a few miles came to the last climb of the day Sponds Hill, it just started to drizzle a little but did not last long as we had glorious sunshine as we approached Bow Stones and Lyme Park.

The official photographer turned up at Lyme Park for another photo call and we then all made our way to Disley, and this time the White Horse was open and my prediction was right I had told the pub we would be arriving at 7.30pm which we did on the dot.

Next year we will complete the Gritstone Trail by doing the section from Rushton Spencer to Kidsgrove.

Paul

Click here for photos of the walk.

South Pennine Ring canal walk Ashton to Marsden : 11 September

South Pennine Ring canal walk Ashton to Marsden : 11 September
It was a blustery start to the day as I set off along the Peak Forest canal; but fortunately the forecast rain had not materialized. At Portland basin I was greeted by the sight of Tracy, Sue, Linda and Kevin waiting on the bridge over the canal – as pretty as a picture.
We set off along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal but soon had to follow a towpath diversion through Asda’s car park; the store had rather inconveniently been built on the course of the canal whilst the canal was disused.
We proceeded past numerous locks as the canal moved upwards towards the summit.
At Uppermill we stopped at the canal side tea shop and partook of delightful homemade ice cream and scones.
Fortified by this various of us decided to try out the obstacle course in the adjacent park. Unfortunately my camera jammed just as Sue and Linda were scrambling over the raised netting and for some reason they were reluctant to go back and repeat the feat.
We duly came to the entrance to Standedge Tunnel (the longest, highest, deepest, etc canal tunnel). We carried on up and up over the moorland and down into Yorkshire. Amazingly on the way over we encountered a boat horse being led over the top of the tunnel; no doubt hard work for the hardy souls legging the boat through down below.
We strolled along the canal into Mardsen in good time to catch the train back; yes, without the need to run along the towpath to make up lost time.
This completed an enjoyable day out. The next stage is Marsden to Brighouse; why not come along; it’s not too strenuous and you also get to experience the delights of the metropolis of Huddersfield…..
John H

More Photos Here

Marple WAlk 4th September

Marple Walk

25 of us were on the walk along the Peak Forest. After a tea stop  at the lift bridge we continued to Strines then

up to Brook Bottom where we had a pre-lunch drink. Fortified by that we continued for a few minutes for a lunch

stop with fine views across Cheshire & Derbyshire. We then continued up to Mellor Cross and down to the Roman

Lakes via Mellor Golf Course.
At the Roman Lakes people visited the cafe for teas, ice creams and bovril before returning to the cars.
With only a few spots of rain the weather stayed fine for our second attempt at this walk

PS Joan - I hope you don't mind that I added some extra notes to yours as Geoff had noted that this was a walk with

many food & drink stops! (not a complaint though)
Sue