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
