The weather did not look too good as we drove away from
Torkington Park. Even more mist as we went though Buxton. But 14 of us arrived at Hulme End Car Park.
We welcomed Ken a new member.
Walk was going to be about 11.5 miles and the first 6 miles was very flat as we walked along the Mainfold Way. We still had a low mist but as we were in the valley it did not matter. Soon the request came for a morning break and we settled down for 15 mins near Dale Farm.
We carried on for about 1.5km and we took the path heading towards Wetton. Still a few thought we were going there. But with in 400yrds we took a right fork up to Thor Cave. We climb the steep steps up to the Grand entrance of the cave. John did say we not got to go all the way back down. Yes we do. But in the end he found it was worth the climb as he never been they’re before and by now the mist has gone. Giving blue skies. Few of us climbed up into the cave on the very smooth rocks. It was like walking on ice. Then we had the fun bit of getting back down. Helen Mann was enjoying taking the photos of the men’s bottoms as they struggle out of the cave.
So back along the trail heading south then a quick up onto Larkstone way. Where we had lunch looking down on the Mainfold way. Hoping the pub was still open, which it was at Hopedale. The Russell Watts was open where we had a quick pint of Thornbridge. Sat outside soaking the last of the summer rays. Jack was impressed that he never been to this pub before as it is tucked away. Less then a mile away is Alstonfield that would be full of walkers. We had this little gem.
It was now that we turned north to head back towards the cars. The next stage was over fields and to the highest point of the day. Ecton Hill 369m. We had good views all round at the remaining sunlight. From here it was down the hill to rejoin the Manifold trail.
More Photos Here
Walk was going to be about 11.5 miles and the first 6 miles was very flat as we walked along the Mainfold Way. We still had a low mist but as we were in the valley it did not matter. Soon the request came for a morning break and we settled down for 15 mins near Dale Farm.
We carried on for about 1.5km and we took the path heading towards Wetton. Still a few thought we were going there. But with in 400yrds we took a right fork up to Thor Cave. We climb the steep steps up to the Grand entrance of the cave. John did say we not got to go all the way back down. Yes we do. But in the end he found it was worth the climb as he never been they’re before and by now the mist has gone. Giving blue skies. Few of us climbed up into the cave on the very smooth rocks. It was like walking on ice. Then we had the fun bit of getting back down. Helen Mann was enjoying taking the photos of the men’s bottoms as they struggle out of the cave.
So back along the trail heading south then a quick up onto Larkstone way. Where we had lunch looking down on the Mainfold way. Hoping the pub was still open, which it was at Hopedale. The Russell Watts was open where we had a quick pint of Thornbridge. Sat outside soaking the last of the summer rays. Jack was impressed that he never been to this pub before as it is tucked away. Less then a mile away is Alstonfield that would be full of walkers. We had this little gem.
It was now that we turned north to head back towards the cars. The next stage was over fields and to the highest point of the day. Ecton Hill 369m. We had good views all round at the remaining sunlight. From here it was down the hill to rejoin the Manifold trail.
More Photos Here
