Twelve group members, including one newly-wed spouse, set off from Marple Bridge at 9.45am heading south along the Goyt Way, pausing to study an archaeological dig before a brief requested comfort break at the cafe by the Roman Lakes.
Progress continued to Strines station and then turning left uphill to Brook Bottom (the weather thankfully sunny now, with views of the Lyme Cage folly to the south).
Elevens were taken on the picnic tables by the Fox Inn before route continued uphill and soon besides New Mills GC.
The newer part of the golf course was traversed with a superb vista of Kinder Scout on the far horizon. Passing through the hamlet of Whitle, we headed up the road passing the Pack Horse Inn - pausing to say "hello" to a cute pony on our right.
Next we took a slanting path towards Briargrove Farm. Despite setting off on the intended path above the farm a slight navigational error meant that we eventually chose to take the alternative lower path towards Rowarth. This path was quite muddy and Linda struggled to maintain her pristine appearance!
Emerging at Hollinsmoor Road we turned right soon to reach The Little Mill Inn to be greeted by a thirteenth club member,John G, who was already seated in the sun. A very pleasant, sunny and leisurely lunch followed (a couple of the female contingent even purchasing chips from the bar!). Leaving the pub at 2pm we walked back up the road, turning left along Shiloh Road, later heading right and later besides Hilltop Farm and onwards to Mellor Church. Dropping down to eventually reach the main road we soon took the direct pathway towards Linnet Clough Scout Camp, pausing for a mid afternoon break on a grassy bank looking down towards Marple Bridge.
Later we unexpectedly encountered the Lilley family by the scout camp. After exchanging our greetings we turned downhill, to reach the Goyt valley, then Marple Bridge by 4.30pm,, pausing only to view a heron waiting patiently to claim his tea from the River Goyt.
Thanks to Pete H, Harvey, Gill, Paula, Helen & Peter, Linda, Sue, Kevin, Tracey, John, and the newly-wed Mrs Sue Baynes for joining me on my Sunday hike.
