An impressive start to the cycling season as all five participants cycled from home to the start point in Woodford . From there  we cycled  through Mottram and  up the Birtles Hill  ( a bit of a burner was the quote from one of the  participants of a Sportif  ) to our lunch stop at the Harrington Arms in Gawsworth ,where we enjoyed homemade chips and sandwiches with a Blondie for Paul.



 We returned against the wind via Lower Withington and Alderley Edge - a total of 30 .6 miles. Well done to all. Sue Hudson

17th - 21st April 2014 Easter @ Moffat

Twenty five  of us enjoyed a sunny weekend in Moffat at Easter.  It took a lot of time finding a hostel for the weekend. Thinking where could we go and use the extra days to get further field.

 We had a good base where we could walk from the hostel for most walks.  The walks on offer were Hart Fell. Grey Tail Water Fall.  Different walks around Moffat town. Crown of Scotland hill and the devil Bowl.

On two nights we did group meals where we had some very fine Indian meals on the first night and Chilli and Lasagne on the second night.

Sunday 13th April, Bradwell 2014

'Twas on a bright and sunny day when 19 SWOGers and one dog set out from Bradwell to conquer the moors above Abney. A steep ascent, muddy in parts soon had us high above the village with broad vistas towards Castleton. On reaching the higher ground we found it to be a trifle on the windy side, morning coffee was therefore taken behind the shelter of a dry stone wall.






The views from Shatton Edge were outstanding. We could see the full length of the Hope Valley with Win Hill opposite us and Ladybower Reservoir shimmering in the distance.We then dropped down past Highlow Hall and into Highlow Woods. Lunch was taken at Stoke Ford, a real suntrap that would have been difficult to leave if it were not for the thought of the Barrel Inn just up the valley.



We climbed up Bretton Clough and refreshments were taken by most people at the Inn. There were many signs of spring with daffodils and plenty of newly born lambs in the fields. The final leg of the walk took us over Abney Moor and back down to Bradwell.
Jack

Denise’s walk Sunday 6 April 2014

SWOG “Ocean’s Eleven” team set off with an unpromising weather forecast from Healey Dell Heritage Centre Tea Rooms between Rochdale and Whitworth. An area apparently unknown to all previously. The valley of the River Spodden which flows into the Rochdale Roch, is a deep picturesque place where there were once several mills and two intertwined railtracks which now form part of the many trails in the area.

Fortunately, it remained dry all day apart from the last 25 minutes or so, with gusting winds on the moortops, though not at all cold.

Crossing the rail viaduct some 30 metres above the Spodden, we headed north past Fold Head passing a deep pool with swans dipping for food. Chris Shea spotted their nest with 4 eggs. The hill lead to a deep sunken and somewhat boggy path up to a view overlooking Cowm Reservoir and around to the moors beyond, where we had a coffee break in the shelter of huge stone slabs used as a field boundary.

Next we passed a farm unusually named “Limed” and took a track past the disused Goat’s Hill Quarry.  At the end of the track, Chris Shea was a great help in negotiating the next mile of unknown territory, as on the recce the hail, sleet and snow had sent us scurrying for shelter via the deep wooded valley lower down.

After some pretty rough moorland terrain, where the paths were not at all obvious, we arrived at the top of Hamer Hill at Rooley Moor Road where there is almost a forest of wind turbines.  As it was very blustery, we decided to delay lunch and find a more sheltered spot, which we did in the folds of disused Pike Brow Quarry.

As we headed down Rooley Moor Road to Catley Lane Head, the drizzle started but we soon were sheltered in the wooded valley beyond Smallshaw Farm and fishing pool.  (A very interesting and attractive farm dated 1622, marred by the satellite dish on the wall). Here we encountered one of the muddiest paths in a long time – much worse than on the recce day, but then it was a Denise walk where mud seems obligatory. Sandra took a fall, with soft landing, but did not even dirty her hands.

Crossing a footbridge over the Spodden, we returned to Dell Road and our start point. A shorter walk than advertised (almost 8 miles), as due to the weather forecast, I had left out the circuit round Cowm Reservoir. Just as well, because as we set off home the heavens really opened.  Thanks again to Chris S for his help and for a good turnout considering the forecast.

 Denise