Spring Bank Holiday Weekend 23-26 May

Dalby Forrest (Lockton) Weekend

For the late May Bank Holiday this year, 20 of the group went to stay at Dalby Forrest Youth Hostel. The weather was a bit mixed but that was more than made up for by the convivial evenings spent in the hostel.>


On Saturday our walk took us round the track of the Rosedale Railway. Although the weather was fair to start with, rain came in towards lunchtime. Just as we got sight of the Lion Inn, low cloud descended and we were rather alarmed to see the pub disappear.
Sundays walk was to the Hole of Horcum and the Bridestones. After climbing up to the edge of the Hole of Horcum, we felt an ice cream was in order, unfortunately, this was a cue for the rain to start again. Fortunately it only lasted for about 1½ hours and several of us were able to enjoy a drink outside at the pub before returning to the hostel.
The evenings were spent playing games with a singsong on the final night, superbly conducted by John Gregorolli.

A most enjoyable weekend with excellent company.
Jack

Leeds & Liverpool Canal walk, 10 May 2014, Maghull to Liverpool

Leeds & Liverpool Canal walk, 10 May 2014, Maghull to Liverpool

I was abruptly awoken on the night before our walk by torrential rain pouring down

outside;  this did not augur well for our walk. However, come the morning and the

rain had cleared, although the forecast for the day remained diabolical.

At Stockport station I bumped in to both John and Anne and we were joined on the

train at Manchester by Tracy and Sue; so that made a good number for our party when I had wondered if I might be walking by myself in view of the weather forecast.

Unfortunately we were still missing Linda, incapacitated with a twisted knee; get

well soon, Linda.

We set off from Maghull with a clear view of Aintree racecourse and the two cathedrals of Liverpool in the distance. We meandered along to the racecourse where we could see clearly why the ‘canal turn’ is so named. We sheltered briefly under a bridge as the first shower passed.

We progressed on, approaching nearer to the River Mersey as we could see the

Dock cranes nearby. The infrequent showers mostly coincided with our refreshment stops, so we were not too inconvenienced. At one stage I did put on my waterproof over trousers and of course after this the rain did hold off.

We had a celebratory drink in Liverpool to mark the end of this canal, 120 odd miles

after setting off from Leeds. Thanks to all who came along on the various stages.

We’re hoping to move on to the Lancaster Canal next; watch this space !

John H