Marplr to Macclesfeild Cycle ride

Last Sunday members of the group accompanied Joan and Hannah in a cycle  ride along the Middlewood Way to raise funds for ECH and in memory of Joan's husband, Vince. It was an enjoyable day and we were blessed with good weather . Jack turned up on a bike which was apparently older than him with a 'hard man's ' leather Brooks saddle. Both performed well but we are not guessing at the age. The ride wasn't without incident with Joan's chain coming off in Macclesfield .Fortinately John and Nigel came to the rescue with Nigel sacrificing his Costa coffee to attend to Joan. Sadly, there was no success at The Pick Up point at Tescos in Mac for John and Chris Shay - think they had misinterpreted the sign.
The cyclists and supporters enjoyed a welcome drink at the pub in Poynton on the return leg.
Thanks to all who supported the ride. Sue Hudson.

Skiddaw House Weekend

I did wonder, as leader, whether some of us would get there. My car
developed a fault soon after picking Martyn up in Preston and about a mile
before we got onto the motorway. Luckily I had just 2 weeks left on the 3
year warranty!! Sod's law did not operate on this occasion -normally it
would be 2 weeks after expiry! Went to the local Skoda dealer, left my car
and was supplied with a brand new VW Passat! So, delayed by only a couple of
hours we continued.
We enjoyed the walk in in fine conditions which continued over the weekend.
It was good to return to this remote and relaxing hostel after our first
visit there last year and we were again warmly welcomed by the managers,
Martin and Marie.

Most of us joined Chris on a long, but fairly easy walk around the range of
hills in front of the hostel on the Saturday. In the evening we enjoyed a

communal meal, a darts competition (using a board which Martyn H donated -he
lugged it all the way up there!, a sing song and lively conversation, not to
mention the wide selection of beers and wines from Martin's stock.


Sunday morning found us doing the good old tradional hostel duty, in keeping
with the "step back in time" feeling that this hostel confers, and carted
logs from the wilderness at the back of the hostel to the wood store.
We said our farewlls at 10 and made our way in various groups back to the
cars. The more adventurous went off to climb Blencathra, whilst others opted
for gentler activities. Another most enjoyable weekend.


(Postscript: I had a call from Skoda at 10.30 on Monday morning. My car was
ready! I collected it in the afternoon and found that besides being
repaired, it had been washed and valleted!! Pretty good service eh!?!)

Cycle Ride – Tatton & Knutsford – 30 miles

Cycle Ride – Tatton & Knutsford – 30 miles
It was pleasing to witness a record turnout of 13 members for a cycle ride . Harvey led a faster route in the morning via Henbury and Chelford before meeting us at the Railway pub in Mobberley for lunch.The rest of us cycled via Styal utilising the Manchester Airport orbital route before continuing to Ashley, Rostherne and Mobberley. The morning was interesting as some members had failed to read the blurb re relaxed pace so leader"( Sue)  got left behind !!This resulted in the group witnessing the wrath of Mrs Hudson for the first time in the pub.However all ended well with coffee at Joan's house and most members thanking us for a most enjoyable day. Please keep up the cycling Sue Hudson PS  Keep on supporting the cycle rides ! Great fun!

Whaley Bridge & Windgather Sunday 1st June

Last Sunday fourteen members enjoyed  ( or was it 13 Dave???) a leisurely  ten mile walk from Whaley Bridge to Windgather Rocks, a gritstone crag above Taxal Edge popular with novice climbers. No takers from the group for bouldering !! There were great views towards  Todd Brook Valley and Charles Head.


 It was a warm day and our jogger,Campbell was sent in search of an ice cream van near Pym's Chair car-park. This was to prove elusive until we reached Errwood reservoir after walking through the scenic estate created by the Grimshaws  of the old Errwood Hall with its spring show of  purple rhododendrons. They made my buy one rhododendron get one free from B and Q look sad !! { Also available from other retailers !!!!). We returned to Whaley via the Hoyt where a welcome drink was enjoyed at The Shepherds.

Thanks to Pete for stepping in on behalf of John and we wish John's feet a speedy recovery. We missed you !! It would have taken us 60 hours to complete your long distance challenge.

Sue Hudson