Thanks to Martin B. for this is a copy from his own blog :-
Wednesday 24 August 2016 – A Marple Evening with SWOG
It was a lovely warm evening, so Sue and I trotted off to Marple for our final SWOGevening walk of the season (there is one next week but we will be away).
Setting off from the car park next to the Midland Hotel at Marple Bridge, about 35 of us wandered up the track towards Mellor Mill. Lottery funded work continues on this site, where the Wellington Wheel is slowly being brought back to life. We were here two years ago; not an awful lot has changed.
Soon we were heading in a long crocodile past Roman Lakes and numerous mountain bikers who were polite if perhaps a little frustrated at having to contend with a 35 strong walking group.
Just beyond a viaduct, we crossed the Roman Bridge that spans the Goyt. Someone had left their clothes on the beach. (Migrants swimming upstream?)
Then it was up a hill to the Peak Forest Canal, pausing half way for some of the more elderly members of the party to enjoy a long rest.
A lovely sunset greeted us from the towpath.
We strolled on into the monochromatic gloom of a ‘nights are now drawing in early’ in Marple Bridge, where the outside benches of the Norfolk Arms provided a spacious welcome for those with a thirst.
Here’s the route – 6 km with 170 metres ascent, taking a leisurely couple of hours or so.
SWOG soon reverts to its programme of Wednesday evening presentations at Hazel Grove Civic Centre. Programme here – don’t miss 19 October.
Thanks for your company, everyone, and ‘well done’ to all the SWOG evening walk leaders for another interesting season of walks – it’s a shame we’ve only been able to attend a handful of them.
