31st: Family walk

31st: Family walk

The family walk went ok, 3 families and Shirls parents out. Very slow progress was made because the boys were playing with the ice, breaking off icicles and  shattering great panes of ice from the puddles. The frosty trees were amazing weren't they? It almost looked like spring blossom with the ground losing its  white frost cover first.
The photos show in order, Niamh (walk photographer), ascent from Shaw farm to Mellor Cross, frosty trees and icicles* 

Helen B

 

* sorry - the photos seem to have been lost!

31st Sutton Common

31st Sutton Common

From the warm temperate climate of Torkington Park we travelled down to the frozen snow covered tundra of Langley where not even the Ice Road Truckers would dare travel. However, we are more hardy (or foolish) and whilst we waited for a new recruit Shelley (travelling all the way from near Holmfirth!) and Scooby and Jessie (her dogs) a playful snowball fight ensued instigated no doubt by a certain member of Scottish origin whose name starts with C and ends in ampbell (allegedly). Once all assembled 15 humans, 2 Canines and 1 Campbell set off for the top of Sutton Common where we all but bumped into the TV tower due to the mist. However, as we dropped down into the valley we caught glimpses of the sun as it tried to burn through the mist. And after lunch, having descended off Wincle Minn, the mist finally left us giving great views of the Roaches and Shutlingsloe. The final leg home mainly followed the Gritstone Trail back to Langley with only one or two (or maybe three) up hill bits!

Weekend at Haworth

Weekend at Haworth

Haworth YH is a fine Victorian Gothic mansion, originally built by a wealthy industrialist for his family. It is situated high above Haworth with some wonderful views across the valley from the dining room. The stained glass windows at the top of the carved wooden staircase are very special. The dorms were big and the bunk beds were the sturdiest we have ever encountered – no creaking when anyone turned over and the ladders weren’t too uncomfortable on the feet.
Thirteen members booked on the weekend and apparently we had better weather than those who had stayed at home i.e. fine, cold & no rain. We managed to keep below the fog. The snow had almost disappeared which made walking less treacherous.
On Friday & Saturday evenings we found ourselves in ‘The Fleece’, A Timothy Taylors establishment that served the full range of brews. tried them all. The food was good too.
Colin & Helen drove up for the day to join Saturday’s ‘undulating’ walk. We started walking from the hostel, through the village to the church, over to Penistone hill, continuing onto the Bronte Falls & Bronte Bridge, then up on the moors to Top Withens. We returned via the Pennine way, retraced our steps over Penistone Hill and straight into a café.
 Approx 8 miles.
The ‘undulating’ Sunday walk started from Trawden which is just outside Colne. The route was a circular one which took us onto the moors below Boulsworth Hill (too misty to climb : ) and down into the Wycoller valley with its bridges, an ancient aisled barn, the ruins of Wycoller Hall (another Bronte connection), then a muddy return to Trawden. – Straight into another café!!!!! Again approx 8 miles
4 members spent the day travelling on the Keighley and Worth valley Railway.
All in all a very relaxing weekend. I’m looking forward to Wastwater in May

Pam 

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/stockportwalkingoutdoors/HowarthHostelWeekendAwayByPam

17th: Sue & Pete's walk

17th: Sue & Pete's walk

Nineteen members of the recently  renamed Stockport Walking, Talking and Outdoor Group enjoyed a walk to Bowstone Gate, Sponds Hill and Dale Top. The day was full of laughter! Lots of famous characters were met en route including Donald Duck .

Campbell had to work extra hard helping the ladies in the snow.

There were excellent views of Shining Tor, Shutlingsloe , Alderley Edge and Helen M's workplace !!!!!

The walk was followed by a welcome apres- walk drink in The Boar's Head.  New year's Resolutions were quickly broken as lots of cider, chips and crisps were consumed. 

Sue H