Chrome Hill Walk

Fourteen of us set off from Longnor to conquer what was out of bounds before the 'right to roam' act-Chrome Hill and for some of us Parkhouse hill as well. By lunch time the sun was breaking through making the climb a sticky one, sanctuary was found in the 'Quiet woman'-the pub that is, for an old fashioned pint.
Harvey

Formby WAlk 15th JUly

This weeks walk was a little bit different than what we are used to. 17 of us assembled at Formby Railway Station to catch the train to Southport. Despite a few minutes of light drizzle at the start of the walk, the clouds soon dissipated and we were bathed in glorious sunshine.

 Early in the walk we encountered a footpath blockage at Birkdale Golf Club where the Ladies Open Championship was taking place. After some negotiations we were able to proceed with a slight diversion. We were soon on our way over the sand dunes where a magnificent array of wild flowers were to be seen. Our golfing fans were also able to spot a bit of the championship.

 On reaching the beach someone had to go for a swim in the sea, the rest of us had a quiet sunbathe. After a walk back across the dunes we returned to our cars for the journey home.

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!?!)