On a bright sunny day, 13 of us set off from Brabyns Brow car park for a walk to a mystery destination. After walking up Hollins Lane to Mill Brow, Paul stopped to apologise for the lengthy road walking but promised that the mud would commence shortly. We moved onto fields and tracks but for a while we were disappointed as there was still no mud!

We carried on, enjoying the clear views and wonderful weather. It was quite warm in the sun, but we felt an immediate drop in temperature as we moved into shade. At last we commenced a climb up a very muddy hill, boots squelching deep into the soil which had a faint but distinct aroma of cattle. Still we all made it safely to the top without anyone getting stuck or toppling into the mud.

We continued up to Mellor Cross and then down to Brookbottom and the Fox Inn. Unfortunately we were too late to see the Morris Dancers but carols were being sung inside the pub and some of partook of the Mulled Wine and Pea & Ham soup on sale in the car park. Then, with a couple more members joining us it was downhill to Strines, narrowly avoiding losing some of our members to a rival walking party (how much did they drink at the pub?) and across and up to the canal. Unfortunately Pam had a slight mishap and while we gathered for her to recover a mountain biker careered down the hill and collided with our leader, but no damage appeared to have been done and we were able to continue uphill to head back to Marple Bridge.

After a lovely day and a fine walk, we were back at the cars in daylight. Thanks very much Paul & Pam. (reported by Sue T)