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June 30 Pete's walk to Deerplay Moor and Thievely PikeTen adventurous members of the group strayed away from The Peak district and enjoyed a walk in the heart of Lancashire's forgotten Pennine countryside.
Starting from Crowbridge reservoir above Burnley the highpoints of the day were the ascent of Deerplay Moor and Thievely Pike at 1474 feet.
There was a very welcome break at the famous Deerplay Inn reached in driving rain before making our way back via the village of Water.
Fine views were enjoyed of the wider South Pennine hills .
Pete June 15 Saddleworth Five Trig Point Walk On Saturday 4 members took on the Moorland Challenge walk of the Saddleworth Five Trig Point walk. A walk that takes in 5 trig points over 20 miles across the the rough and harsh moorland country side. 3 males, one female and a bear set of at 8.40 am from Dovestones in Greenfield. We did the walk in anti clockwise. The weather was nearly perfect for us. Few odd small showers, but the wind was cold. By Black hill you feel it in the legs and we still had 2 to go. The final was a slog and the final decent was a Black run in Petes route down. We arrived back at the cars 6.05pm. Then time for a drink. June 09 Alport Castle WalkA group of ten assembled at Torkington Park (or at the start) for a most enjoyable walk. The start point was the cafe lay by on the Snake Pass where the distinctive aroma of cooking bacon tempted some to sample the local cuisine. Without too much delay we started up a Scottish hillside, (comments about steepness of the access path above Birchen Clough), and a few members braving the leaders warnings of Lyme Disease and going leg naked. This path cuts vertically through the forest onto
open moorland, very dry underfoot, but fantastic views to Kinder Scout and the
Snake Road far below. A walk up to grains in the Water across dry grasses and
heather beds took us away from the crowds into a vee shaped valley of
solitude.
From here we walked across open tops with two
mountain hare sightings, up to a trig point, all with good views across the
Bleaklow tops, Grinah Stones, Bleaklow stones, all in brilliant
sunshine.
A little downhill brought us to the first proper
sight of Alport Castles, shadows standing out very clearly. The scenery here is
most dramatic, with views across ladybower, down into the Snake pass,
across Kinder to Madwoman Stones and Jubilee cabin.
Afer crossing the next landslip zone we
finally dropped down into the hamlet, and back along towards the
main road, but never getting there. We took the line of the Romans,
above the main road, crossing Oyster Clough, before entering the forset,
clearings reminiscent of alpine meadows, and arrived back at the cars for
5.
June 06 Cycle Ride with Steve on 1st June 2008Message from one of the participants who says SHE would like to remain anonymous!
Steve,
on your walk last year it was blowing a gale and we had to cut it short. It rained for your cycle ride last year and last Sunday it rained cats and dogs so we had to cut that one short as well. You really need to improve the weather for the events you lead for the group.
signed
A Drowned Rat May 28 Vince's walk on Sunday 18th MayReport from Joan
On Vince's Sunday walk there were 15 members and one new member. The weather was good - not too hot. We started at Langsett Barn car park and walked a mixture of fields, roads and woods and we had a very nice pub stop at the Mustard Pot.
The walk: We started at Langsett, went over the road and across the fields up to Hartcliffe Hill Road then down a footpath to Underbank Reservoir. Then we stopped to eat our butties before walking to the pub at Midhopestones. After that we walked along Midhope Hall Lane then round Langsett Reservoir and back to the car park. We walked 10 miles. Thankyou to all of you that turned up. Just one thing about Colin - please someone help me!!!!!! May 12 Les Sunday Walk. Kinder Down fallEleven intrepid group members and one guest (Les' friend Dave
Joule from Ulverston) set off at 10.10am from the Grouse public house
at Chunal in hazy sunshine. Sunscreen and floppy hats being much in
evidence! We proceeded easterly up Mill Hill passing an aircraft wreck
and with a view to our left of the white trig point at Harry Hut. Good
progress was made and elevenses were taken near the junction of the
Hayfield to the Snake path. Group members appreciated the ease of this
approach to Kinder, especially in the warm conditions. The morning's
route proceeded steeply at first up towards Sandy Heys and then along
the broad path towards Kinder Downfall. This route afforded us with
good views down to Mermaids Pool and beyond to Kinder Reservoir.
By this stage we had encountered several other happy hikers also
making their way along the broad trail. We paused briefly at the
Downfall (which was in fact merely a trickle) to allow Dave to take
some photos, this being only his second venture into the Dark Peak.
Lunch was taken at 12.40pm on some large rocks at Red Brook. After
lunch, and the application of more sunscreen, we took the gently
descending and contouring path south westwards above Cluther Rocks and
the Three Knolls to the Access point below Kinderlow End. We continued
westerly over green pastures to Tunstead Clough Farm with good views of
Mount Famine and South Head on our left. Mention of the pub stop at the
Sportsman beyond Bowden Bridge put a spring into some of our strides,
especially Scott's!
The pub was reached at 2.40pm and the beer garden provided a nice
break. Howard seemed to do his impression of Greta Garbo ("I vont to
be alone") by sitting away from the rest of us! After availing
ourselves of the toilets we proceeded in the direction of Hayfield,
passing a kilt clad scarecrow which reminded us of Campbell, before
turning right (north) on the Snake path. Eventually we crested the
ridge and could see the white Shooting cabin besides Middle Moor. Soon
the narrow descending path westwards towards Park Hall was taken. It
was pretty warm by now and the trees on the edge of the estate provided
a brief but cool sanctuary. We continued through the Park Hall estate
passing the derelict former open air swimming pool on our right.
Care was taken crossing the busy main road and we headed in the
direction of the Lantern Pike Inn. Pam F was daunted by the thought on
more hills to climb and stopped to consult the bus time table at the
Lantern Pike stop. Incredibly a No.6 bus appeared out of thin air and
Pam and Pete Hudson gleefully leapt on. Unfazed by this the remainder
of us climbed the steeply slanting path across the flanks of Lantern
Pike. A final stop for refreshments was taken after this ascent and
Colin looked like he would have loved to snooze there for hours. After
cresting the ridge we headed northwards by a series of farm roads and
paths towards Near Plainsteads. The vista of the Kinder plateau to the
east looked spectacular from this final leg of the hike - it was hard
to believe we had travelled so far!
On reaching the Charlesworth road at Near Plainsteads we turned
right and carefully made our way back to the Grouse. We had had a
beautiful 11 or 12 miles hike in glorious conditions accompanied much
of the time by a gentle breeze. Boots were removed and final
refreshments were taken in the pub at 5pm.
Thanks to Helen & Peter, Colin & Helen, Jack, Tricia, Howard, Scott, Pam F and Pete for supporting my sunny Sunday hike.
Les Hodgson Japanese Meal Saturday night saw eight head into Manchester for a Japanese meal at the New Samsi. So not the normal Italian meal that most of the group like. Most order the set meals which you could try different dishes. The raw fish went down well and Harvey nearly made a mistake with the green paste. We should have not warned him and let him carry on eating it. Then it was onto the puddings and Alison was in their with the biggest one you could have. No photo to prove it. Then we went to a local pub before returning back to Stockport by train. April 30 Manchester 10K RaceI am part of a Stockport Council Team entering the Manchester 10k Race on Sunday 18 May to raise money for the Mayor of Stockport's Charities which are Beechwood Cancer Care Centre and Stockport MIND (a mental health charity). I have not done any running since school over 30 years ago so the training for this has been quite hard but I am confident of running the race and not walking it.
If you would like to sponsor me please click the link below, this will also enable the charity to claim 28% extra as a tax bonus.
April 17 New Mills to Marple - Lesley's Thursday walkOn a cold but sunny morning we met at Jack and Lesleys for a cuppa before catching the bus to Hayfield. We then had a quick look around the Heritage Centre and managed not to lose anyone down the coal mine. Then it was time to start the walk through Torrs, with a brief detour to see how the installation of the hydroelectric system was going. We were given an update by the site manager which was most interesting. Then onwards across the Millenium Bridge and uphill to The Fox at Brookbottom for lunch. Then it was downhill to the Roman Lakes and back for another cuppa and to view the photos of the walk. Despite the cold wind at times and a poor weather forecast we had a most enjoyable day and it stayed sunny for us.
The weekday walks have been a success but we will take a break now for the summer as we start the Wednesday evening walks. Next weekday walk in September.
Sue March 27 Mottram Hill Trail - Thursday 26th MarchSix of us braved the weather to do a short walk from Broadbottom to Mottram. Yes it did rain, but not for very long at a time, although it was raining when we stopped at Mottram Church for our tea stop. Despite the clouds we did have some fine views across the Longdendale valley, Kinder, Cown Edge and Etherow Valley. Luckily much of the walk was on quiet roads because the tracks we did use were quite muddy and slippery. After a couple of hours we were back at the cars and we went into the Lymefield Garden Centre for lunch and tea/coffee. Finally we set off for home, leaving Jack & Lesley buyng pots for their garden.
Sue T Easter at Port Eynon Youth HostelNine of us went to Port Eynon on the Gower Pensinsula, South Wales. We were sharing the Hostel with 16 members of CLOG (Central London Outdoor Group) so the group meals needed to be scheduled to make sure we had enough space in the kitchen and dining room, but it all worked out OK by arranging to visit the local Fish & Chip Cafe on different evenings. We were very lucky with the weather, it was very windy but we also had some sunshine and not too much rain/sleet/hail. The Gower is very pleasant, not too crowded with long wide beaches, spectacular cliffs, salt marshes and some woodland.. The pictures say it all really.
The hostel was cosy with a log fire in the evenings. Thanks to Mags, Fred and Josh for making us welcome.
And thanks to John for cooking us a fine chilli.
Sue T Mam Tor walkSunday 16th March - report to follow.
It may mention MUD! February 17 Chris Walk to The Aircraft wrecks on Bleaklow Today we had another fine day of clear blue sky. Little on the cold side but a great day to be out walking. What a turnout we had of 19 walkers. Two new members and we a couple of walkers who joined us a few weeks ago. So nice to see some new faces. The walk started from Old Glossop and headed up Doctors Gate. We had slight problem with a mountain biker but that was soon sorted out. We soon reached the Pennine Way where we headed along it for a short time before Chris took a bearing to the wrecks. Soon we were at the aircraft wreck and we spent soon time there before heading to the twig point for lunch. Lunch was washed down with a Cold glass off Banrock Station Fine Chardonnay wine. As it was colin's birthday he carryed up a Tetra pak of wine. Very Eco-Friendly. It was also Harveys birthday but he forgot to make the cake. From here we headed back down from Bleaklow to the valley floor at the bottom of Doctors Gate. February 11 The Mad Woman of Kinder - Steve's walkFebruary today cast aside his bitter barbs and surrendered to a summery sun.
Enveloped in a strangely winter warmth did Steven and his fearless band of swaggering Swogs ascend to the alluring wastes of Kinder's wilderness. Sincerely yours, The Mad Woman-"stoned". (Report from John) February 04 Vince & Ben's walk 3rd February 2008There was an excellent turnout for Vince's walk. 15 of us, 16 if you include Ben, and for once women outmumbered men 9:6. When did this last happen ?!? We started at Ridgegate Reservoir, had coffee in the church yard at Chapel House where some of us (them) sheltered from the cold wind in the porch of the church. We had our picnic lunch in Wildboarclough, followed by a drink in the rather elaborate smoking room at the Crag Inn, before returning via the former Oakenclough YH. Despite the forecast it remained dry. It was certainly a day to blow away the cobwebs. Total distance about 9 miles, but I guess Ben must have done about 20 !!.Thanks to Vince for organising the walk and to all the hardy souls who came along. We hope that we may see all the new faces again soon. John January 28 Sue & Geoff's walkWell at least it wasn't raining again this week.
Eighteen of us met at Whaley Bridge Car Park, but it turned out that Pam & Paul had only come to wave us off. They were going on a tougher walk than ours!
So sixteen of us set off along the canal to Buxworth Basin, stopping for a brief look at the restoration exhibition before heading across the by-pass and up onto Eccles Pike where we had some fabulous views of Chinley Churn, South Head and Kinder in one direction and Combs Reservoir and beyond in the other.
Down we went and across Chapel en le Frith Golf Course, avoiding the very muddy route that we had rehearsed on New Years Day. We had planned to stop on the hill above Combs for a lunchstop but it was a very cold wind so we continued down into the village. We ate our lunch then sat outside the Beehive Inn for a drink. Some of us were lucky enough to sit near the patio heater.
After lunch we headed up the hill, passing the rehearsed route that would have had us up to our oxters in mud and paddling alongside the reservoir. We turned through a yard and had to negotiate a very tricky stile. In fact the afternoon presented us with quite a few stiles, one of which got the better of Joan, but I gave her Geoff's share of the fruit cake and after a rest she recovered and we continued along the valley with only a slight diversion where we missed the path, back into Whaley Bridge and along the disused railtrack to the cars.
Thankyou all for coming, sorry about all the stiles but at least we avoided the worst of the mud.
Sue Cains Brewery TripCain’s brewery trip Saturday 26 January 2008
As Cains beer is the official beer for Liverpool’s City of Culture year, it seemed a particularly appropriate time to organise a visit round the brewery (it’s not often you can pass off a brewery trip as a cultural event!)
16 of us met at the brewery tap for a swift pre-tour drink, having made our way to Liverpool via various trains and buses. Phil, Colin and I also had a look at one of the landmark City of Culture buildings/art exhibits on the way to the brewery (see photographs) – suspect that pub will be rather draughty for drinks in the future.
There were 25 of us on the tour altogether and, despite the site not being in operation that day as it was a Saturday, we were given a most interesting tour round the brewery, with plenty of anecdotes on the brewery’s history. We also heard of its future plans, the current owners having taken over about 5 years ago when the brewery was on the point of ceasing altogether. They have a large canning unit there, canning drinks for numerous other companies, but their bottling is done at Robinsons, so it’s almost a local beer.
After the tour we returned to the brewery tap to use our 2 free vouchers on pints to drink there or bottles to take home, and were provided with sandwiches, sausage rolls etc to keep us going.
From there we split up into several groups, some heading home or to look round Liverpool, and some to visit the Philharmonic pub, as recommended by the guide, for further drinks. This is a particularly ornate pub, the wooden interior having been made by workers from the local shipyard. Apparently the gents toilets were particularly ornate, though I never got to see those.
A further split in the group saw 6 of us enjoying a meal at the Philharmonic, followed by a train trip home (with a whisky for the road en route).
Helen January 20 Next time I'm bringing SCUBA gear...Well, if we thought last week's walk was wet...!
However, in spite the sort of skies (and weather forecast) which would suggest we should stay at home and build an ark, five impetuous souls turned up and proceeded to slosh our way around the Cheshire/Derbyshire border between Stalybridge and Longdendale.
Starting off at Mottram we headed east over Shaw Moor looking down over Stalybridge on our left, dropping into then out of the valley holding Swineshaw reservoirs. Bearing northwards above Carrbrook we fell in with another party of walkers who turned out to be our near namesakes - Stockport Walkers. We compared wet weather stories and tried to poach each others members for the next mile or two, until routes diverged. Our party then headed for Tintwistle, over terrain that would have made Ellen MacArthur feel at home.
After recharging batteries in the Bull's Head we reluctantly dragged ourselves out again to find the weather had moderated a little. Now it was merely unpleasant!
Round Arnfield reservoir (trying to establish just where it ended and "dry" land began), over to Devil's Bridge, through Swallow's Wood and then a final upstream - sorry, I mean uphill - stretch to Hollingworth Hall Moor to find our transport hadn't washed away after all.
I wouldn't have missed it for the world!!
Geoff |
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