...so say the sceptics.

But Jack's midweek walk around Mellor and Marple Bridge came pretty close! Of which more later.

A misty, moisty morning saw ten of us gathered in Marple, ready to set off at our traditional leisurely pace; just easing ourselves into it you understand.

Just as well we started along the Strines Road as, after less than a hundred yards, we spotted Ken and Richard approaching us from the other direction, having overshot the starting point!

So, down we went past Roman Lakes and then up onto the trimmed acres of Mellor & Townscliffe Golf Club, where a number of hardy souls were braving the drizzle to whack little white balls around.

The damp conditions didn't detract from the autumn colours in the trees around Mellor village, or the views from the hilltop at Mellor church. There we paused to examine part of the now completed archaeological dig, which has been left on view from a specially constructed platform.

A "Roman" style garden has also been created there, and we narrowly avoided inadvertently playing the part of the Vandals, when we assumed that a plank placed across some newly laid bricks was there to be stood on. We were then informed that it was actually there to be stepped over! Fortunately no damage was done.

The footpath sign then pointed us to Hollywood, and sure enough, there was holly, with impressive great clumps of red berries, almost glowing in the quite murky weather. By now stomachs were rumbling, so we stepped out through Mill Brow, and on to the Lane Ends pub, which boasted a menu of seven or eight lunches, not free (see above), but at a barely credible £1 each when bought with a drink! One of our party was worried this might mean small portions, but all agreed that if so, at that price, have two!

As it turned out the portions were perfectly ample for lunch...but Ken had two anyway! Excellent value!

After lunch, half our number chose to take the direct route back to Marple, but the rest of us braved the deteriorating weather and went for the picturesque option via Linnet Clough and a reprise of Roman Lakes.

An excellent day with good conversation, good laughs and good food.

And as for the weather?

Well after all, it's still "the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness."

 

Geoff (with a bit of help from John Keats)