Adstone Hill, Shropshire

The first Lets Go For A Stroll which I did not organise! So thanks to Helen Eden for this one. I was away travelling so she organised it in my place. So on Sunday 9th November, Helen E, Paul, Helen P, Leeanne, Tom, Marta, and Jon made their way to the lovely county of Shropshire.

 

The walk was based on that detailed in the PDF link below.

Adstone Walk provided by the Shropshire Walking website.

The route starts at the Horse Shoe Inn (GR SO 393 964) OS Explorer 217 and follows the Shropshire Way towards Wentnor over Adstone Hill and then back again through a few farms and walk close to the river.


I’ve been informed that it was a pretty sunny day but the previous days rain had caused rather muddy fields, which Marta apparently lost her leg in a large puddle :)

Fan y Big, Brecon Beacons

Okay yes its a funny name, and therefore of course it had to be walked up :) So up early on a Sunday morning, Helen and I left. Unfortunately there were supposed to be eight of us, quite low compared to recent outings. But I think a lot of people had one look at the weather and thought - cats in hell chance I'm driving to the Brecons and getting rained on!! So one by one definites to appear were texting through to say, i've erm changed my mind - shame on the fair weather walkers. However my friend and Matt and his girlfriend Becky did not back out, they must be as mad as we are!! Made the journey up from Bristol!

We agreed to meet at the Taf Fechan Forest car park, although driving up was a bit iffy with part of the road washed away - hmmn managed to squeeze past here - and the car park was a bit hidden away! Not the most obvious and yes very little mobile signal. The mighty four departed up the road towards the Neuadd Reservoir, to which point the path went off to the east side of the reservoir near Tor Glas. The weather had broken into sunshine could you believe. Although as we climbed out of the valley the higher peaks Cribyn and Pen-y-Fan were hidden behind fast moving cloud.



We made it to the coll between Cribyn and Fan-y-big where we met a few other walkers before over the stile and up towards Fan Y Big (719m) which the top was clear. Sun was shining, although it was quite windy. Not quite as bad as the last time the group had visited the brecons!! We sat at the top admiring the view across to Cribyn and its steep ridge and had some lunch.



We continued along the ridge in a south eastwardly direction (Craig Cwnoregwn) to which it double back on itself, we cut across the heather over some pretty impressive ponds!! We then walked back down the Graig Fan Las path and down by the Nant Bwrefwr waterfalls to the top car park near the woods. Back on the road we then headed back down to Taf Fechan forest and back to the car.

The whole route took about 5 hours including lunch. The views were fantastic and we were extremely lucky with the weather. Well worth the effort but yes it so could have been a wash out!!

Derwent Edge, Peak District

Yesterday the group made their way to the Peak District. The meeting point was the Fairhomes forest commission car park next to the Ladybower Reservoir. Yet again I managed to pick a place where there was no mobile phone reception - full marks :) Anyway waiting for Helen P and I, were Helen T and Stefan, as well as Edd, who was already out walking the eager daisy up and down the car park. A little bit later Paul and Helen E arrived, but no sign of Tom or Louise. Some of us getting some emergency breakfast :)



We waited for a while but began on our way without them and headed along the road and south westwards by the reservoir. Passing some lovely old houses along the way and avoiding the early morning cyclists whizzing past we walked past Wellhead - where there was something interesting sticking out of the water! Not sure if it was the church spire or an old building? could be!! We headed off east up Grindle Clough along a well marked footpath, which rose up to some farm buildings where we took a breather. Looking back was a lovely view over the reservoir.



We continued on up the hill and over a stile onto access land. We came across a fence before we rose up onto the Derwent Moors. Leading the way I looked back over the heather to see the group starting to appear behind me! We turned north here and directly in front of the Wheel Stones a dog raced passed me. The weather was amazingly clear but quite chilly but no clouds!! We took a break at the Wheel Stones and clambered over them and up to the top where it was quite windy!! Taking some photos we stopped for some lunch underneath the White Tor (487m) a little further along the ridge.



After lunch we headed further on along the ridge past Salt Cellar and Dovestone Tor and then on towards Back Tor (538m). As we crossed over the tor, we saw some familiar faces coming the other way, Tom and Louise :) They were a little late and decided to take their chances and try and meet us up the top. We stopped to take some photographs of the lovely views.



Daisy was going a bit crazy with something in the heather, and pulling Edd left right and center. We carried on now in a north eastwardly direction with Howden Moors to the left and Brogging Moor. I was trying to spot a path off to the left, to take us down Abbey Broux and down to Derwent Reservoir. But I missed it and then about half a mile further on we stumbled on a duke of edinburgh group who seemed equally lost and not convinced about where I was directing them :)



We traced back next to the stream which I think would turn into the brook we wanted, over quite rough heather. At least it was not raining but it was cooling down and the shadows were becoming longer. Fortunately we found the right path and we started walking down the valley.



The walls of the valley steeply falling away we took a breather to admire the view. When suddenly a fell runner literally ran down to the bottom of the valley with his dog and then ran probably up another 150m up steep contours on the over side without stopping. Fair play. My legs ached just watching it!!



We carried on down the valley, with some pleasent woodland appearing at the end we arrived on the shore of Derwent Reservoir. We headed then south towards the Dam which looked more like a castle from the south side!! We then carried on down to the car park and watched all the crazy ducks trying to steal peoples lunches :)

Pen-y-fan, Brecon Beacons

Off to wales we go!! It wasn't looking good! Both Helens in tow, the rain was pounding the windscreen hard as we left Abergavenny and headed towards Brecon. I had walked todays choice once before, but still managed to get lost trying to find the right road out of Brecons - a few u-turns and we were on our way. Down the narrow lane we ended up at the national trust car park near Cymgwdi. Plenty of old war relics here - old bunkers. Another great choice of a car park with no/little reception :) Anyway Antony arrived, shortly followed by Jon, Martha and their friend who they were staying with.



A brief break in the rain, everyone donned on their waterproofs, and we started walking in a southwards direction, we navigated through the muddy fields up a track towards the disused Cwar Mwar quarry. The path then merged with a more substantial track and we continued up the hill. Lots of heather was about the path showing off their captured raindrops.



As we rose up onto the ridge, it was becoming very apparent it might be a bit of a battle against the wind. As typical with any ridge, the windspeed over these edges can be quite immense. Taking a break part way up the Cfen Cwm Llych ridge, the base of Pen-y-fan above the ridge was barely visible, the top however was completely obscured by clouds. We took turns falling into the wind, which was great fun.



A few of the crowd, were getting a bit nervous with the wind, but the good thing was it wasn't pushing us over the edge, and therefore not dangerous in these circumstances. We carried on into the cloud, and with a rather steep ending we got onto the top, which was a surprise for a few as it was completely flat! Pen-y-fan is at a height of 886m. After having a quick cookie stop (thanks to jon!) we decided it was probably best to get off the top before we had some lunch.



I did plan to go towards Cribyn which is towards the east of Pen-y-fan, but thought in the interests of everyone, it was probably safer to head the other way to Corn Du. We headed down the Craig Cwm Llych towards the obelisk. At this point we coming back out of the cloud layer and the views were amazing, and we looked back over the other ridge, and we could see the speed of the cloud going over. Heading down further we got down to the llyn, and then further down the path to some shelter, we scuffed our lunch :). Avoiding littering I managed to catch up with a bag! We headed down to Cym llych where we crossed over the ford and spotted some horses and ponies across the river that were playing amongst the trees.



We continued up along the road, one of my favourites, as the trees branch over above. Looking back we could now see the Pen-y-fan - it was clear - often the way!! grr but nevermind. At least it wasn't raining and we were out of the wind. We stopped by a bridge where a couple of us played Poohsticks - chucking a twig over one side of a bridge and see which comes out the other side first. I'm sure I won :p. anyway we continued on and headed up Heolfanog, passing the army signs and then back up to the car parks. The rain long gone!! We ended the day with a well deserved pint and some chips at the pub before the long journey home.

Go Ape, Cannock Chase

To vary things up a bit, Helen E decided to organise a load of us to go to (Go Ape at Cannock Chase ). Up for the challenge was, Helen P, Helen E, Paul, Edd, Louise, Tom, Dave, Marta and Jon!! Up early on a Sunday, we all managed to find it except Edd who got lost somewhere near Cannock. Starting off with a demostration, Dave was doing his spiderman impressions and Helen P was amazed that she managed to do the zip slide a massive one foot of the ground. Edd turned up at this point, but had to go with the next group but he managed to catch us up because the next lot faffed.



After demo, we all climbed up the ladders into the trees. I have been on one of these courses before (forest of dean), but they all vary a bit - but start relatively tame and then get more difficult. A couple of the party are scared of heights and started to wonder why they had agreed to do this :)



Up into the trees the first site was pretty good and the first zip slide I ended up on my arse in the leaves. As did a few others. This slide was a lot longer than anything at the forest of dean site. Rushing through the air backwards on a Sunday morning is pretty cool...



The next two sites were in a seperate area, with the last one returning back to near where we started. It was quite a cold morning - and the sun did pop out for a bit!! The lovely views however did help the vertigo, although considering vertigo is no laughing matter, Paul (main height scaredy cat) was doing very well!! A couple more zip slides and a ridicolous cool cargo net swing (I managed to sneak back round and have another go - yeah!!) later we had all successfully reverted back to our tree dwelling ways with ease and had a great laugh :) We all recovered at the end with a yummy icecream.



Most Impressive Fight Against Vertigo: Paul
Cheeky value for money: Me.

Yorkshire 3 Peaks (Spring Bank Holiday 2008)

After giving up part way through last time with the rain and beer, and the fact it was early November. We decided to have another go at the Yorkshire 3 Peaks. Which are Pen-y-Ghent (692m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m). The idea of the challenge is to walk the route within 12 hours. Taking up the walk was, Matt, Becky, two of beckys friends Zoe and Adam, Mr Noone, Helen and myself.

We stayed at the Old Station Inn just outside of Giggleswick (http://www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/stayat/oldstationinn/index.htm) in which was some way off from the start! So short drive was required. Like the majority of people who undertake this walk, we started off in Horton-in-ribblesdale and popped into the post office for some snacks. Although we had our lunches etc. There was an old stamping machine which of course we didn't stamp a card to officially record the time! Oops. So maybe next time on this one. We started round about 7am.

Contrary to most people we decided to do the walk the other way round, starting with the highest peak first Ingleborough. We managed to nearly get lost immediately but with some skillful map reading by butcher we managed to cross over the settle & carlisle railway and up onto the moorland passed Beercroft Hall. Heading westwards we walked out of some quite freaky rock formations, like grooves on a record - with the odd tree here and there poking out.



We climbed over a stile and started walking upwards, and it started to get quite windy. At this point we went around Simon Fell, and at this point we could make Ingleborough quite clearly - and the clouds on the top - hopefully it would clear when we get to the top. Which it was but you couldn't hear each other it was so windy up there! Matt decided to climb on top of the shelter but bearly managed to stay up there without falling off!! We were at the top just after 9am.



We then descended quite quickly down, with Whernside (the next peak) in view. Looking a lot closer that it was!! Some more of the crazy rock formations where on this side as well. Stopping at Braithwaite hole for some food. We then headed to Chapel-le-Dale, at the base of Whernside. We crossed the road and headed upwards. It soon became very apparent that it was going to be a struggle not to be blown off the ridge by the wind. At one moment, helens waterproof took a life of its own and dashed off into the distance. Luckily Helen, Fran, Zoe and Adam were on the otherside of the fence. Fran ran like a madman off after it and managed to catch it :) We didn't really have much time to take the view in as the dust was being whipped up over the ridge and into our eyes and faces. We persevered along the ridge and came down by the waterfall at the top Force Gill and Little Dale. We wandered down towards the north end of the Ribblesdale viaduct. Can't imagine the thousands of people who would have been here to build this crazy viaduct - it curves in the middle as well! We made it to the Station Inn for some lunch and a pint :)

About 2pm now we headed off towards our last peak of the day, Pen-y-Ghent. Heading down on the road to Horton, we cut across to the Ribbles way. Just about making the last peak in the distance - it seemed a very very long long away :)! We cut across the moorland at Red Moss and Burnrigg - almost like a beeline!! Passing through Horton Moor we caught up with the Pennine way. Feeling a bit weary we began the final climb up the hill. Delighted to get to the top we all took a bit of a breather and managed to take in quite literally how far we had walked. Sun still up we could see Ingleborough and Whernside a long way in the distance. The view from here was stunning apart from the horton quarry. The time now being shortly before 5pm, we had to get back to Horton not only to complete the challenge but also to get a very well deserved pint!



We finished up back at the cars at about 6.30pm - so achieving the challenge. Although not officially - will have to do that next time. This is a brilliant walk certainly achievable in a summers day, but not when its raining!! We all got back to our pub where we stayed had more beer apart from Helen who had a delightful cup of tea.

Total distance was: 37.5km (23.5 miles)
Total climbed: 1586m
Greatest Rescue Attempt: Fran saving Helens coat
Number of wind burn faces: 7

Symonds Yat, Herefordshire

Its June again - this year has gone so quick :) But its lets go for a stroll and this time we all met up at Symonds Yat, which is in Herefordshire but very close to the Welsh Border. With the promise of Caves, rivers to negotiate, Peregrine Falcons - and fair weather the turnout was pretty good. Meeting at the Symonds Yat east forest commision car park - although I did get lost!! Helen, Paul, Helen, Adam, Gillian and her friend, Edd, Marta, Jon, and Wendy were present :)



We began walking away southwards towards the river wye, and downhill :) Taking a quick short cut to the rocky outcrop which looks over the valley. Far below was the Saracens Head - going there later :) Also there were plenty of canoeists battling against the currents and branches - it seems that the recent rainfall had washed debris down into the gorge. Taking a few photographs we headed on back through the woods and then down next to a stream running quickly off into the distance. Studying the map I knew there was a crossing at some point and we then stumbled on it - a pretty cool wire suspension bridge :) Had to jump up and down on it - although some of the members of the group were not impressed :)



We walked by the river for a while and passed a few old houses. We also passed through a campsite - although it looked pretty flooded! very pretty place for pitching a tent - but the tent might float away :) Back into the woods again we went. Quite a steep climb, it flattened out and we came up across lots of little caves. Investigating into King Arthurs cave I saw a bat, before he/she fleeted off as I startled it :(



We carried on a bit further up and out of the woods and ended up at a quarry where we sat down for some lunch. A few of us tried out our free climbing skills up the side of the quarry and waved from the top :) After passing some old derelict huts and another caravan site - we headed back into the woods and back down to the river and back across the bridge - checking to make sure there were no trolls under it :) We then headed up towards the pub for a pint/cup of tea!

We then had to climb back up the hill behind the pubs to the carpark - but the views were worth it. We crossed over the road and up towards another viewing spot where there were several RSPB volunteers with cameras and binoculars showing us some falcons :)

The weather staying on the sunny side, this was a great walk and definitely will return back here at some point..

Broadway, Worcestershire

Days of spring fleeting past, although to be honest some weekends recently you would not believe it was actually Spring at all. Sunday 6th April had a rather wintry theme to it! The day also was glastonbury ticket purchase day although in the end only a few people decided to get tickets. The end result was we started the walk a little later than normal.

We all met up at the right time, a first :) at Broadway Tower. Although some of us didn't recognise each other - maybe the sun was a little bright or something. We sat at the little pub/cafe attached to the car park whilst a few members decided to get some energy for the walk.

We headed on towards the tower. Helen E was showing off her new camera :) The tower is a pretty little folly which can be seen from quite some distance. Although I suspect it costs about £5 to go in and have a look. But it looked interesting enough from the outside. The views from the tower were quite impressive, you could see way out west towards the Malverns and up to the north you could see the Clent Hills.



We connected up to the Cotswolds way here and descended down towards the village of Broadway. We seemed to get stuck in a traffic jam. A local ramblers group were out! We took a few diversions down the hill to look at some peculiar shaped tree stumps and finally hit the main road into the village.

Broadway is an extremely pretty little place. All the buildings are made out of a very rich sandstone. A couple of pleasent looking pubs, craft shops, at which point we lost Helen P, and a rather pretty village green. In which a rather impressive looking snowman was fighting off the rising temperatures.



We headed out south west from the village, moving quite some distance away from where we started, although the folly was very clear to see from here. We began climbing up the hill to which point just before we entered a copse the ground turned into a mud bath. No match for my wellington boots, some of us nearly had a close acquaintance with the ground.

Through the woods, we turned south and came out into a field, which boarded on the left side there was an array of trees with beautiful blossom on them. We headed on south towards and farm, and then cut east along an extremely muddy path. My wellingtons almost found their match here! It was also quite pungant!

Following a rather zig-zagged path across and around a field, we came upon a quite pointless stile which gave us some amusement before we reached a little road. Keeping in the theme, the road heads south to a place called Snows Hill which is quite a contrast to the god awful building in Birmingham. Anyway at this point Edd saw his old car. Quite baffling are the odds that you'd find you old car in the middle of nowhere drive past you!!



Another muddy climb we turned east and up through a wooded area, a few of us taking a diversion through the woods, we got to the top where we had a rest on a fence, where it appears horses use as jump. Helen P not believing I knew where I was, we continued up and around past some newly converted farm buildings back up towards the broadway car park. To which point Edd shared some cookies with us all as a reward, and we said our goodbyes.



Facts:

Highest point was where we started and finished: 307m Broadway Tower
Total distance was about: 9km
Took us about: 3 hours
Award for most photographs taken goes to Helen Eden.
People who attended: Adam, Helen P, Helen E, Martha, John and Edd

Return to the Snowdonia Mountain Hut

It all began when Chris uttered the words - anyone for the mountain hut again. Here we are a year on and a few walks down the line, some of the regulars and a few first timers congregated at the Imperial College mountain hut for the weekend.

First to arrive where Rich 'chatterbox' Kendrick and his mate Scotter - or steve (first timer). Later Chris was picked up from the station. Reports were coming in of another new member, Gillian, who nearly knocked the original three down as she went down the rollercoaster road which takes you down the Drys-y-coed valley. The four settled in and started spinning a few tales and began sinking a few beers.

The second group had by this point not left! All together convoy was established and began the two odd hour journey to north wales. The car journey was quite eventful with the weather going a bit crazy! It was very windy not the best of starts one might thing, with various and progressively larger bits of tree littering the road!

Anyway a few songs and a bit of chitter chatter.. and the odd signal to make sure the convey was still in operation helped ease the journey :) The two cars (ant, helen p and I in one and Helen E and Paul in the other) finally made our destination around 11pm. Which by this time was good because the hut was nice and warm! I suspect Paul by this time was thinking where the hell is that hippy taking me this time!! With all the baggage moved into the hut and everyone introduced to each other, a few more beers were sunk and the past fables of the hut were dicussed - such as those associated with the infamous railway society and a certain persons antics from the year before :) All turning in around 2am - to get some sleep for a stroll the next morning.

A remarkably good sleep, considering the howling wind! I woke reasonably early - noting the weather wasn't the best we decided to postpone any big climb anywhere to the Sunday. I using my mobile internet for useful purposes to check the mountain weather forecast, unlike some who were checking to see if they got any nudges from hot birds on facebook.. - found out the weather was supposed to worsen later in the afternoon - so we'd better get out walking soon. Promptly serving several bacon and egg sarnies and a few cups of tea, the boots where donned and we began the saturday walk.

The walk began by going back up the road towards Clogwynygarreg, a curious rocky outcrop at the top of the Drws-y-coed valley. The valley is stunning even on a hazy or cloudy day, with the sides of the glaciated valley rising dramatically from the road. Although I did see the odd nutter sheep attempting some gravity defying stunts! After passing some dogs in the farm, and completely missing the path which follows around the base of Y Garn our target for the day we made our way down passed LLwyn-y-Dywarchen (Reservoir) on the left towards the Llyn-y-Gader, a lake down in he Gwyrfal valley.

Here came decision point numero uno! Take a left and head for the pub in Rhyd-Ddu or take a right and head along the bridleway to the base of Y Garn. Thinking there might be some deserters at this point, we all turned right and headed for the hill, which began to rise quite quickly in front of us. No simple challenge this hill. Not particularly that high at 633m - it was a steep climb for walkers from 185m upwards - so about 450m climb in about a mile. Looking back we could see beautiful views of Snowdon, could see the building site at the top where the new cafe is going to be. We could also see the mass of grey gloomy mist descending rather quickly around its peak. I had read that the cloud level was at around 700m today so we should be okay.

People decided to take the mountain at their own speed, with some unsuccessfully trying to find short cuts :) We managed to clamber to the top, to which point there was a stile over a nice rocky wall to traverse. Waiting at the top was stunning views of the valley where the hut was, and outward beyond towards the irish sea. Even on the semi misty day that this day was, the view was spectacular.



Congregating in the cairn most of us sitting down without too much trouble, we had some lunch, and a few of us were contemplating whether or not to tackle the ridge. Shortly after lunch we split into two groups, myself and Rich in one and the others went on their way with the pub firmly honed in on their radars :)

Reports from the other group, said that Chris was trying to video steve falling on his backside, without much success.. lol. shame he wasn't with myself and Rich, he would have got great footage of his brother! Anyway the group minus rich and I made their way slowly knowing they had conquered their hill towards the pub - which for some reason the name has alluded me! for a warm fire, a couple of pints and some grub :)

Rich and I decided to tackle the ridge and headed due south from Y Garn, with the wind becoming more impressive as with the views as we went. The climb upto Mynydd Drws-y-coed was a relative easy scramble, although it didn't look like that at first. We passed want seemed to be an endless walking group - must have been a good fifteen people we got to the top of this peak (695m) within half n hour leaving the group. The views here were equally stunning as at Y Garn. With the drops down into the valley before, filling us with awe, and maybe a bit of focus - so that a foot wasn't put wrong!

The wind blowing quite a gale now, and with the cloud rapidly descending we made route around to Trum Y Ddysgi (709m). We cut up the south eastern slope and double backed along the ridge. As we were walking back the Obelisk on th next peak Mynydd Tal-y-mignedd was rapidly being obscured with mist. Almost to the point where we walked down the wrong side of the ridge!! Thankfully the mist disappeared and we regained our bearings. There was this one tricky bit to which from afar looked simple but when you got there was a bit of a scramble!!

Making it the obelisk, we had some food, Rich deciding he was done, we sent a few messages out to the other group to tell them we were going back to the hut first. We began the descent down into the Drws-y-coed valley by following the ricketedly looking fence. There was evidence of some stiles either being dismantled or put up as we went down. Careful not to fall on my arse and make a tit of myself, we managed to get down the slope easy enough. However in true style, rich decided he wanted to go for a swim and fell in a stream.

Then passing through another farm, we made it back to the hut and then on to the pub where we caught up with everyone else who were on the second or third pint!! After having some food, everyone was taxied back to the hut where we started playing cranium which brought out the competitive streak in some of us. After a close fought battle, I think my team won :) We moved onto the drinking games!! and the hours began to while away into the night.

On the promise that if people didn't get up early I would molest them, along with some other early rises, I rustled up some sausages and bacon to wake the hungover stragallers! The Snowdon journey this time was postponed, considering it sat in a load of mist all day this wasn't the end of the world :) Again the group broke into two, those who wanted a more gentle walk around the reservoirs and lakes, and the other who wanted to bag another peak. All of us passed the farm as we walked up the road towards the top of the valley. The dogs greeting us again, but decidedly more friendly this time, they escorted us through their property.

The group split at this point, the peak baggers beginning a steeper ascent than the lake dwellers. Lots of frog spawn was noticed on the way, although considering how small the pools of water which held them, I don't suspect they will last :(. As we got closer to the top of the valley, Helen E and Paul had second thoughts and mosied on back towards the other group. To which at this point someone else will have to tell that tale!

Helen P and I decided to continue on towards Mynydd Mawr (698m). A steep climb up from the top of the valley we made good time towards the Craig Y Bera ridge, where we had a spot of lunch sitting on the cliffs. Lots of Ravens fleeted passed, whilst I tried to get a photo of without much luck. A couple of climbers were looking around as well.

We reached the top of the hill, which had good views of all the western approaches of the Snowdon Massif to the west, and the sea and Anglesey to the north. The ridge I walked the day before was being silhouted by the sun, which made some of the cliffs stand out quite strikingley. After a short time at the top we made our route back down the hill and then down into the valley, where we went slightly wrong off the path - nevermind, saying hello to the friendly dogs - we made it back to the hut where all the party bar one were waiting, the other had to began a much longer journey home :). We said our goodbyes and packed our cars and began the drive home.

Just like to note, thanks to everyone who came along, it was nice to catch up with the regulars, and good to meet a few new faces. Thanks especially to Chris for organising the hut.

Awards

Award for best breakfast maker: Adam
Award for Stream Surfing: Rich
Award for wearing too many outdoors clothes: Helen E
Award for unable to sit on a rock: Helen P
Award for courageous driving: Paul M
Award for doing a bloody good job walking up a big hill and driving all that way: Gillian.
Award for dedicated services to whiskey drinking: Antony
Award for having every item ever required in an emergency in his car: Scotter
Award for staying up past his bedtime: Chris

Okay thanks for reading. Hopefully see you next time.

Shining Tor and the Goyt Valley, Peak District

New year again! And its been quite some time since the last 'Lets go for a stroll' - so it was well timed for an organised little stroll to burn off the xmas excesses.

This time we went to an area of the Peak District to the west of Buxton that encapsulates the Goyt Valley, Shining and Cats Tor. Maybe around three to four miles up along the Cat and Fiddle route between Macclesfield and Buxton (A537).

We started off early around 9am, and made good time and arrived at the top of the valley at around 10:30. My detailed instructions however would have taken people down the wrong way on a one-way track down the Goyt valley. Oops not the best. However we parked at the car park at the top. Antony joining us (Helen P, Rach, Stuart and myself) shortly after. We decided to don on our boots and walk down to the other car park. Recognising some of the car parked it seemed the others had done the same.



As we walked down the valley we noticed some rather butch goats or deer to me and you on top of the hill on the eastern side. They were nicely silhouted by the low winter sun, which would make a lovely photograph if I had a better camera. We walked a mile or so down to the car park in the quarry at the bottom of Stake side. At which point we bumped into ed and his dog daisy and Mark. Now I thought Paul for once may be early but he didn't disappoint he got lost and arrived around an hour late. Oh well, we had Daisy to entertain us, who was going nuts, probably something in the heather!! With Paul was Helen E and her friend Louise. So with all the group together we departed in a northward direction. We kept to the contour of the hill and ended up at Erwood Reservoir.



We negotiated a rather boggy path, where my feet got erm a bit mucked up! But as we got to the reservoir we had lovely views over to the other side where we could make out Shining Tor and Cats Tor over stakeside. At this point I was beginning to get hungry no surprise so I was trying to gauge how long it was to lunch :)

With some of the group a little desperate for the loo, we crossed over the dam, and made our way towards Erwood Hall. I'm still a little dumbfounded why this building had to be demoloished because of the reservoir? But it made a good place to stop to eat some lunch. After a few poses for the camera and some delightful homemade sandwiches, or more to the point all the sitting down had made our bums cold we headed of northwestwardly up and out of the Goyt Valley.



A curious little building set in a copse of trees appeared to the left. A shrine I was told, quite pretty it was. We then strolled uptowards Pym Chair to which point we could see a long way west outward over towards Macclesfield. The weather made it an oustanding sight.

Anyway we then plodded along southwards from this point to Cats Tor (518m) and then Shining Tor (559m). Plod does it a bit of injustice as the views from this point were brilliant, the winter sun descending towards dusk and causing lovely shades of yellow and red on the horizon. Wind was now picking up a bit and the cold, so just in time really we saw a sign to our final destination - the pub - why of course! Where we picked up a well deserved pint and/or a mug of hot chocolate.



The Cat and Fiddle pub staff were a bit grumpy though and a bit particular about dogs. Strange really considering where it is situated. A curious sign on the wall basically summed up the problem of the road the pub sits on. Anyway with a few shuttle runs back to the car park and back where a poor family had got stuck in the mud, we parted our ways.



A few little facts:

i) We walked around 14km or about 8 to 9 miles.
ii) Saw three butch goats
iii) A few interesting birds - helen e will probably know them - i'm rubbish with names.

People who came along were: Me (Adam Hicks), Helen Puxley, Rachel King, Stuart Mason, Paul Matthews, Helen Eden, Louise Kesterton, Antony Huchinson, Mark Farmer and Steven Kipping and his dog daisy :)

Thanks for coming along :) and hopefully see you all in Wales at the end of February if not before :)