Diary Walk 28              2^nd May 2010              Weather. Cloudy with cold wind.

Gradbach CP                Depart 10 a.m.            9 ½ miles         Leaders: Janet and John Topliss

    Eighteen made this one hour trip to Gradbach to walk over three county boundaries and some quite sharp inclines, so, I think considering the cold weather, we all deserve a pat on the back.
    Having said all that, the pleasure of walking with friends over this hallowed ground is something we should cherish and protect forever. Near the beginning of this walk, a memorial plaque, to Clifford Rathbone ‘The Stroller’ , the tribute ends with these words “- - - tread softly, all earth is holy ground, look with seeing eyes, this spot we stand on is surely paradise”
 (Christina Rossetti). 
    A good strong pace kept the cold winds at bay as we started out gaining height quickly, and it wasn’t long before Wildboarclough was in view - this small hamlet sheltered by the towering Shutlingsloe hill. Thankfully today was one of those days when we did not have to ascend it!

             Wildboarclough beyond the trees, Shutlingsloe ahead.

    The grass on the hillsides and meadows are now becoming a bright lush green, on many fields cattle are now enjoying the taste of fresh grass after their winter period undercover. Of course, their new diet makes walking across these fields a little more precarious, carefully watching where one places ones feet! Sheep and lambs aplenty, the ewes calling their offspring to them for protection, lest we go too near their precious ones. 
    Lunch was taken after a good climb away from Wildboarclough, sheltering from the wind, behind a wall with good views ahead of us. Downhill now and on to Danebridge, over the bridge from Cheshire into Staffordshire, turning here to follow the River Dane, walking along it’s sheltered banks, all the 2 ½ mile back to Gradbach.

 

 

 

 

The River Dane, the winter torrents over, now a mere trickle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The views were stunning, sometimes down at the waters edge and others forced up along rocky edges, meeting many a walker along this very popular path. Another short break was taken and still we made it back by 3 p.m.
    A good days walking, despite the cold wind - in the dry. Well done everybody.    

Next Walks.

Friday 7^th May 2010 (Short Walks)

Firestone (roadside parking) SK 336 463     Depart 10 a.m.    4 miles           Leader; David Davison.

Sunday 9^th May 2010   

Hartington Station CP (pay)  SK 149 611     Depart 10 a.m.   7 miles            Leader: Peter Swan

Wednesday 12^th May 2010

Bonsall CP     SK 279 580    Depart 10 a.m.           6 miles          Leader: Gerry White
 

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