Lancs Walk (Kettleshulme actually)

Kettleshulme Walk

Members: Bob Kelly, Dave Wylie, Dave Bone, Chris Thickett, Keith Williams, Iain McCallum, Dave Shotton, Laura Collier, Ding Koy, Joe Flynn, Ken Beetham, Phil Ramsbottom.

Guest: Kate Harvey.

On a grey day it was very nice to see so many turn out for what became a pleasant walk for the time of year.

Setting off at the appointed time of 9:45 we passed through Lyme Park before most of the tourists had crawled out of bed but not too early for the red deer which were totally unconcerned as we strode past.

After passing the hall we began the first of two climbs for the day, the pull up to Bowstones, here a bit of chunnering was heard at the rear – something to do with the speed of ascent but everybody seemed to have recovered by the time we stopped for elevenses overlooking White Nancy to one side and Kinder to the other.

From here we followed the Gritstone Trail to the road before turning back towards the Kettleshulme valley. We dropped steadily down, crossed the bottom of the valley and climbed up to our lunch stop above Windgather where a few parties were enjoying the dry rock. Over lunch Keith educated us about the geology of the area followed by Dave (Wylie) who outlined the composition of the universe.

After that we made good progress over to the really good path along Taxal Edge (unmarked on the map for some reason), then began the second grind of the day up towards Black Hill, but we all made it without any signs of undue stress. The Dipping Stone was passed without comment, after that it was a simple matter of following the good path back to the Moorside Hotel.

Just before the hotel we split into two groups, some opted to climb up to Black Hill to enjoy a few light hearted memories of Len Stubbs, the rest followed the road back to the cars.

Back at the cars we were greeted by Ken who had made the effort to drive up to say hello, it was lovely to be able to wish him a Happy New Year in person.

Many Thanks for everyone who turned out, sorry about the problems crossing the walls etc. near the end.

Phil Ramsbottom