Peak climb and hotpot photo comp

Members: Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod, Christine Beeston, Dave Shotton, Trish Cranston, Al Metelko

The select 6 who attended enjoyed a varied and interesting amble ahead of the Hotpot. We met on the A626 near Gamesley, and headed easily to the bridge over the Etherow at Broadbottom. The route then took us alongside the Etherow on a scenic path, past old mills and workings, toward Botham Hall, where the meet leader added 300m by missing our left turn. Now on the Cowm Edge Way, we crossed the river, and headed steadily up towards Charlesworth and Coombes Edge. A late lunch was taken whilst serenaded by (I think) a songthrush, and then up and along Coombes Edge. We stayed on the high ground between Coombes and Cowm Edges until we hit a track crossing the ridge, and headed off left on the track toward the distant Kinder. Another left turn took us up the gentle ridgeline which runs past Whiteley Nab, and then down to Simmondley. The final stretch took us through Hargate Hall equestrian centre – maybe legally or maybe not – back to the A626. We were trying to follow the path, honest.

Dave owned up near the end of the walk that it was his birthday, which Michelle ensured was suitably recognised at the Globe.

Great timing – arrived at the cars at 6.30pm for the 5 minute drive to the Globe.

Mark Garrod