Members: Christine Beeston, Trish Cranston, Roger Dyke, Bob. Haynes, Iain McCallum, Lorna Marsland, Lester Payne, Alan Peck, Derek Seddon, Frank Williams, Margaret Williams, Keith Williams, Dave Wylie; Sabina Cosulich, Sheena Hendrie (Runners).

Guests: James Hartley, Carmel King; Nigel and Zoe Rosenbaum and family (Diners)

The weather forecast was all too accurate for a change. Rain, heavy at times, strong winds with some sunny periods. In steady drizzle we set off from Hope Station at a good pace over the fields towards the bridge by the old watermill at Brough. Then east to Shatton by way of Townfield Lane. From there we followed the River Noe to Kentney Barn where we stopped for an early "elevenses" in the shelter of the wall. On reaching the path by the stepping stones over the river we swung south and climbed up past Offerton Hall and onto the moor. By this time the party had split into two groups and contact with the second group was nearly lost at this point as they marched with heads down in the rain and the wind over the edge of the moor. After regrouping at Oaks farm we followed the track down through the fields and woods to Stoke Ford in Bretton Clough. Close to the Ford we met Sabina and Sheena on a run around the Clough from the Barrel Inn. After the usual chit-chat we pressed on along very muddy tracks up the valley before stopping for lunch in a sheltered spot under some trees.

After lunch we climbed out of the Clough and made our way to the Inn for a well earned drink. By this time the wind was whistling over the ridge and through the trees around the pub accompanied by heavy rain. Although the pub was busy with Sunday diners we established ourselves in the somewhat airy conservatory where we were joined by Nigel, Zoe, Hannah and Harry Rosenbaum, and then by Sabina and Sheena returning from their run. On leaving the Inn we headed for Abney Moor via Abney Grange.

While crossing the moor and following a brief shower we were rewarded with the sight of a beautiful rainbow and splendid views of Bamford, Millstone and Stanage Edges. We slid rather than walked down the steep path to Bradwell clutching at bushes and trees for support. On reaching Bradwell we turned up Sweetwater Lane and then over the fields towards Brough stopping for a drink on the side of the earthwork known as the Grey Ditch. It is claimed that this may have been a relic of a defence line against Anglian settlers advancing into the hill country but perhaps it was just a tribal boundry. Near Brough we passed the remains of what seems to have been a flue dating back to the time when their were lead smelting mills in the area. We finished the day in the café in Hope.

Thank you all for coming on my walk. I hope everybody enjoyed it.

Route: Hope Station - Brough - Shatton - Offerton - Oaks Farm - Stoke Ford - Bretton Clough - Bretton - Foolow - Grindlow - Great Hucklow - Bradwell - Hope Station.

Maps: OS Outdoor Leisure Sheets Nos. 1 and 24.

Meet at 9.30am for 9.45am start at Hope Station - Off the A625 (GR181832). Park at the station or on the approach road. Train services are available from Manchester Piccadilly to Hope.

Refreshments are available from local cafés and "The Barrel" at Bretton.

A good tramp around the dales and moors of the Peak Distance about 12/13miles On good paths and tracks. The route can be easily modified to suit the conditions.