Present: John Castick, Virginia Castick, Trish Cranston, Kate Harvey, Peter, Iain McCallum, James Meakin, Al Metelko, Gowry Sisupalan, Emily Pitts, Dave Wylie.

Although the weather was dry, the whole walk was in mist and fog. The lack of frost overnight also ensured that the mud was slippier than the snow that had fallen the previous day. Even so, we had a good turnout for a short walk.

Initially the meet leader made a couple of minor navigational errors on the first leg to the Hanging Gate Inn. Thanks to John and Iain that was quickly put right.

We reached the Crag Inn and overtook another group of walkers who were following us in front. This was short lived as they passed us when we stopped to have our lunch in woods nearby rather than wait for the pub to open.

From here, it was a slog up to the summit of Shutlingslow, a few badly thrown snowballs while we waited to regroup. There was plenty of snow on the north side to bum slide the steep decent and avoid the steps. Definitely the quickest and easiest way to descend.

Then it was back to the start through the woods on wide paths and 5 of us went into the pub for coffees and drinks.

Thank you to all who ventured out.

Everyone welcome including non-members. This is an excellent walk for a short winters day and the views along this route can be spectacular. The walk starts near the Leather’s Smithy pub (SJ 953 716) about a mile east of Langley. Follow signs to Macc Forest.

Time: 9:45 for 10am start. I shall be there at 9am.

Parking: Near the Leather’s Smithy pub in marked parking bays alongside Ridgegate Reservoir. Note it is probably best to arrive early, as this is a popular starting point. Car sharing recommended.

Route: Start is at the Leather’s Smithy, passing Hanging Gate Inn, Crag Inn, Shutlingsloe and returning to the start through the trees of Macc Forest.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. 7 miles. Paths good. Mud minimal but there will be some.

Should the conditions be absolutely foul on Sunday, I’ll then consider changing this meet to Saturday. Please check the KMC website nearer the time for the latest information.