An energetic walk with 3,300 ft of climbing, but glorious weather and wonderful views. The wind was brisk at White Nancy and continued all day, but when in the shelter the sun was almost too hot for comfort.
Retracing familiar paths we crossed Charles Head then dropped into Kettlehulme before a steep climb up to the Gritstone Trail near the Bow Stones. The heather was out on Bakestonedale Moor and from there we could see all the Cheshire Peaks, and even to Mow Cop.
After passing through Bollington for the second time, the waterfall at Waulks Mill was occupied by a couple braving the cold torrent. From there we followed the paved field paths back to Rainow before calling in for tea and cakes in Macclesfield on the way home.
A memorable day!
The weather was good for the keen regulars who met in Church Stretton. We started up the Carding Mill Valley and soon were listening to sky larks on top of the ridge. As we walked north the sun was shining warmly, but tempered by a brisk north wind. The broken ridge of the Stipperstones was to our left, with the Devil's Chair brightly lit up by the sunshine, and the Wrekin clearly visible in front of us.
Turning left along the ancient Port way we were out of the wind, with great view of the hills towards Welshpool. Before long we turned south into Golden Valley, then followed the Dartford Brook past Ratlinghope and into Bridges. On the way we passed a group of twitchers who kindly pointed out to us the numerous pied flycatchers that were flitting through the nature reserve.
Still enjoying the sunshine over our lunch break outside the pub, we decided to extend the walk from the original plan. The little used pathway we took led us up Adstone Hill, with great views to each side. The plaintive sound of the curlew reinforced the feeling of splendid isolation.
We then dropped into the hamlet of Adstone and took a series of good tracks for the long pull back onto the Long Myndd ridge at Pole Bank and the relative hubbub of other walkers. Now we could see the iconic "blue hills" of Shropshire, layer after layer from Ragleth in the foreground to the Clee Hills in the far background.
When the Friday walkers were passing the Pannier's Pool at Three Shires Head, the urge to go wild water swimming was irresistible (to some!).
L-R: Charlie, Netty, Hazel, Jaz, Wendy & Barbara
After starting at the car park of the Olde Rock Inn in Upper Hulme, we set off through the tunnel under the main road. This was a novel experience, especially for Jaz who was impressed by the view up to the Mermaid when we emerged at the far end. The slope down to the river was an "interesting" mix of mud and leaves but eventually we made it safely across the narrow bridge.
As we climbed up out of the valley, we noticed some distinctive objects that turned out to be some sort of cast iron dividers with intricately devised removable bars, possibly to allow restricted feeding to livestock. The name on them was Musgrave of Belfast, who apparently by 1890 were selling their patent stable fittings across Europe and South America, and even to the King of Spain.
From there we followed the remains of the old driver's Road up to the Mermaid, well signed with yellow posts through the boggy tussocks. Reaching the top we were rewarded by views into Derbyshire before doubling back into across the Churnet valley and up to Ramshaw Rocks.
After a bit of splodging though some boggy ground towards Gib Tor we followed the road to Roach End, passeding the area devastated by fire a few years ago. The heather seems to have recovered well, and grouse are there too.
After a brief photo opportunity near the top of the Roaches ridge, we passed Doxey Pool, which is now fenced off. Signs explain it is currently devoid of wilflife, but keeping dogs (and humans) out of the water will help it recover naturally.
By 3 o'clock when we returned to the cars the sunset was lighting the sky pink, and we were able to enjoy the hospitality on the Inn. The pub has been owned and lived in by the Burrows family since 1985, and Edward, the current landlord, grew up there as a child. When his parents retired the pub business was leased out for a while, but he has recently overseen the refurbishment of the pub and with his partner Amie is now providing a popular menu for diners while still welcoming walkers.