Todays walk in detail

On a beautiful and warm day [temperature reached 26 degrees] 27 members and 3 dogs set out from Ravenfield for the 5 mile figure of 8 walk. After having crossed the main road we made our way to Thrybergh Country Park and navigated this in a clockwise direction. The reservoir looked resplendent in the sunshine and we were rewarded with the sight of plenty of wildlife including a swan carefully guarding its nest with new-born cygnets. Having taken our coffee break next to Ravenfield church we walked down the field and circumvented the ponds where the woods provided welcome shelter on this warm day. It was good to see the bluebells were still flourishing throughout the woods. We completed the circuit and returned to the church via the same path and from there a number of us took our refreshments in the garden of the "Grazing Harts". Welcome to Sarah and Jill who joined us for the first time and thanks to Roy and Donna who acted as backmarkers. Lovely day. Thank you all for joining the walk.

Starting our walk today from the Butchers Arms carpark in Woodsetts were 30 walkers including 4 new walkers, Geoff, Hazel, Mary and Linda. Also 5 really well behaved dogs. From the pub we crossed over the road to walk past the church and up 'sausage hill' After our short sharp climb we descended down past some really lovely houses, then along the edge of Lindrick golf course passing the rockets along the way. Then up through the fields and across Woodsetts road onto Swinton hill wood, turning left we ventured on past the T rex and other dinosaurs into Kendal wood where we had a quick pit stop while Roy played on the swings. Back out around the edge of a very large field past the busy farmer in his tractor and all the newly built houses on our right. Crossing Swintons Hill road we continued over several fields until we came out onto Gildingwells road where we took a right to walk along the road eventually returning to our cars to complete our 6 mile walk on what had been a beautiful sunny day. Post walk refreshments were taken at the Leeds Arms in South Anston where delicious roast pork sandwiches were enjoyed purchased once again from local family butchers G Lomas of South Anston. Hope you all enjoyed this walk, thank you Jean and Julie for back and middle marking and hopefully we will see our new walkers again.

Thirteen walkers on todays walk, it was 9.6 miles  by OS maps) but 1400 feet of climbing too, although it was split over many climbs. We set off from Holymoorside after Julie handed out a few Easter eggs most not knowing what to wear because it was cold and a bit grey, the walk up to the coffee break at Old Brampton sorted that out, about an hour of mainly uphill shed a few jackets. A bit of singing broke out in the churchyard accompanied by a few fingers in ears.  I forgot to mention the clock on the church tower in Old Brampton, its got 63 minutes painted on it, nobody knows why. After that a steep downhill path took us to the Linacre reservoirs where we crossed the dam and walked alongside the top two reservoirs, it was about this time that the sun started to appear lighting up the bluebells.  At the end of the top reservoir I pointed out the crocodile or piece of floating wood dependant on your Specsaver appointment. After this was a long climb that varied in steepness towards Wigley and onwards to a meal break at Wadshelf. We then crossed the main road (extreme sports section of the walk ) and carried on towards Upper Loads after which the last mile or so was downhill through the beautiful Nether Loads valley back to Holymoorside. A very pretty walk with some stunning views but best of all lots of laughs and great company. We finished off at the Bulls Head.

23 walkers plus 1 dog set off from Longshaw car park walking in a clockwise direction. The weather was looking good, sunny spells, breezy but visibility good. After crossing the main road we approached the normally boggy area, which was unusually dry and then proceeded along White Edge.  The views were spectacular and paths easy. A drink stop was taken at the Trig point and then we rambled downwards to Curbar car park. We hiked upwards along Curbar Edge and then onto Froggatt Edge (group photo was taken at Curbar Edge).  A brief stop at the Stone circle and then just a short stroll to a lovely view spot for lunch. After lunch we set off through the Longshaw estate and back to the start point. Weather and visibility good throughout the entire walk. Rehydration taken at the George and Dragon in Holmesfield.