The thin mizzle that had accompanied me on the slow journey from Timperley gently subsided as Don’s headlamps blinked at me from the direction of Upper Hulme. I’d been waiting for the weather to ease, and Don and Neil’s confusion with the intricate road system of Upper Hulme had given it the chance to do just that.
This was the long postponed re-run of a Plodders’ walk I’d organised on 31 October 2012, when Don was out of action with a broken ankle. I’m always happy to repeat it, but I won’t today be reiterating the copious information provided in that earlier report.
The wind was light, so despite a few showers we could enjoy a sociable stroll around the 17 km circuit, starting on this occasion from the lay-by below the Don Whillans Memorial Hut, which nestles into the south eastern corner of the jagged rocky ridge.
It can be a busy spot, but today we had the whole area very much to ourselves, meeting just one couple twice, the second time at Hanging Stone, where we discussed the chances of encountering wild wallabies. The wartime zoo escapees have probably now died out, but if they are to be seen, it could be on this sort of day.
The sky cleared briefly as we descended into Lud’s Church, enhancing that slightly muddy experience, and we enjoyed our lunches in dry weather on some flat rocks just beyond the rare breeds sheep farm that enjoys a fine position by the River Dane in the distant shadow of Shutlingsloe.
All in all, a very pleasant five hour ‘plod’, in good company with beautiful scenery, despite the autumnal weather.
The images and text from the following links may provide a contrast with today’s visit, some of the images from which are shown below the links.
4 March 2011 9 December 2007 5 December 2007
There’s a slideshow (24 images) here.
Enjoy!…
