Saturday 16 March 2024 - TGO Challengers Reunion at Monyash

Twenty or so 'Challengers', many being 'former' TGO Challengers, turned up for this reunion. About 14 of them joined Graham Brookes on a 20 km Lathkill Dale > Youlgreave > Limestone Way circuit - a classic day out from Monyash.

There was lots of water emerging from the cave near Ricklow.

A sunny spot was found for elevenses, where due to supply issues, Sue had to ration the shortbread distribution to a surreptitious few!

One of the first flowering plants of the year beside the Bridgewater Canal in Manchester, Butterbur is rampant at the moment in Lathkill Dale.

Elf Cups were also found beside the path.

Lesser Celandine

Beyond Youlgreave

The Limestone Way footpath was muddy and boggy in places. Those not wearing boots will have got wet feet.

One Ash Grange Farm was a particularly muddy zone, but not without the attraction of a handsome peacock.

There's not a lot more to say. After the enjoyable walk during which a 'pub contingent' got separated from the 'butty contingent' and needed to take a short cut along the road from Youlgreave to catch up / overtake the rest of us, Sue and I enjoyed afternoon tea with Ali, Adrian, Gayle and Mick in their hired cottage, before adjourning to the Bull's Head for beers and a good meal.

It was good to see those who turned up, in particular Alistair P and John Woolston and his little dog that migrated to his rucksack after lunch.

Here's the route of the 'butty' brigade - 20 km, 350 metres ascent, taking around 6 hours.