Rambling

Sunday 28th February and we went out with Stockport Ramblers for the first time. I  joined us up at Christmas but what with wet weather and various other activities this was the first opportunity we have really had to go. The walk was scheduled to be an easy 6.5 miles starting at New Mills Newtown and the weather forecast was excellent. Chilly but sunny and dry.

I joined us up because we love walking but often don't get round to making plans or deciding where to go. When we do get out we are not always very good at finding our routes- though we have never had any major disasters- we do sometimes find ourselves puzzled and struggling to get out of fields. I thought that this would make us plan to go out more and would relieve the stress of route-finding. I also hoped that we would discover walks we hadn't known about before and might even enjoy the company.

If this first experience is typical, then I'm not going to be disappointed. Because of the good weather and the short route, there was a good turn - out- over 30 people and some other novices as well. We quickly found ourselves talking to other people and the general feeling was friendly. Several people seemed to be there on their own and so keen to chat.

The route was easy. Up out of New Mills, crossing the main road and following a track through fields. We turned right and soon found ourselves on a mini-Edge- looking across to the back of Lyme Park. We could just make out the back of the cage appearing above a lower hill. The view was tremendous right across the valley to Manchester and the hills beyond.

We then descended again through some reed beds and started bearing left, surprisingly passing right by a residential school (High Peak School) which I had never heard of before. A gentle climb took us up and over a small hill with Lyme Park now behind us. A short pause & detour to a "Dipping-stone" gave the walk leader time to tell us some  history and folklore.

We paused for lunch in a lovely field with a handy stone wall that could be sat upon and which gave us views across Whaley Bridge in the direction of Chapel and another valley.

From there it was downhill all the way to join the canal just outside Whaley Bridge. Then along the canal towpath all the way to New Mills and for us, at least, straight into the Beehive Pub. The pace of the walk had been perfect for us. We weren't striding ahead in the front "bunch" but nor we right at the back. Just going at a pace that seemed right for us in the middle of the group. I guess in a smaller group then pace might be an issue- possibly too slow or too fast- but in a group of this size, hopefully everyone can feel comfortable.

We found the experience very enjoyable. The general atmosphere was friendly. We certainly didn't have to worry about the route, so could relax and enjoy the countryside. We also found ourselves on a route and looking at views we had never seen before, so all my boxes were ticked. On the train home I found myself looking at the programme, already looking forward to going out again.