RING 3 - 13.3.11


ON BEACON HILL

With Spring rapidly approaching will the Three Rings be far behind!

With this in mind a highly adequate quorum of nine plus sole visitor Graham set off from Shap to do the annual recce prior to the Event. This is usually a useful exercise and as often happens changes occur with a new fence in one place and a new stile in another.
It was great to welcome back longstanding member John after a long layoff and good to see that he had lost little of his speed and stamina.

Despite a day of mainly sunshine a cool westerly deterred much lingering and proved an added obstacle on the return through the interminable fields up to Oddendale. On the plus side a very pleasant lunch spot was found beckside near Asby.

The route is always a favourite as it passes through quiet limestone country on the C2C and Westmorland Way and those who had not been before were pleasantly surprised by the variety and richness of the scenery. Even Frank on his 22nd journey round the Ring (mainly as night sweeper) seemed to be enjoying the sun and visibility.

The 20 miles was completed in a comfortable 8 hours before most adjoined to the Crown Inn for a welcome beverage prior to dispersing.

LIMESTONE COUNTRY THE CROCKETTS AT CROSBY