This walk is the first of several mid-week ones when paths are less busy, there is less disruption to the locals and a reasonable pace for the more mature amongst us.  We set off in sunshine that was to accompany us all day, across fields and tracks through to Arncliffe woods.  We picked up the C2C and used the original route from over 40 odd years ago to connect with the Cleveland Way and on into Osmotherley.  Still walking on the C2C and CW through to Oakdale and on to Chequers for lunch.  We shared our break with the sound of a cuckoo close by, then tackled the newly surfaced drove road to Scarth Nick.  Dropping down to Swainby we crossed a small ravine full of wild garlic and bluebells.  The assault on our nosebuds was very strong!

 

Returning to the cars, it was thanks all round for a walk with lots of variety and excellent company.  We had the pleasure of 2 much younger newly joined LDWA members who wanted an introduction to the organisation.  Much longer distances will be their aim.  The rest of us did a lot of reminiscing with the majority having been in the organisation for over 30 years, 40 in my case.  Bring on the next mid-week walk in June from Chop Gate.