South Pennine Seasonal celebrations 2014.

So for the third year on the trot we were having our annual celebrations at the Cross Keys. I managed to devise another ‘different’ walk in the area that ultimately finishes at the pub where there is a fine array of Ales, good food and warm fires.

In total we had 29.5 walkers(.5 being a chocolate Brown lab) with too many names to remember but there was representation from W Yorks and E Lancs .

As usual we started at Greenfield station and headed out towards Brownhills where we picked up the ‘Delph Donkey’..A disused railway that’s now a leisure trail. Good progress was made along here as its flat and well surfaced. We stayed in the valley bottom through Delph and on towards Denshaw. Climbing out from the valley we had our first break in the grounds of the very eerie looking church at ‘Heights’. We climbed steadily upwards towards the Edith Boon way and the views across the S Pennines were unfolding before us. Quick dash across the valley took us on the Pennine Bridleway and then onto the softer ground up to Standedge. Up to now the weather had been fine and dry but after second break we noticed a distinct dip in temperature. Again good progress was maintained and all too soon we could see the pub…2 miles in the distance. It was a shame those two miles involved glissading across muddy fields where a 2 steps forward, 1 slip back was the gait most employed. Despite this we still got to the pub 1 hr early(damn!). Some decided to sample the delights of the neighbouring pub the ‘Church’ prior to our booking…and came back with wild tales of beer at £2 a pint!

Our room was laid out and once again the Cross keys did not disappoint with regards to service and quality of food….not to mention value for money.

After several social beverages folk started to dissipate and the hardy few were left to stagger back to the station.

A great day was had by all…Thanks to all those who came..either for the walk or meal.

Glenn

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