Sixteen people turned up at John Crook’s house for the start of this walk. The weather was a bit uncertain as we set off as a few of us had experienced rain on the way there. However, the sun started to make an appearance and it wasn’t long before jackets, jumpers etc.; were coming off.

John took us through Longworth Clough which was at its best with lots of bluebells, hawthorn blossom and other spring flowers in abundance. We crossed the main road near Belmont and continued up the ‘long mile’ which brings you out at the top of Winter Hill near the masts.

After re-grouping there we descended to the rough road and Horden Stoops taking the sometimes (well nearly all the time!) muddy and wet track across Hoar Stones Brow  and into the playing fields of Belmont for our dinner stop. Some of our group couldn’t resist having a go on the playground equipment before starting off again!

The afternoon saw us walking along a short section of the Amble route to Charlie’s Pole but here we turned right along Catherine Edge then making our way past Delph reservoir to the road at Dimple and then to John’s house where Marilyn had prepared a right feast for everyone! Homemade carrot cake, fruit cake, coffee and date scones, shortbread biscuits, her bakewell slices, all there waiting to be eaten along with pots of tea and coffee.  What a great finish to a very good walk which I think we all enjoyed!

Thanks to John and Marilyn for again treating us to this fantastic spread.