Driving down the M56 with rain pouring down, thunder in the air and the odd flash of lightning in the sky did not bode well for the walk from Frodsham.  It was raining so hard when we parked up that we had to sit in the car for ages before we could attempt to get the waterproofs on. Eventually five of us got underway and started off. the route took us through fields and woods to reach the village of Kingsley where we had a coffee stop in the lovely Peace Garden there. It was a coincidence that the village was holding an open-garden festival the same day and we were asked if we would like tea or coffee which some of us did and then Stan was introduced to a lady who had lived very close to him in Leyland.

The weather seemed to be improving and we took advantage of the stop to take our waterproofs off but no sooner had we got going again than the rain started, at first only showery so on went just the cagoules but by the time we reached the Delamere Way we were absolutely soaked through, not just by the rain which was coming down in bucketfuls but by walking through uncut fields which soon had our shorts dripping wet. Fortunately it was not too far to Delamere station where we had our lunch in the shelter there, watching the rain come straight down.

Waterproof trousers were put back on and s we continued along the Baker Way which meets the Sandstone Trail after about a mile. There were lots of families with small children round the Visitor Centre who had come to see Gruffalo making an appearance. ( I was told that Gruffalo is a famous character in children’s books.)  We didn’t meet him but we did meet Mr Fox and Shirley and I had our photo taken with him.

By now the early runners in the Sandstone Trail Challenge event were starting to pass us and we came across one of their checkpoints at Manley Common where the marshal’s told us they had had a lot of retirements and non-starters which wasn’t surprising given the conditions. With five miles left to go the weather finally got its act together, the sun came out and we were rewarded with fine views out to sea. The trail from Alvanley Cliff to the monument on Overton Hill is one of the best parts of the Sandstone Trail but today it was hard work just keeping your feet on the muddy, slippery paths. We got back to the cars at 4.20pm and got some funny looks from drivers leaving the car park and seeing us washing the muck off the boots in the puddles but it does save a job when you get back home.