I try to make a habit of being quick at check-points, to make up for being slow elsewhere! ;-) Apart from which, I was being tailed by limpets.

Well - not sure whether to be pleased to be so quick at the check point (and I certainly did sample a fair bit of the food and drink) or whether this is too spooky & big brother-ish!

Thank you ladies for your kind words. Actually, I don't know how either of you found time to try the food at the Picnic Site - you both only stopped there for four minutes (even Garfield stayed longer than that, Helen).

The results are now on the Merseystride website.

It was indeed a wonderful event (again). I did the slightly wimpy option of the 21 mile route, feeling that it wasn't that long since I did the Bullock Smithy. Think the tiredness was mainly in my head! Thoroughly enjoyed the day - apart from the head plant into a bed of nettles!! Ever had nettle stings on your upper lip? - most odd sensation! I will admit to being off the route with the nettles - having done the event last year, I should have known where I was going!!! Never mind. The cakes at the picnic site were indeed very welcome. Many thanks to all. Hopefully see you next year.

A really enjoyable event in lovely countryside, with great cake and friendly volunteers at the checkpoints.

This time I managed to get round without re-inventing the route or troubling the sweepers, which was great cause for celebration on my part after the embarrassment of 2 years ago. I'll be back next year to make sure it wasn't a fluke (and eat more bread pudding and flapjack at the picnic site!)

Garfield did his quickest time so far on the 30 mile event, and three friends had a great day out on the 30 and 21 mile routes. Thanks to all at Merseystride group for your efforts putting on a successful event once again - much appreciated.

[Helen Southall]