When six of us met at Teggs Nose on a misty morning for the longest walk so far on our programme of fortnightly Friday walks, it was the largest group so far. Looking forward to the 20-mile challenge were three from Stoke Newcastle, one from Cheshire East, one from East Staffs and one came from Birmingham. From the beginning, the idea was to provide longer walks aimed at members from a range of Groups, and the concept is catching on.

 

In poor visibility and a low cloud base, I missed a turn along the lanes after Chapel in the Forest, but Hazel's new-found navigation skills pulled us up and put us right. Before long we were on Shutlingloe but unfortunately we could see no further than Wildboarclough valley.

Our next climb was Cumberland Clough, during which a drizzle began, which persisted through a quick lunch break before we reached Shining Tor, the second of our three peaks. Obligingly,  by the time we reached Windgather Rocks the weather had cleared again and we could see before us the daunting descent to Todd Brook and  the sharp ascent to Charles Head, the third major peak of the day.

We took that in our stride but the expected view of White Nancy from the top did not appear through the mist. Before we did reach the monument rain had started but not enough to depress our spirits. "Downhill all the way now?" asked Barbara hopefully, but we still faced getting to the third trig point of the day on Kerridge Hill.

Although only just over 1,000 ft this is not insignificant, and if ever I do the walk again it will be called Four Cheshire Peaks! That was not the end of the climbing though, as after crossing the main road we still needed to reach the Gritstone Trail on the top of the next ridge.

Following the Trail back to Teggs Nose was straightforward, but required yet more climbing. By the time we got back to the cars we had achieved nearly 4,200 ft of ascent! Worn out, wet, but in excellent spririts and all very proud to have finished in 9 hrs 42mins. A bit disappointed by the lack of views, I suggested, "We'll have to do it again next year, and hope for better weather!"