It was a foggy morning when seven Ramblers, from six different groups, met in Longnor Market Square. Setting off towards Chrome Hill and Parkhouse the iconic "Dragons back" was completely hidden in the low cloud, and as we circled round past Glutton Farm and Dowel Dale the views I were expecting did not materialise.

We passed behind Hollins Hill but as we dropped into the Dove valley, we were again below the cloud base and were able to look back across into Staffordshire. We had our coffee break, and Sean treated to our first mince pies of the season, with the offer of Buck's Fizz to go with it!

Having crossed the river we had to negotiate several swamps, Sean less successfully than most. Continuing on, a cute pig caught Nettie's eye as it looked over a wall at us. We continued in the mist until we dropped into the Manifold valley, so we took the opportunity for an early lunch to enjoy the view.

The afternoon stayed dull. We were turned off a farm track at one point and had to back-track and detour. However, we returned to Longnor just after 4 and all enjoyed cake in the Moorland cafe on the square. Everyone had enjoyed the walk and the company, and was looking forward to our next outing.