Sensible folk stayed behind closed doors on the morning of one walk. I’d been treated beforehand to the noise of torrential rain on a fellow walker’s conservatory whose owner then drove to the meeting place convinced no one would turn up.
However a hardy trio set off for a short walk accompanied too by hurricane Bertha. Raindrops fell not only onto our heads but into our coffee as we huddled together mid morning on a form on the Monsal Trail. Everything was in monochrome until near the end when the sky brightened making a field of golden wheat unusually vivid. Strangely we were cheerful throughout.
Happily, perfect conditions for the next one. Views emerged tantalisingly in the final minutes of the steep climb up Win Hill. We walked along the ridge identifying other landmarks.
The top from Hope Cross, over seven centuries old, was removed recently and found in a lay-by. A cement repair is the only indication of this. A broad pine strewn path led down to the Derwent reservoir where we spotted a tiny vole. On the opposite hillside flames were visible and it was intriguing to watch someone being winched from an R.A.F. helicopter. It flew off after circling for over half an hour, our youngest member receiving a cheery wave from crew. This was an A* walk.
Helen Royle – 872507