It was as though we had our personal guide for a walk in the Goyt valley. From a photo of Errwood Hall we indentified window arches still visible in the ruins and heard that stones from the building had been used in construction of the reservoir. Water levels were so low on this day that all boats were moored at the sailing club. It became noticeably cooler as we climbed to Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire, from where views had to be imagined on this occasion! Further along the ridge towards Windgather Rocks we saw the large horizontal one known as Pym’s Chair. The little circular stone shrine next to the path back to the hall seemed as fascinating as on our previous visit. Words inside, ‘Ask not in vain of St. Joseph,’ add to the charm of this lovely spot.
A new member hadn’t walked in the Chatsworth area before and views couldn’t have been better from the Hunting Tower and Emperor Lake on a beautiful sunny morning. Surprisingly we found a path later that was unfamiliar to everyone. A barter board outside the pub in Beeley informs that beer can be exchanged for local produce. We won’t forget seeing three bright red Ferraris as we waited to cross the road at traffic lights near the bridge. This walk was part of our leader’s birthday celebrations and the entire day was perfect. She is elderly now but doesn’t intend to hang up her boots just yet.
Helen Royle 872507