Route provides benchmark for mud level ratings
WITH the prospect of another wet Saturday, this East Cheshire Rambler’s walk set out from Rushton Spencer. With rain setting in prior to the start of the walk a low attendance was expected but surprisingly 11 brave souls turned up.
Clad in waterproofs and an optimistic attitude we set off in the rain heading for the very muddy Gritstone Trail, then through Whitelee Farm, after which the rain stopped and we had a coffee break with views of the Roaches. To avoid the mud we took hard tracks, mainly, as we walked to Danebridge and then followed the road to more tracks passing Swythamley Hall before an ascent to Hanging Stone.
With the rain returning we continued and followed the Back Forest Ridge. We paused for lunch on some huge rocks admiring the lovely views and the weather and by now the rain had stopped and there was a hint that the sun might come out. In buoyant mood we completed the ridge and progressed to the Roaches where we came across increasing numbers of walkers out on what was now a lovely afternoon.
Climbing down the Roaches just before Hen Cloud we followed the road and then ventured across some dubious field paths through Roach Grange and on to Turner’s Pool. Some interesting discussions on mud levels were had as well as a tea break a little before the pool.
From Turner’s Pool we encountered some more muddy paths to reach the road passing Gun End House. We were experts on mud rating now and a short road walk was a welcome break. We managed a few more muddy paths through Tofthall before following a road which took up back to the car park. We had completed over fourteen miles and about 750 metres of ascent all in great good humour for which the leader thanks fellow walkers very much.
For more details of East Cheshire Ramblers’ programme of weekend and midweek walks ranging from four to 15 miles in length, go to ramblerseastcheshire.org. uk. The group is putting on a series of short ‘stroller walks’ of around 4 miles in length on Fridays starting at 10.30am at various local places between April and September this year and details can be found on the groups’ website. This is an idea way as an introduction for people who are considering taking up rambling but are unsure about tackling longer distances.