(Hi)ke 02: Post fixture analysis.

(Hi)ke 02 went off without a hitch. Lovely mild temperatures and moody cloud cover were the order of the day; our ten strong group staying dry throughout. At this time of year the latter isn't a given.

Our little team quickly devoured the sharp climb through the woods, finally emerging onto the moor. Our destination of Shining tor just visible through the low laying clouds. Onwards we walked following the old Roman road, known as The Street, up to Cats Tor. At this point we took a left along the ridge line towards the summit. 

The mile long walk along this stunning ridge passed quickly. We stopped and admired the views a couple of times; Chesire on our right, Derbyshire on our left and views over Manchester behind us. That's not forgetting the huge satellite dish at Jodrell Bank Observatory; prominent along the Chesire skyline.

Upon reaching the terminus of Shining Tor we took a breather, ate and goofed around until everyone had cooled down enough to want to move again.

As we walked the flagstones along the trail somebody mentioned a beer. The group quickly resolved the issue, sighting the Cat and Fiddle pub in the distance. Unbeknown to us it had closed down. Thankfully, as luck would have it, just a few metres back the way we'd come was a delightful café. You should have heard the rumbles of excitement as one by one we spotted the homemade cakes laid out adjacent to the entrance.

An hour later; full of cakes, tea and delightful local(ish) beer we set forth again. By now the cloud had really come in to enclose our position.

From here we walked back down the valley side as views over Errwood Reservoir opened up in front of us. Again we took a left off the direct path. This time heading down Shooters Clough in search of the remains of Errwood Hall. 

Built in 1830 for wealthy Manchester Businessman Samuel Grimshawe and occupied by his family for a hundred years; Errwood Hall today is sadly just a few walls and a foundation block, a ghost of it's once grand presence.  

After spending some time looking around the remnants of the hall and a visit to the Grimshawe family grave we moved on. Just as the midges started to get bitey.

We headed back towards the car park along the shore of the reservoir. Taking in the views and stopping to help a stranded beetle.  

If nobody else had fun I can certainly say that I did. A great group of people, enjoying the outdoors, laughing and smiling as we went. For me that is exactly what (Hi)ke is all about. Many thanks to all of those that came along.

 

If you fancy coming along to the next trip keep an eye on my social media. Details coming soon.