Wednesday, 11th December 2013

Walk: Elmridge, Crow Trees Farm, Dog & Partridge (pub), Knott Farm, Little Town Farm
Start Point: Ferrari's Restaurant Grid Reference: SD 604 396
Distance: 5.25 miles Ascent: 300 feet
Time: 3 hours    
Weather: Bright sunshine with a slight cool breeze. A pleasant winters day
Comments: Un-deterred by a road diversion near to the venue, thirty-eight people took part in this the traditional Christmas Meal Walk. Fortunately the sun shone throughout the duration of the walk. Alas, recent rains left some muddy patches for the group to tip toe through. Unfortunately however, someone who usually manages to keep spotless returned with rather muddy white socks. Whilst the group trekked through some gorse bushes on the route, two wild deer kept observations on them, but they soon got bored and sped off to pastures new. Returning through Little Town Farm some of Santa's Deputies could be seen 'supping tea' in the sunshine. On closer examination it turned out that it was people taking part in the longer version of the Christmas Meal Walk. They weren't Santa's Deputies at all. On the return down the drive to Ferrari's the group were serenaded with carols by two of the young ladies taking part in the walk. One of the ladies incidentally, had lovely muddy socks. The meal and service at Ferrari's was excellent and thanks go to the organiser.

Scroll down to see photos of the short walk, the long walk and the meal

Short walk

The party leaving Ferrari's at the start of the walk

 

A little mist at first . . .

 

but the sun burnt it off

 

The obligatory farm yard mud

 

Some of the thirty-eight walkers on the Christmas Meal walk

 

Two observers . . .

 

but not for long

 

Fighting a battle with some gorse . . .

 

but still smiling

 

Catching up time

 

The steepest part of the walk

 

Over the bridge and . . .

 

up the other side

 

Mince pie time

 

Diversification - Ewe should try it sometime - the milk

 

Only four more fields to cross before it's turkey and pudding time

 

Another muddy track - but it is winter after all

 

Who can these people be . . .

 

Why! It's the eight mile walkers taking tea in the sun

 

Jeanette - with muddy white socks - leads the carol singing on the return to Ferrari's

 

In the grounds of Ferrari's Restaurant

 

Long Walk

Let's go

 

Jacob's sheep

 

What's a little bit of mud

 

Al and Paco

 

Misty over Longridge Fell

 

Coffee time

 

Leaving Gibbon Bridge Hotel

 

Stained glass panel at Giles Farm

 

John tackles an awkward stile . . .

 

but happily

 

Still misty

 

Calf hutch

 

A nice cuppa at Little Town Dairy

 

Nice and sunny as we get back

 

A well deserved meal

Anyone for water?

 

Table five

 

Table three

 

More diners

 

The bar was busy too!

 

Making new friends

 

Table one

 

Table two

 

Table four

 

Get ahead, get a hat

 

Terry - the meal organiser - and Diane his wife

 

It's all smiles at this table

 

Madam Butterfly - the uninvited guest

 

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