Wednesday, 2nd December 2015

Sixteen people walked today, a good turnout considering the rain over the last few days and a non-too hopeful forecast.  We set off in the dry, opting to go clockwise around the circular walk.  The overspill was pouring with water, a reflection of the recent heavy rainfall.  Soon after the lower reservoir we were overtaken by a large group of Runners from a local Harrier Club who proceeded to do sprint training up the slight inclines and walk the down bits to rest!!!  Repeatedly!!! These ‘fit’ young men were just showing off!!!  We were enjoying the autumn colours of the beech trees and the firm footing on the made-up paths as we walked steadily to our first decision point.  Bill and Elizabeth opted for the shorter, but steeper walk to the Tockholes café whilst the rest of the group took a path, doubling back on the main path, to reach the road at spot height 234m where we crossed over and followed the path to Ryal Fold.  We had damp views across the fields towards Darwin Tower.  From the farm we took the track towards the public house and then onto the Tockholes Café, where we stayed for 30 mins.
After bird watching; Wood Peckers, a variety of Tits and Chaffinches, from the window in the café, we continued down the stepped foot path to the main circular track, but took the path straight ahead which followed round the edge of the upper reservoir, and along the pretty valley of the River Ruddlesford, crossed a flat bridge, to join the track back around the western side of the reservoirs. By this time the rain had set in but we were warm and relatively dry underneath, and sheltered under the trees, so arrived back at the Hare and Hounds in good spirits, ready for an early lunch.
A good winter walk, with no stiles to negotiate and refreshments half way – can’t be bad!!