8.81 miles 1821' ascent

When I looked out of my window this morning, everything looked murky and I nearly cancelled the walk. However if I had stayed at home, I would have missed one of the best walks of this year. 

Thanks to Jeff for his company and for agreeing to do the walk in what seemed to be such poor conditions.  We were rewarded with some of the best views that I have seen.

5.10 miles 1311' ascent

Les and I had been trying to arrange a walk to Shutlingsloe for nearly a year and we were determined that nothing was going to stop us today, not even the promise of heavy rain.  Originally we had planned to walk to Shutlingsloe and then over to Tegg's Nose Country Park, however due to the bad weather we decided to leave Tegg's Nose for another day.
Thanks to Les, Kev and Steve for their company today.  We proved yet again that good company can triumph over bad weather.

7.90 miles 1386' ascent

Today Lin, Chris, Steve and Mike joined me for a walk over the moors that make up the Wardle Skyline.  Unfortunately we didn't have the best weather at the start of the walk but things brightened up later on.  We adjourned to a local hostelry for a drink or two at the end of the walk.  Thanks to everyone for their company.

5.84 miles 1700' ascent

Although the 2011 Gaping Gill meet was cancelled, as I had aleady arranged to take the day off work, I decided that I would still visit Gaping Gill.  Denise joined me on today's walk and despite not having done any walking for a large number of years, throughly enjoyed her day out.

Thanks to Denise for her company and for doing the driving.

8.77 miles 2067' ascent

Today I met up with Lin, Chris and Jeff and walked the edges high above Dovestones Reservoir near Greenfield.  It was a very enjoyable day with plenty of opportunities for exploring the wind sculpted rocks along Dove Stone Edge.

Thanks to Lin, Chris and Jeff for their company and special thanks to Jeff for leading the way down from Alphin Pike. 

9.03 miles 1618' ascent

Today I explored some of the industrial remains in the Colden Valley and then extended the walk onto the moors above Hepstonstall where I visited Reaps Cross. The Colden Valley has two natural characteristics that made it ideal for water powered mills; a large catchment area providing a very reliable water supply and a steep gradient. By the early 19th century there were nine water powered mills working along the course of this one stream.