Todays walk in detail

Thanks to the 17 who braved the wild winter weather on the last Sunday walk of the year and thanks to Val for back marking. The walk began along the sheltered rather lovely Little Don Valley where we spotted a heron on flight. Climbing up onto the moors the wind buffeted us but we soon found shelter in a walled enclosure for our coffee and snack break.  A further climb up to the top of the moors the full strength of the wind hit, but undeterred the group made it to the top of Cabin Hill  and then yomped across the last stretch of moorland to the Woodhead Road. Joining the path across the road, carefully avoiding swamps which weren't as bad as expected I'm pleased to report, a small group peeled off to a trig point hoping to bag an Ethel, rejoining the group as we dropped down towards reservoirs. Everyone remained in good spirits despite the intermittent rain and poor conditions underfoot. It is the end of December after all and only to be expected. Lunch stop at the picnic area at Dunford Bridge on the TPT, then an easy finish along the newly replaced trail, across fields and back to our cars. Deserved liquid refreshment at Wortley Club ended a slightly challenging day and, funnily enough, I think we all enjoyed that bit of a challenge.