David and Jacinta's Walks- 2023

 Shining Tor and Thursbitch Our last walk of 2023 was not very ambitious on account of the weather. We went up to Shining Tor as usual- battling into the wind; the cloud was low and just grazing the top of Shining Tor. Shining Tor with its head in the clouds After a very short break at the top, instead of just reversing the walk, we went down into the valley and visited Thursbitch for the first time this year. Clouds blowing in from Shining Tor towards Cats Tor The ruins of Thursbitch We saw no one except for some (hopeful) sheep who wrongly assumed that we might be bearing food. Optimistic sheep Persistently optimistic sheep The only downside to this really nice walk is the somewhat boring plod up the road from the end of the drive to Howlersknowl up to the car park at Pym Chair and the welcome sight of the car. It was then home for lunch.  An occasionally cold and occasionally wet outing of 4.6 miles with 320m ascent but well worth doing nonetheless.

 Shining Tor After a morning spent baking sourdough and baguettes- plus a carrot curry for supper- we decided to take advantage of the sunny afternoon to nip up Shining Tor. It's only a one-and-a-half hour walk round trip, bu the views today were clear and impressive and it's worth the effort. Foxlow Edge and Wild Moor from Pym Chair Shining Tor and Shutlingsloe The weather looked wet again after Saturday or, at this time of year, it's best to snatch the opportunity provided by good weather when one can! 4.3 miles, 175m ascent.

A Wet and Windy Shining Tor We needed to get out and get some (very!) fresh air but as the weather was wet and windy, Shining Tor seemed to be a good-value walk, being nearby and not to long but long enough. We parked up at Pym Chair and put on our full wet-weather gear and tacked our way along. Path disappearing into the mist on Shining Tor We had a breather a the top and admired the clouds. Jacinta and clouds at the summit of Shining Tor There seemed little merit in staying at the top for long, so we just turned back and went down the way that we'd come up. The cloud lifted a little and we managed to catch a glimpse of Shutlingsloe. Shutlingsloe just below the cloudbase Honour was served, cobwebs were blown away, and we walked a bit over four miles in 1¾ hours with 200m ascent.  

Shining Tor and Errwood- Again! When it's damp and uninviting, and you are meeting Ann and Julian for a walk, at least starting from the Pym Chair car park is a reasonable idea. Hats off to Ann who spurred us into action- at least two people would have agreed just to go for a coffee! We walked up to Shining Tor, where we had a quick snack and a drink in a break from the rain and drizzle. Surveying for rain, and a dryish spot to sit We then went down and around Errwood, taking a slightly new route, including another break for lunch, sitting on a broken-down wall. The weather remained damp all the way around but at least we were out and about and gaining a little fresh air. We were all rewarded with a nice cuppa and a slice of lemon cake back at BOF. 6.7 miles, 380m ascent.

  Shining Tor Time was limited as we'd been to a concert with The Bright  Quartet and Julian Davis at St. Michael's in Macclesfield. The noticeboard at the start of Oldgate Nick was clear about direction, but prohibitions were a bit faded. What can't you do? Who knows! The wind was pretty strong but that made it a bracing, but short walk. It felt good to be out after the epic walk last week . Although it looked rainy in the distance, if any rain was falling, it missed us! Shining Tor trig point and rain in the distance 4.2 miles, 160m ascent.