Thursday walk 15th October-report

9 members did the walk in 2 groups with a 20 minute interval between them..
We were greeted by a beautiful autumn day as we climbed through the woods above Fairholmes to Woodcock Coppice,A steady descent to Rowsley Farm then followed with lovely views up the Ashop/Woodlands valley and Kinder beyond.
Passing Upper Ashop farm we crossed the Ashop river.The first group,full of bravado,chose to use the ford rather than the bridge successfully avoiding the rather deep pool near the other side and emerging with dry feet! I can’t speak for the second party but assume they had more sense!
Crossing Alport Bridge we then walked up the attractive Alport valley to Alport farm.The cliffs above were beautifully lit up at this point by the autumn sun.
A steady ascent took us to the grassy area near the base of the Castles and the Tower where lunch was taken.
Lunch over we carefully negotiated a group of cows with young calves and a bull who showed little interest.Completing the ascent to the top of the cliffs we stopped to admire the view of the Castles and the Tower.
The steady walk along the ridge by Rowsley Pasture then led us back to the Woodcock Coppice with an unexpected and prolonged shower adding to the experience..At Woodcock Coppice we then followed the descent back to the start by Ladybower.
The second party followed the same route,but were treated to to several showers on Rowsley Pasture which produced dramatic skies and rainbows.
So a good day was had by all and it was good to meet Rick Siddle again after a longish absence and to welcome John Rogerson on his first Thursday walk.
Mike