Thursday walk report 22-7-21

Thursday walk report, July 22nd

8 CMC members braved the heat for this 6ish mile circuit from Mytham Bridge. We decided to do the walk anti-clockwise to allow for a dip in the river near the end, so set off up Shatton Lane.

The leader had spotted a path on the map which cut off a loop in that road, but our local expert claimed that the path did not exist on the ground….. We found the start easily enough, then followed a faint track through near-bog (in this weather!) up a stream valley. One of our scouts ahead turned east and exited the valley back to the lane, while the rest of us headed further into the jungle. The path eventually climbed out of the valley at Alpine steepness on loose dirt and we met our scout up near the lane. A water break was felt deserved here.

Then followed a gentle contour round the edges of Abney moor to a pair of lunch benches which arrived spot on 1pm. This break allowed much discussion of how to cope with the heat, including tips on frozen hot-water bottles to sleep with, and ice cream for breakfast.

After this sunny stop we headed over Offerton moor and down the bracken-hung holloway to Offerton Hall. Downhill on the footpath took us to the stepping stones at the river, where two members split off to head for the cars, one reposed on the grass and the rest chilled their feet in the refreshingly cool water.,

After the last section along the riverbank we got back to the cars at 3pm. Recording devices gave either 5.6 or 6.1 miles covered, so about as expected. Thanks to everyone for coming out on such a hot day.