Festive stagger-Report

A cold grey morning heralded the end of the recent crisp conditions and clear blue skies.
11 members set out from Canterbury Avenue carefully negotiating icy paths and roads on the initial descent into the Mayfield valley where ome members were impressed by the Hobbit House at the start of Ivy Cottage Lane!
A steady up hill walk over fields followed, with some icy and slippery stiles, before the edge of Bole Hill Plantation on the north side of the Limb Valley was reached.Following the edge of the woods two rope swings were encountered and enjoyed by two members!After the second of the swings the group made a steady descent through the trees to reach a decidedly icy stretch of the valley floor-at which point it was discovered that one member of the party was missing !A quick telephone call established contact and the missing member rejoined the fold.
Crossing the dubious wooden bridge (thank God for the hand rail) the party continued through the woodland and then the first world war like wasteland due to a recent extensive tree felling operation.
Leaving the Limb Valley the party reached Whirlow Farm where 3 members left the group to head back home.
The remaining 8 members continued to the clubroom for lunch in relative warmth thanks to the electric heaters.
Lunch over the leader decided to cut out the stage through Ecclesall Woods to avoid the worst of the forecasted rain and snow.
The party then retraced their steps up Little Common Lane and soon reached the entrance to the Limb Valley where the group climbed the wooden slopes on the north side of the valley to reach the footpath over icy fields to Wrigley Farm.
A steady descent past the former Whiteley Wood Hall ( now a girl guide centre) then led back to the Mayfield Valley and so to Canterbury Avenue where large quantities of tea and various goodies were consumed.
Thank you to all who came for your company and your contributions to the post post walk food!
A happy Christmas to one and all and looking forward to more Castle events in 2023.
Mike D