Three of us drove through the murk and arrived at the meeting point to find just one place left in the parking area and one lonely walker waiting patiently. No other intrepid walkers having arrived we set off at 11 am wondering whether a cafe might have been a better idea. The view of total grey from the Baslow edge viewpoint did nothing to reassure us we had made the correct decision. However things improved from then onward and our lunch stop enabled us to monitor the traffic around the distant roundabout. The Robin Hood looked inviting but we walked bravely past and on up to Birchens. The return to the car park took us through the expected bog which remained surprisingly firm beneath the initial soggy layer, a cunningly devised boot wash at the gate back to the parking spot ensured we all went home with clean footwear. The four of us agreed that it had been an enjoyable walk and far better than any cafe visit.
