Walks and Events 2003

Sun 5th Jan 03 SOUND COMMON, NEWTOWN 7 miles 4 hrs Easy Start Time : 10am Grid Ref : SJ621480 Take the A530 from Nantwich (the Whitchurch road). Newtown is about 3 miles outside Nantwich. Sound Common is on the right down a small lane. Car park on the left. A walk from Sound Common to Wrenbury through pleasant pasture land in the heart of Cheshire's dairy country. Pub stop for lunch. Walk leader : Rob 07625 519429 Sun 12th Jan 03 BIDDULPH MOOR 12 miles 5 1/2 hrs Moderate Start Time : 10am Grid Ref : SJ956579 Park besides old railway line (signed 'Rudyard Lake Car Park') just east of Rudyard off B5331. A walk through a mostly unspoilt area of rolling hills and rocky outcrops. Extensive views, fields, lanes, tracks and woodlands. Pub stop en route but a packed lunch is advisable. Walk leader : Jane 07752 452751 Fri 17th Jan 03 CASA LOCO, STONE See Social Programme for Details Sun 19th Jan 03 CALWICH ABBEY, ELLASTONE 6 miles 4 hrs Easy Start Time : 10am Grid Ref : SK119425 Follow B5030 from Uttoxeter to Lower Ellastone. Turn right on to B5053 (Dove Street). Parking approx 200yds on right-hand side before bridge. From Lower Ellastone we head over rolling countryside towards Wootton for fabulous views of the Weaver Hills. We then head to the village of Stanton, through woodland and then past the abbey ruins. An ideal walk for new members. Packed lunch needed, with a pub stop at the end of the walk. Walk leader : Paul 07967 985270 Sun 26th Jan 03 EYAM 14 miles 7 hrs Hard Start Time : 9:30am Grid Ref : SK216766 Meet in the main car park in Eyam (turn right up hill at the end of the village, car park is on the right). The route starts at the Black Death village. A cheery thought. People of a ghoulish nature may observe the house where the first poor villager croaked of said ailment. Then over Sir William Hill (named after the bookie) and down through the woods and moors for a spell along the Derwent. We call in at Bradwell for a pint, before climbing up to Bradwell Edge, dodging the gliders as we go over Abney moor. We finish our walk on the gentler pastures surrounding Foolow. Walk leader : Phil 07968 313014 Tues 28th Jan 03 PROGRAMME PLANNING Start Time : 7:30pm Time once again to think about the next programme. Please come along with ideas for walks, weekends and social events. Contact Phil for details of the venue. Organiser : Phil 07968 313014 Sun 2nd Feb 03 MONSAL DALE 9 miles 4 hrs Easy/Moderate Start Time : 10am Grid Ref : SK194696 Meet in the main car park in Ashford-in-the-Water. We'll walk to Monsal Head, then via a pleasant valley alongside the river to Lees Bottom. We follow the slopes of Shacklow Wood before returning to Ashford. There are pubs in Ashford for those who want to wait for a late lunch. Walk leader : Matt 01785 241077 Fri 7th - Sun 9th Feb 03 GRASMERE 2 nights Hard See Weekend Programme for details Sun 16th Feb 03 RUDYARD 12 miles 6 hrs Moderate Start Time : 10am Grid Ref : SJ962534 Park at Deep Hayes Country Park on Park Lane. Access either from A520 in Cheddleton or A53 near Longsdon. Gentle terrain with gentle climbs. Across fields and through village to Rudyard for lunch (pub stop) , returning along the canal in the afternoon. Walk leader : Susie 01785 253071 Sat 22nd Feb 03 STAFFORD BALTI See Social Programme for Details Sun 23rd Feb 03 STONE 6 miles 3 hrs Easy Start Time : 11am Grid Ref : SJ902365 Turning across dual carriageway (A34) north of Stone immediately before A34/A51 junction. Take first right over canal and railway and car park is on left after a mile. The route follows the National Trust property of Downs Bank and carries on to the Wedgewood factory grounds. We then join the canal for a relaxing stroll back into Stone before returning to the car park via Oulton. Pub stop en route but a packed lunch is required Walk leader : Phil 07968 313014 Sun 2nd Mar 03 WOODHOUSE EAVES 12 miles 5 hrs Moderate Start Time : 10.30am Grid Ref : SK531145 A511 to Ashby de la Zouch, onto A512 to Loughborough. Cross over the M1 and take the 1st right, then straight over at the cross roads. Then take left at next junction and then right into Woodhouse Eaves. Meet at the car park near the church. An enjoyable walk over beautiful rolling hills and through Bradgate Park in this much overlooked part of Leicestershire. Walk leader : Paul 07967 985270 Sun 9th Mar 03 MACCLESFIELD FOREST 13 miles 7 hrs Hard Start Time : 9:30am Grid Ref : SJ987699 Turn off the A54 Congleton/Buxton road, heading for Wildboarclough. Car park is approx half a mile north of Wildboarclough. The walk takes in a variety of scenery on the Staffs/Cheshire border, taking in two sharp climbs up Tegg's Nose and the Matterhorn of the Peak District (only a bit shorter), Shutlingsloe. A pub stop is included, but bring some butties as the day will be long. Walk leader : Roland 01782 625462 Sat 15th Mar 03 ROBERTO'S, HANLEY See Social Programme for Details Sun 16 Mar 03 COOMBES VALLEY 7 miles 4 hrs Easy Start Time : 10:30am Grid Ref : SK009534 Turn off the A523 south-east of Leek (sign-posted Coombes Valley Nature Reserve). Car park is on left hand side after 1 mile. An easy walk across fields and along the Staffordshire Moorlands Walk, through the nature reserve and back to the car park. Packed lunch essential. An excellent walk for new members. Walk leader : Paul 07967 985270 Sun 23rd Mar 03 BLEAKLOW 12 miles 6 hrs Hard Start Time : 10am Grid Ref : SK068984 Meet at Torside Reservoir car park, on B6105 from Glossop. Hard walking over the Bleaklow plateau, including part of the Pennine Way. Packed lunch essential. Walk leader : Phil 07968 313014 Fri 28th - Sun 30th Mar 03 SHERWOOD FOREST 2 nights Easy See Weekend Programme for details Sun 6th Apr 03 CHURCH STRETTON 14 miles 7 hrs Mod/Hard Start Time : 10am Grid Ref : SO454935 As you enter Church Stretton on the A49, turn right at the traffic lights and head through the town centre. Turn left at the next junction, then left at the mini-roundabout to the supermarket car park. Park in far left car park near the toilets. A walk starting at Church Stretton normally means a walk on the Long Mynd. However we will be generally ignoring it, and quite probably sniggering behind its back, as we take a walk round and over the range of hills opposite which include Caer Caradoc, Hope Bowder and Ragleth. Our halfway stop will be at the pub in Wall under Haywood. This route contains quite a lot of ascent and descent. Some of the climbs are quite long and steep. Pub stop for lunch. Walk leader : Neil 07986 589980 Fri 11th Apr BAUHINIA, TRENT VALE, STOKE ON TRENT See Social Programme for Details Sun 13th Apr 03 PECKFORTON 7 miles 5 hrs Easy Start Time : 10:30am Grid Ref : SJ520548 On A534 (Nantwich to Wrexham road) turn north on to minor lane, 1 mile west of Bulkeley. Park on road side at top of lane. Pleasant walk over the Peckforton and Bickerton sandstone hills. Easy walking but some short climbs. Pub stop for lunch. Walk leader : Roland 01782 625462 Fri 18th - Mon 21st Apr 03 NORTHUMBERLAND 3 nights Moderate See Weekend Programme for details Sun 27th Apr 03 CAVERSWALL AND CONSALL 14 miles 8 hrs Mod/Hard Start Time : 9:30am Grid Ref : SJ950429 Park in The Red House pub car park in Caverswall. A long walk around the south-western side of the Staffordshire Moorlands. The walk is through rolling countryside, woodland and unspoilt villages. The route is through Caverswall, Dilhorne, Greenhead, Consall, Wetley Rocks, Overmoor, Cresswell's Piece and back to Caverswall. This is a full day's walk, with a pub stop if time permits, but packed lunch is essential. Walk leader : Tina 07773 533263 Sun 4th May 03   LLANGOLLEN   9 miles  5 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SJ192481   Park by the Ponderosa cafe on the A542 (Horseshoe Pass road), approx 5.5 miles from Llangollen Llantysilio Mountain is a compact range of hills, which dominate the Dee Valley above Llangollen. They provide a relatively easy introduction to hill walking, so don't be put off by the word mountain ! Several steep but short climbs on well-defined hill paths. Pub stop for lunch. Walk leader : Neil 07986 589980 Tues 6th May 03  PROGRAMME PLANNING Start Time : 7:30pm Time once again to think about the next programme. Please come along with ideas for walks, weekends and social events, or just come along for a beer. Contact Phil for details of the venue. Organiser : Phil 07968 313014 Fri 9th May 03  MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT See Social Programme for Details Sun 11th May 03   CONSALLFORGE   8 miles  5 hrs  Easy Start Time : 10.30am   Grid Ref : SJ997484   Start at Sheepfold car park near Hollins. Take A52 from Cellarhead, signed Ashbourne. After 2&1/4 miles take left fork (Ashbourne), after 1/2 mile turn left into Hollins Lane and follow for 3/4 mile to car park on left. A lovely easy walk, with a couple of gentle climbs, through some of Staffordshire's hidden beautiful countryside. Woodland, fields, canals and a short section of lanes. Two pubs en route, the Black Lion at Consallforge a must, but bring a packed lunch as the pubs are near to the end of the walk. Walk leader : Jane 07752 452751 Sun 18th May 03   TIDESWELL   10 miles  6 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SK153742   Meet in the picnic site car park in Tideswell Dale. From Buxton take the A6 towards Bakewell, then turn north on to the B6049. Car park is half a mile south of Tideswell village. A walk through Miller's Dale and Cressbrook Dale, passing Peter's Stone en route to a pint and lunch at the Three Stags Heads. Return through Tideswell past its magnificent church - the "Cathedral of the Peak". Walk leader : Roland 01782 625462 Fri 23rd - Sun 25th May 03    BRECON   2 nights    Hard See Weekend Programme for details Sun 1st Jun 03   HARTINGTON   7 miles  4 hrs  Easy Start Time : 10.30am   Grid Ref : SK127604   Follow A515 to Buxton from Ashbourne. Turn left at signpost to Hartington on B5054. Park in town square or on surrounding roads. A walk through meadows to reach the three dales of Beresford, Wolfscote, along the river Dove, and Biggin. An ideal walk for new members with lovely scenery and only a few gentle climbs. We will stop for lunch during the walk and finish with a chat and a drink in the pub back at Hartington. Walk leader : Steve & Anita 01889 883784 (On day of walk O7974 748928) Fri 6th Jun 03  MR CHAN'S, HANLEY See Social Programme for Details Sun 8th Jun 03   HANCHURCH & CRANBERRY   9 miles  6 hrs  Easy/Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SJ839398   Start at Hanchurch Hills' picnic site. Picnic area is off the Drayton Road, and is signposted off the A519 Eccleshall - Newcastle road. A gentle leg stretch through some relatively unknown corners of this popular beauty spot. Fields, tracks and woodland make for an enjoyable day's walking with the chance of spotting some resident deer in densely wooded areas. Packed lunch essential as no pub en route. Walk leader : Jane 07752 452751 Sun 15th Jun 03   RIBER CASTLE   14 miles  7 hrs  Hard Start Time : 9:30am   Grid Ref : SK324633   Follow the A6 north into Matlock. After the bridge turn right on to the A615, then left after 1/2 mile on to A632. Turn left after 2.5 miles at crossroads, then first right to car park/lay- by. This walk takes us through woodland and over Tansley Moor, before heading to Lea for a pub stop, near where Florence Nightingale used to live. The views are extensive overlooking Riber Castle and Matlock. There are a few ups and downs but nothing too steep. Walk leader : Paul 07967 985270 Fri 20th - Sun 22nd Jun 03    DENTDALE   2 nights    Moderate See Weekend Programme for details Sun 29th Jun 03   CARSINGTON   11 miles  6 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 10.30am   Grid Ref : SK249528   Car park is on B5035 north of Ashbourne, just south of Carsington village (note this is not the main visitor centre car park, but is the next one along when coming from Ashbourne) . A field walk with some modest climbs. This walk explores the area to the east of Carsington Reservoir, passing through several villages. Pub stop en route ( but not at lunch time !). We finish off by joining the masses along the edge of the reservoir. Walk leader : Susie 01785 253071 Sun 6th July 03   CANNOCK CHASE   6 miles  3 hrs  Easy Start Time : 11am   Grid Ref : SK043126   Follow A51 out of Rugeley towards Lichfield. Turn right off main road at Longdon (NOT Upper Longdon) and follow signposts for Cannock Wood. Follow signposts to Castle Ring car park. An easy walk on Cannock Chase, starting at Castle Ring Iron Age fort. We will stop for lunch at the excellent Pine Cafe (vegetarians catered for). Pub at end of the walk. Walk leader : Neil 07986 589980 Sat 12th July 03   RUSHTON SPENCER AND BOSLEY   11 miles  6 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SJ935625   Start at the Staffordshire Way car park by the Knot Inn in Rushton Spencer Linking several trails ( Gritstone and Staffs Way), this walk tackles wooded cloughs, a canal feeder and one of Cheshire's unsung upland rivers. Pub stop en route with a good beer garden. A lovely day's walk with some hidden gems in a lesser known area. Walk leader : Jane 07752 452751 Weds 16th July 03  SUMMER SKIING See Social Programme for Details Fri 18th - Sun 20th July 03    FOREST OF DEAN (WELSH BICKNOR)   2 nights    Moderate See Weekend Programme for details Sun 27th July 03   CRICH MEMORIAL   12 miles  6 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SK333542   Pick up A6 towards Matlock through Ambergate, approx 2&1/2 miles on right (just before sharp left bend over bridge). Park at Whatstandwell Station. We start this walk with a steady climb up to Crich Memorial with magnificent views all round. There will be a pub stop at South Wingfield, just before we head over towards the remains of Wingfield Manor. We stroll across open fields and eventually into Shining Cliff Woods. There is a lot to see on this walk of various interest, so bring a camera ! Lunch required. Walk leader : Paul 07967 985270 Sat 2nd August 03  CASA LOCO See Social Programme for Details Sun 3rd August 03   AMERTON FARM   6 miles  3 hrs  Easy Start Time : 11am   Grid Ref : SJ992278   An easy walk around the central part of Staffordshire, between Stafford and Uttoxeter, with home-made ice cream available en route ! Please contact the organisers for details of starting point etc. Walk leader : Steve & Anita 01889 883784 (On day of walk O7974 748928) Sun 10th August 03   BLEAKLOW   12 miles  7 hours   Hard Start Time : 10 am   Grid Ref : SK039943   Follow A624 in to the centre of Glossop. Turn right on to A57 Snake Pass road, car park (Manor Park) is approx 1/4 mile on left. We'll climb up Lightside ridge on to Bleaklow and then make our way over the plateau to the Wain Stones. Then we cross over Higher Shelf Stones before following the Pennine Way across the Snake Pass road to Mill Hill and the descent back to Glossop. Lunch required. Walk leader : Roland 01782 625462 Sat 16th August 03   SOUTH CONGLETON PLAIN    9 miles  5 hrs  Easy/Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SJ845626   Start at Astbury Mere Country Park, signposted off A34, 1/4 mile south of Congleton. Free parking. A longish but very easy walk exploring this little walked area of Cheshire. Good views of the Cloud and Mow Cop Castle, varied terrain, towpaths, fields and green tracks. Pub with excellent beer garden en route. A good walk for everyone who dislikes uphill! Walk leader : Jane 07752 452751 Sun 17th August 03  V2003 See Social Programme for Details Fri 22nd - Sun 24th August 03    COTSWOLDS   2 nights    Moderate See Weekend Programme for details Sun 31st August 03   STANTON MOOR   8 miles  5 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 11am   Grid Ref : SK258658   Head north on A6 through Matlock and Darley Dale to Rowsley village. Use recycling point for parking on left immediately after a sharp left-hand bend. A steady climb takes us away from the River Wye and on to Stanton Moor, where you will see the famous Nine Ladies stone circle. The walk takes us through woodland and on to Darley Bridge (pub stop) before a short steep climb out of Darley Dale. We finish through woods and back to the car park. Walk leader : Tina 07773 533263 Fri 5th September 03  ZEST See Social Programme for Details Sun 7th September 03   PENKRIDGE   8 miles  5 hrs  Easy Start Time : 10.30am   Grid Ref : SJ932148   Turn left off A449 in centre of Penkridge and continue for 3/4 mile. Turn on to Woodpark Road and park in lay-by. A gentle walk taking in part of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and passing through Teadesley Parkland and across fields. Lunch required with pub stop towards end of the walk. Walk leader : Susie 01785 253071 Mon 8th September 03  ABBOTS BROMLEY HORN DANCE See Social Programme for Details Tues 9th September 03  PROGRAMME PLANNING Start Time : 7.30pm Time once again to think about the next programme. Please come along with ideas for walks, weekends and social events, or just come along for a beer. Contact Phil for details of the venue. Organiser : Phil 07968 313014 Sun 14th September 03   ABNEY MOOR   14 miles  7 hrs  Hard Start Time : 9.30am   Grid Ref : SK216766   Meet in the main car park in Eyam (turn right up hill at the end of the village, car park is on the right). The route starts at the Black Death village. A cheery thought. People of a goulish nature may observe the house where the first poor villager croaked of said ailment. Then over Sir William Hill (named after the bookie) and down through the woods and moors for a spell along the Derwent. We call in at Bradwell for a pint, before climbing up to Bradwell Edge, dodging the gliders as we go over Abney moor. We finish our walk on the gentler pastures surrounding Foolow. Walk leader : Phil 07968 313014 Fri 19th - Sun 21st September 03    YOUNG RAMBLERS' BIG EVENT   2 nights    See Weekend Programme for details Sun 28th September 03   BEESTON CASTLE   8 miles  5 hrs  Easy Start Time : 11am   Grid Ref : SJ520548   On A534 (Nantwich to Wrexham road) turn north on to minor lane, 1 mile west of Bulkeley. Park on road side at top of lane. We'll walk through the woods on the Peckforton Hills before heading up (short climb) to view Beeston Castle. Then on to the Shady Oak for a lunchtime pub stop before returning over fields and back through the woods. Walk leader : Roland 01782 625462 Sun 5th October 03   WEAVER HILLS   12 miles  6 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SK085477   From Stoke head east on the Werrington Road. At Jones & Shuffs, on right, bear left towards Ashbourne. Immediately past the right-hand turning for Oakamoor, (B5417) there is a track on the right. This is the entrance for the McAlpine quarry. Park here We start by heading north to Waterhouses, Calton and Musden Lowe. From there onto Blore to take in the dizzying heights of Thorpe Cloud (but not on it), and then across a busy main road populated by maniacal car drivers and motorcyclists with only the odd speed camera to check their speed. Those who survive this crossing will be rewarded by the pretty sight of the picture postcard village of Stanton. From thence we head on to Ellastone and call in a pub whose name escapes me for the minute before climbing up through Wootton and finishing on top of the mighty Weaver Hills, dominating the horizon and offering clear views right across Shropshire and into Wales. Who could say no? Walk leader : Phil 07968 313014 Sun 12th October 03   HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM   12 miles  6 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SK300571   A6 towards Matlock Bath. Turn right at Cromford traffic lights. Use the playing fields to park (and NOT the pay and display), approx. 200 yards on right-hand side. We have a steady climb overlooking Matlock Bath where the views are breathtaking. After walking through some wonderful woodland we pick up the Limetone Way into the picturesque village of Bonsall where we'll stop at the King's Head. We head in to Middleton, on to the High Peak Trail and back to the car park. Lunch required. Note that this walk contains one steep descent and ascent. Walk leader : Paul 07967 985270 Fri 17th - Sun 19th October 03    KESWICK   2 nights    Hard See Weekend Programme for details Thurs 23rd October 03  AGM Start Time : 8 pm Your chance to have a gripe about the year's events, moan about all the walks, chuck out the old committee and vote in a new one. Venue to be announced nearer the time. Organiser : Phil 07968 313014 Sat 25th October 03  PASTICHE, HANLEY See Social Programme for Details Sun 26th October 03   LEEK   6 miles  3 hrs  Easy Start Time : 11am GMT   Grid Ref : SJ975554   Ladderedge Country Park on the A53 on the outskirts of Leek heading towards Stoke. Turn left into Sunnyhills Road (an industrial estate) then first right following the signposts. Do not be put off by the starting point of this walk. It is not industrial at all, but a very gentle walk following a stream through fields passing Longsden and Cowhay woods to Rudyard Lake where we will stop for lunch. We then return along a disused railway back to Ladderedge Country Park. An ideal first walk. Lunch required. Note the clocks go back today! Walk leader : Steve & Anita 01889 883784 (On day of walk O7974 748928) Sun 2nd November 03   WILDBOARCLOUGH AND THE ROACHES   12 miles  7 hrs  Hard Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SJ987699    Turn off the A54 Congleton/Buxton road, heading for Wildboarclough. Car park is approx half a mile north of Wildboarclough. A walk over some of the higher parts of the Staffordshire Moorlands. We'll pass Three Shires Head and then head over towards the Roaches (sorry, one section of road!), before returning via Gradbach. Lunch required. Walk leader : Roland 01782 625462 Sun 9th November 03   ELTON FLASHES   8 miles  5 hrs  Easy Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SJ725595   Take the A500 from the Potteries and then on approaching Crewe take the A5020. At the fire station roundabout take the right turn on to the A534. After two roundabouts take a right turn and head for Elton Flashes Nature Reserve. Go under the railway bridge and Elton Flashes is on the right. Roadside parking An easy walk around the salt marshes of the Moston area , including some of the early salt workings. Packed lunch will be useful, although pub lunch may be available later on. Walk leader : Rob 07625 519429 (pager) Sun 16th November 03   DUFFIELD   12 miles  6 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SK348428   A38 to Derby. Pass Markeaton Park on left. Pick up A6 to Matlock, Duffield is approx 3 miles. Turn right ( signposted Duffield Church), go over railway. Car park is immediately on right near the church. We shall walk on the Midshires Way, passing through Breadsall Moor and dainty villages. The terrain is fairly flat with the countryside opening up around us. There will be a pub stop at the end of the walk. Packed lunch required. Walk leader : Paul 07967 985270 Fri 21st November 03  PLANET BOLLYWOOD, STOKE See Social Programme for Details Sun 23rd November 03   BIDDULPH MOOR   10 miles  6 hrs  Moderate Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SJ882584   Park at old station car park in Biddulph, reached by turning left off the High Street into Station Road. Turn left into Hall Lane, then left into Smokies Way. A varied walk which starts by climbing gently up to Mow Cop. Continuing on to Biddulph Moor and returning via Kynpersley Resevoir. A walk across undulating countryside with a few modest climbs. Pub stop en route, but bring a packed lunch. Walk leader : Susie 01785 253071 Sat 29th November 03   TISSINGTON TRAIL   6 miles  3 hrs  Easy Start Time : 11am   Grid Ref : SK177521   Follow the A515 from Ashbourne to Buxton. Pass through Fenny Bentley half way between Ashbourne and the Tissington turn off. Turn right at a signpost to Tissington Village (looks like a private estate road). Drive into the village and follow signs to the car park. Starting with a walk through the village of Tissington (of well-dressing fame) then along part of the Tissington Trail (a disused railway) to the village of Alsop en le Dale. We continue through fields and then return to Tissington on another section of the Trail. On route there are a few modest climbs but nothing too strenuous. Lunch required. Walk leader : Steve & Anita 01889 883784 (On day of walk O7974 748928) Sun 30th November 03  STAFFORDSHIRE AREA AGM Start Time : 2pm The Ramblers' Staffordshire Area AGM at Leek. Your chance to have your voice heard ! Organiser : Sun 7th December 03   HOPE AND EDALE   13 miles  7 hrs  Hard Start Time : 10am   Grid Ref : SK172835   Turn right off the A6 north of Buxton on to the A623. Turn left at Sparrowpit on to the B6061, then follow the Winnat's Pass road and then the A625 through Castleton to Hope. Park on the roadside or in the car park in the centre of Hope. We start with a steep climb on to Win Hill and then walk over Crookstone Hill and on to the Kinder Plateau. Around the edge of the plateau to Grindslow Knoll and then down to Edale. We return to Hope via Back Tor and Lose Hill. Lunch required. This walk needs a prompt start due to limited daylight. Walk leader : Roland 01782 625462 Sat 13th December  NEWCASTLE NIGHT OUT See Social Programme for Details Sun 14th December 03   CANNOCK CHASE   6 miles  3 hrs  Easy Start Time : 12 midday   Grid Ref : SJ982208   Park at Punch Bowl car park just south of main car park in Milford on A513. An easy walk along the Trent and Mersey canal returning through Cannock Chase. Lunch required, with pub stop en route. Walk leader : Susie 01785 253071 Sun 21st December 03   CHRISTMAS WALK AND LUNCH   4 miles  2 hrs  Easy Start Time : 11am   Grid Ref : SK081514   Join us for a festive walk near the village of Waterfall, near Waterhouses, followed by lunch at The Red Lion. £15.50 for the 3-course meal. A deposit of £5.00 must be paid to the organiser when booking. The walk starts at 11am and we will dine at 2pm. Walk leader : Phil 07968 313014 Mon 29th December 03    NEW YEAR AT MALHAM   3 nights    Moderate See Weekend Programme for details