16/06/2012 - Three Peaks (and Three Reservoirs)

With a few diary conflicts Martin was unavailable for a Saturday walk so would train solo on Sunday with Polly stuck up in Yorkshire also training solo, it was left to Mark and Lee to train together in what has become one of our favourite training spots over the last few months. 

The training schedule required a 46km - 11 hour walk so a plan was hatched using a route we have done before but adding in a whole new area of territory using the car park at the Knot Inn as a start, mid-point and finish. We would start from Rushton Spencer, head to The Cloud (Peak 1), then to Bosley (Reservoir 1), Croker Hill (Peak 2), back to Rushton, then Gun Hill (Peak 3), Tittesworth Reservoir (Reservoir 2), Rudyard (Reservoir 3) and back to Rushton.

As  this would be unsupported, we packed the car with a coolbox and load of goodies like sandwiches, flapjacks, peanuts, pasta salad, choccy bars, lucozade, extra water along with spare socks, trail shoes and T-shirts.

The weather over the previous few days had been shocking and over an inch of rain had fallen in The Peak District with more forecasted with high winds and blustery conditions. This wasn't going to be a pleasant 46km but would be a chance to test our wet weather gear and Mark's new BAM wicking underwear as at the end of the day - we can't pick the weather on Trailwalker.

Listen mate - we've trained with the Gurkhas....

We hit the trail at 9:10am and headed for The Cloud. As we came off the old Railway and into the fields we were quickly greeted by the boggy conditions caused by the recent rainfall and made worse by the Fresian inhabitants of the field. A little further on we found a sign lying face down in the mud across the footpath. A quick lift proclaimed the footpath closed by National Grid due to overhead line works. Deciding we could argue we missed it, we decided to carry on relying on the rubber insulation of our walking pole handles and boot soles should we get struck by a live overhead wire. Crossing under the pylons, there was no sign of any hi-vis jacketed workers so we pressed on up towards The Cloud.

As suspected, today there was little activity at the top of The Cloud and in a business like fashion we touched the trig point as we passed and headed down the face of the hill towards Bosley. As we came to the low point we were confronted by yet another 'Footpath Closed' sign and it seemed out friends at National Grid were determined to ruin our plan. A quick glance at the map gave us an alternative route along the road but we asked ourselves what the Gurkhas would do? Donning camouflage paint, we decided to go for it and decided the worst that could happen would be getting turned back. This time we could see the National Grid workers high up on one of the pylons and decided we would be through before they could get down to stop us and it was on to Bosley reservoir unhindered.

Bosley Dam - Done

It was business as usual at Bosley, the reservoir level was up given the recent rainfall, the funny looking black sheep were minding their own business and a few fisherman were sat in their shelters. As we climbed from Bosley we stopped for our first break at a point we've used before. A quick sandwich, lucozade, peanuts, choccy bar and flap jack were downed. Mark's feet were feeling a little damp and a quick check of each confirmed them on the moist side of damp so the gaiters were adjusted and we were on our way after about 12minutes.



The climb to the top of Croker Hill wasn't too eventful other than the effects of the recent wet and warm weather had encouraged massive grass and nettle growth to the point where the path had been lost in places requiring us to hold our walking poles aloft like soldiers wading through a swamp with their rifles. Touching the gates to the BT compound at the top we headed on down and then along the Golden Hill ridge noting the surrounding peaks shrouded in mist and the obvious signs of bad weather. Here the wind picked up to the point of making conversation inaudible and as we descended we met two gents heading up - wearing a soaked T-Shirt and cotton shirt and overheard one say to the other "Looks like we've got some weather heading our way". We weren't sure what weather forecast they'd looked at that morning but clearly they weren't dressed for the conditions but sure enough, the weather was shortly on us as we pulled up our hoods as the rain came in sideways. It was at this point something from the Brixham Badgers Trailwalker presentation came to mind - "Waterproof is a relative term". Mulling this over as the rain ran down our outside and sweat ran down our inside we thought how true this is as it became clear something wasn't right in Mark's boots as damp was turning to wet and this would need to be addressed as we reached our second checkpoint at the car park back in Rushton Spencer.

While we had planned a 10-15minute stop it was quickly apparent Mark would need more than a change of socks. As the socks came off, so did his zinc oxide tape as the moisture had completely de-bonded it from the skin and the skin had now softened. To make matters worse, the special orthotic insoles were also wet. A quick decision was made to hurriedly re-tape, change socks and boots. Coupling this with re-fueling, and re-stocking the backpack for the next checkpoint, the stop became an uncomfortable 35minutes sat on the back bumper as the rain re-started.

With Mark still guzzling Lucozade and downing a Mars bar we set off for Gun Hill which was to be a long ascent to the summit but at least now with dry feet. We mulled over how the stop would have been improved. Of course we'd have our support team, they would have the food ready and would re-stock the backpack with water etc. but having to re-tape wasn't something we were hoping to have to do.

The Cloud (left) and Croker Hill (right) from Gun Hill

The walk over the summit of Gun Hill was a case of dodging the big muddy puddles and our preferred route weaved left and right to the trig point and with some satisfaction we touched the trig knowing this was our third 'big' hill of the day and started our long slow descent to Tittesworth Reservoir. Tittesworth dams the River Churnet and supplies 10 million gallons of water a day to Severn Trent Water. It also has a large car park, visitor centre and big childrens play area making it quite a popular spot, though not so it seemed today. 

Lee with his new mate Bob

As we descended towards Leek, we lost sight of the reservoir altogether but once we dog-legged back over a hill it came back into view. It was at this point we realised we'd probably been walking for too long as first an effigy of Dame Edna Everage and then Bob Marley were found lying at the gates of a farm. As we worked our way around the reservoir and into Meerbrook, more effigies were apparent adorning each house. Concerned that we might end up as effigies ourselves we pressed on to our third checkpoint - a nicely sheltered (and empty) barbecue area at the side of reservoir. 

So thats where all the water goes...

Something had been bothering Mark in his right boot over the last kilometre or so, so the chance was taken to inspect and as suspected, the hastily placed zinc oxide tape had rucked up on the softened skin and once again the socks were wet through. A quick minor re-taping job and the wet socks were put back on as there were no spares in the backpack. At 33km, with an anticipated 13km still to go (it was actually 15km), blisters were a concern now. Lee was also feeling the effect of the distance and terrain with pain in the knee joint. 

 As Mark put the medical kit away, a strip of ibuprofen fell out and a second thing from the Brixham Badgers presentation came to mind - "Drugs" - so we duly obliged and within minutes of setting off round the lake both commented on how much better we were feeling and happily threw a stick several times for a demanding Border Collie who seemed to have befriended us on our journey round the lake.

Tittesworth Dam

Crossing the dam at the far end of the reservoir we were soon ascending once again and ticked off our second reservoir heading for the last one on our list - Rudyard. As we climbed over our final summit, we knew it was all downhill and then there would be a long flat to the finish. Skirting the edge of Leek we dropped down to the old railway line. At this point, Mark proclaimed us to be a little over 6km from the car with the clock stood at 9hrs and 24minutes we agreed if we hit Gurkha "Tab" pace we could make it for 10hrs 30minutes. So off we set as the rain once again had other ideas, marching rapidly, walking poles pumping along the former railway line.

Boathouses on Rudyard Lake

Rudyard Lake was built to serve the expanding canal system in the early 1800's. When a railway was built linking Uttoxeter and Manchester, it became a haven for Victorian day-trippers. Among these were a courting couple who married and named their son after the lake - Rudyard Kipling. As we marched along as the rain fell, Mark mulled over the words to "If" - and the line "If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds distance run" he wondered whether Rudyard was looking down on us now trying to work out whether we would fill sixty minutes with distance Tab. 

The old Railway Line seems to go on forever

What was clear is that the two and a half mile long lake seemed to go on forever and the railway line just seemed to keep going into the distance. The pace was taking its toll, Mark's feet were wet and sore, Lee's knee was hurting but we refused to ease off the pace. 10 hours 30minutes was the target and we counted down the kilometres and then the metres to the car park arriving there at 10hrs and 30minutes with the odometer showing 48km actually walked - further than we'd been before and despite the problematic pit-stops well on target for a 24hr Trailwalker pace. The Garmin download also showed we'd broken the 1000m climb level which was equally pleasing.

Resisting the temptation to stop for a pint in the Knot Inn, we stretched off, packed up and headed for Mark's house where wife and support team member Kate was rustling up some protein in the form of fillet steak as a reward for the days endeavours.

It was pleasing to report that despite wearing waterproofs for the full duration of this walk and getting wet feet, there were no blisters and the wicking underwear did exactly what it said on the tin.

This was our penultimate big training walk. This Sunday we plan to walk the entire length of the Sandstone Trail starting in Whitchurch and ending Frodsham - 55km with 1250m of climbs. This will be our first training walk with our support team and we've broken it into 5 stages to try and stay consistent with Trailwalker and give the support crew practice. We hope to complete it under 13 hours.

21/04/2012 - Training Walk #15 - Conquering The Matterhorn (of The Peak)

Shutlingsloe Hill - The Matterhorn of The Peak

With Gurkha Training cancelled, we had hastily arranged a training walk which we felt would be an adequately punishing replacement. On previous training walks to Croker Hill, we had noted an oddly shaped peak further out into the Peak District. Lee had referred to this as 'Table Top' but reviewing the OS did not provide any hills by that name.

After a careful bit of comparing contours we reckoned this hill must be Shutlingsloe Hill and further Googling led us to find this was the third highest hill in The Peak District and nicknamed 'The Matterhorn of The Peak' because of its steep sides resembling the orignal.

Perfect we thought - throw in another hill and another and another and suddenly we were looking at 21km and over 700m of climbing - the most climb we have done to date and about 30% of Trailwalker.

Meeting up in a car park near Allgreave at 9am, Mark, Martin and Lee were suitably psyched up for what was coming, especially given that Mark had been at a charity auction for his children's Primary School until the early hours and was fully refreshed after 5 1/2 hours of sleep.

The Roaches and Lud's Church

The first hill was Tagsclough Hill, a reasonably gentle 140m climb skirting the edge of the hill which we took in our stride apart from the heavily waterloogged paths which resembled streams. 

As we came over the top we we were greeted with a view across towards Gun Hill and The Roaches where we have a future walk planned and watched as a buzzard flew low across the nearby field chasing a terrified rabbit (we didn't see if he suceeded).

Shutlingsloe seen from Birchenough Hil

Descending down towards Gradbach we crossed the River Dane and walked past the nearby Youth Hostel which was busy as we passed a few groups of walkers headed in the opposite direction probably towards Lud's Church. 

Following the Dane Valley Way, we crossed back over the river and started our climb to Birchenough Hill which for ease we have renamed Brian Clough Hill for ease of pronunciation (now then young man).


This was to be about 190m of climb and this is a hill where a B17 Flying Fortress crashed in the WWII due to poor visibility. As we reached the peak there was no obvious sign of the memorial to the aircrew so a little more research required to find it next time. We had estimated 1hr 44mins to the top and were a couple of minutes ahead of schedule. As we came over the top, the daunting shape of Shutlingsloe came into view, partially shrouded in mist, daunting because we knew this was to come next - but only after we had descended all the way back down.

Previous conquests - Mow Cop, The Cloud and Croker Hill

As we started the 240m climb to the top of 'The Matterhorn', we were passed by numerous walkers coming down and felt a little envious as they were heading downhill and we seemed to be the only ones going up. The thing with Shutlingsloe isn't so much the total climb, it's the way it manifests itself. It's almost parabolic in shape, getting steeper the further you climb. The last 300m to the summit rises 100m - a 1 in 3 gradient which took its toll on the legs but reaching the trig point felt such an achievement and the views were quite something. 

Mark recovers at the top with a snack

We had reached the top in 2hrs 25minutes, a good 10 minutes ahead of schedule and we agreed we'd have a rest and a snack at this point, which isn't something we've tended to do but as the walks get longer we need to get into the habit of refuelling and having short breaks, it also gave us time to enjoy the spectacular views while perching precariously to shelter from the wind.

After the brief pit-stop we felt reinvigorated and descended the hill on the other side towards Macc Forest. As we walked along, Martin threw in a question - if you could have any celebrity in your Support Team, who would it be? Immediately John Bishop was unamimously declared in charge of 'Motivation' and a debate ensued as to who would be team chef. Gordon Ramsay was decided to be perhaps a little too aggresive and Greg Wallace while not a chef was suggested for his sweet tooth and this might be a boost for the team. On team massage, Mel Sykes was put forward but the team struggled on who to put on logistics as the discussion then expanded to the ten people living or dead you'd like to invite to a dinner party. This whiled away the time as we entered and passed through Macclesfield Forest descending to the reservoirs as Tegg's Nose came into view (which is another possible extension to this walk at some point).

Tegg's Nose overlooking the reservoir

As we reached the dam of the reservoir, it was time to head upwards again to climb our fourth and final hill and a 170m climb which just as we thought was over, went up again and again sapping the already tired legs - this is the most we had climbed to date and it was becoming evident.

The sight of the cars in the car park was welcome after 4hrs and 57minutes, 5 minutes longer than  we were looking for but that didn't allow for a break in the middle, so we were nevertheless pleased with our performance and celebrated this at The Hanging Gate, a pub we had walked past on the way.

The stats for this training walk are here.

15/04/2012 - Training Walk #14 - The Return of The Croker

With Martin recovering from the disappointment of the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool (Liverpool won 2-1 incase you didn't know) it was left to Mark and Lee for this weekends training. Having spent all week in Scotland with Polly mountain-biking and completing an epic 43km walk in the highlands, Lee was driving straight down to what is rapidly becoming a base for the Red Harrows - The Knot Inn at Rushton Spencer.

Unfortunately, one of us (OK it was me and yes I am fallible) forgot to bring the camera for this walk which became a source of frustration as today was probably the brightest and clearest walk we've had yet (I promise to continue to beat myself up about it) so sadly no pics in this blog. If you want to refresh your memory, this is the same walk we did at Training Walk #6 - only in the opposite direction tackling The Cloud first.

You may recall that when we last attempted this walk at the beginning of March it was at the time a bit of leap for us (well actually more me). It was a first introduction to doing two 200m climbs back to back over an extended distance - and I don't mind admitting we nearly cut the walk short at the time after it took us 5hrs and 30minutes to cover the 20.7km with 570m of total climb and Lee thought I was having a heart attack.

Since then, training has been going well and my fitness which was virtually zero before starting Trailwalker training has improved dramatically (this week I recorded I'd lost a stone in weight - believe me, I needed to). On the back of this, we had set ourselves the ambitious target of completing this in 4hrs and 30minutes - a full hour quicker than previous.

We set off towards The Cloud gradually climbing through fields full of new-born Spring lambs who seemed totally unfazed by our presence and soon reached the sapping steps to take us to the summit. There was a reasonable group of people enjoying the view today as we reached the trig point in 52minutes (we had targeted an hour) so were pleased to be ahead of schedule.

Descending the steep side we gradually dropped down towards Bosley reservoir and reached our halfway point in 2hrs 6minutes (out target was 2hrs 15minutes) so took the opportunity for a quick energy bar before contemplating the ascent to the top of Croker Hill. This was a sapping climb but this time, there was no need for pauses to catch breath and we reached the summit in 2hrs and 45minutes a good 15minutes ahead of schedule which we were happy with knowing this was the highest point and it was generally downhill from here.

The views as we descended the ridge from Golden Hill were spectacular. We could see Beeston Hill and the Peckforton Hills where we walked last weekend and beyond that The Clwydian range all the way down to Breidden Hill some 50miles away atop which Rodney's Pillar sits. Gun Hill and The Roaches looked dauntingly spectacular in the near distance where we have a 6hr training walk planned in a few weeks time.

We made it to the Knot Inn in 4hrs 24minutes a good 66minutes faster than the last time we walked this double-header. So we celebrated in typical fashion with a couple of pints of real ale and were sooned joined by Mark's wife and support team member Kate and The Junior Red Harrows for sunday dinner. A good way to end the day.

We have no training walks scheduled for this weekend as this Saturday we have been invited to train with the Queen's Gurkha Signals at their barracks in Nuneaton. We're looking forward to it with mixed feelings. It will be good to meet the Gurkha's first hand, share their insights to help us prepare and to meet some of the other teams taking part but we're a bit apprehensive nonetheless!

07/04/2012 - Training Walk #13 - Spoiling a Good Walk

With Lee and Polly in Scotland it was left to Mark and Martin for this week's training. The schedule demanded a 4.5 hour walk this week so a 23km route using another part of the Sandstone Trail was planned to get some distance in rather than elevation for a change.

Beeston Castle on its rocky perch

After an 8.30am meet up in the car park of the Shady Oak we set off to round Beeston Hill and upon closer examination were glad it was off-limits as the impressively steep cliffs that surround it would have had Lee attempting to ascend it had he been with us.

Leaving Beeston we headed across country where it was relatively soft underfoot from the heavy rainfall the night before, towards the town of Tarporley. It was market day in Tarporley so we looked a little out of place as we yomped up the main street with walking poles in hand before veering off down a side street to head back out into the countryside and into Portal Golf Club.

Tarporley High Street

Portal Golf Club is probably best described as fairly 'exclusive' and known to be frequented by many a footballer past and present. It seemed a little odd to have a public right of way across several fairways and much like Tarporley High Street, the golf course was busy with many a golfer on the tee, fairway and green as we cut through their play taking a direct line and trying to keep an eye for the odd mis-hit shot and trying not to upset too many of them.




Relieved we managed to survive the Golf Course we left the those spoiling a good walk and headed to the little village of Eaton to the sound of the drone of cars running round the nearby Oulton Park Race Circuit. Thankfully there are no public rights of way across Oulton Park and the thought of playing Frogger with racing cars didn't appeal in any case so we were left to admire the thatched properties in Eaton as we strolled through.

Portal Golf Club - Fore!

As we left Eaton and climbed upwards along Lighfoot Lane, the by now unmistakeable 'thwack' of a golf ball being struck nearby was a little startling as we then broke out once again into Portal Golf Club and ran the gauntlet of what turned out surprisingly to be a second course (apparently there are three!). 

Relieved to once again escape the 'Plus-fours' brigade we crossed the busy A49 and headed to Utkinton and once through the village soon picked up the Sandstone Trail to take us  back to Beeston.

The Sandstone Trail with Beeston in the background

By comparison to the public footpaths we had been on, the Sandstone Trail is more trafficked, the trail much better marked and stiles/gates are few  - much as we expect the South Downs Way to be. 

As we entered the fifth hour we began to contemplate our strategy for when we attempt the full 55km of the trail later in June as a pre-Trailwalker training walk. We agreed that 4hrs is probably the limit point where we would need a break, some food and probably change socks or boots or both so it's likely we'll divide it into 4 with 3 stops.



We returned to the Shady Oak for a quick pint completing the 23.35km walk in 4hrs 37minutes at an average pace of 5.1km/h which was to plan (for a change!). The stats are here.

Next weekend's walk will be Mark and Lee (assuming he's not cut-off by snow in Scotland) and the plan is to tackle the route we did in Training Walk #6 but this time in reverse, tackling the 200m ascent to The Cloud and then the gruelling 280m ascent to Croker Hill. We're hoping to shave an hour off our previous time so hopefully we'll have earned our pie and pint in the Knot Inn afterwards.

31/03/2012 - Training Walk #11 - Croker Strikes Back

The weather had certainly broken as we drove to Rushton Spencer this morning. A misty gloom with slight drizzle had descended and had us wondering what conditions may be like at the top of Croker Hill. Martin met us at the car park at the back of the Knot Inn which given he would be driving to Cambridge after our walk to pick his son up from University certainly showed commitment.

Approaching Golden Hill

We were heading up a route Lee and Mark had walked previously to the top of Croker Hill and then descending it and coming back a different way. On our previous outing, it had taken us 1hour and 50minutes to the top of Croker Hill so with that in mind we set off at a brisk pace. We found it a lot easier this time as the mist wasn't as bad as before, it had begun to clear and the route was familiar from a month ago.

The Cloud in er....cloud.

As we climbed steadily from the Dane Valley we could see other local hilltop landmarks coming into view. One of our regular favourites, The Cloud was shrouded with mist and as we looked around we could see The Roaches and Hen Cloud, somewhere we have yet to experience and agreed that it would have to be part of a future training walk at some point. As we cleared the top of Golden Hill heading for Croker Hill, we identified Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest in the distance and thought that would be another good walk extension to have at some point.

The Roaches and Hen Cloud imposing in the distance

 We ascended Croker Hill and touched the gates to the BT tower after 1hour and 35minutes - a good 15minutes quicker than our previous attempt. At an average 5.0km/h we were pleased with this, so we broke out the energy bars and started our descent back and into unfamiliar territory.

As we descended through a field we came upon our first group of Scouts heading towards us, the first of many groups we would see as they navigated with map and compass. 

Croker Hill - we can see it this time!

 It was heartwarming to see so many kids doing this. Realising that Trailwalker has a minimum age of 18 we decided we couldn't recruit any of them for our 4th member and besides, they would probably only show us up.

The only slight confusion on the walk back was where a footpath ran through a farmyard and the farmer appeared to have done as much as possible to remove markers and make the route as uncomfortable as possible. Once off the Gritstone Trail,we ran out of the steady stream of Scouts and the path became very scenic, taking us up and downhill, through fields and woodland back towards Rushton Spencer.

We arrived back at the cars in 3hours and 50minutes, a good 30minutes faster than we had expected overall. A celebratory pint was called for in the Knot Inn, though Martin with the drive to Cambridge to follow restricted himself to a quick Coke. Salivating at the pies being served up, a plan was hatched for future, longer training walks where a small break might be in order - sorted.

Lee and Martin contemplate carrying on to Tegg's Nose

The total climb today was 497m which was less than was expected with a total distance of 17.88m at an average speed of 4.7km/h but at 27.8m/km this was one of our toughest yet. The stats for this walk are here.

Total team distance walked so far in training (not including some individual stuff by Lee and Martin) is 471km with 9521m of climb (Everest weighs in at 8850m) and we've been walking for 7 days 3hours and 28minutes.....and counting! There's still a long way to go - but we're happy with the way the training is going so far. Now, about that 4th member......

03/03/2012 - Training Walk#6 - A foray into The Peak District

It was nice to see Lee was awake, breakfasted and dressed when Mark picked him up at 8am (we said we'd keep ribbing him for being late once didn't we?). We drove the short distance from his house to the car park on the Staffordshire Way in Rushton Spencer (conveniently close to the Knot Inn, purveyors of fine ales but I digress...)

The weather forecast had suggested rain, brightening later and judging by the look of the sky it looked like we might be in for a right dumping. Mark donned his waterproof overtrousers as a precaution (more on this later...)   We thought we'd try the MapMyHike iPhone app but unfortunately there was absolutely zero mobile signal so no live tracking this time.

At the point of leaving the car park, the mist had come down quite quickly so we couldn't see the mast on Croker Hill (our second hill) in the distance. Golden Hill, was the first target so we set off at a decent pace enjoying the gradual incline.

A conduit apparently.

Descending down to the Dane Valley Way and the River Dane itself we spotted three buzzards ominously circling (surely they didn't think we'd be lunch?) before crossing a feature labelled as a 'conduit' on the map. 

Looking like a mini-canal we assumed it was something to do with conveying water from the reservoirs towards the Macclesfield Canal itself, though it didn't look too well maintained.

Are we there yet?

On crossing the River Dane, the upward trajectory began towards Golden Hill.This we found relatively straightforward and a decent climb though as the mist came, it became harder to work out just where the top was. At last the peak approached, but alas no, it was a just a precursor as we walked along the ridge. Another peak approached, "This must be it" Mark suggested but again no, as we approached the top a further hill loomed into view, but again no. At the fourth attempt we reached the real peak but given the mist, there was no view to speak of.

Sure, it's big but can you get Sky Sports?

We descended Golden Hill to head for Croker Hill the highest point on the training walk and still the mast remained invisible in the mist. Eventually as we approached from about 200yards the mast loomed large out of the mist. Having previously believed this to be a TV mast, the clear BT signs all the boundary suggested otherwise. Nobody home but a vast amount of cabling, dishes and backup generators. Thankfully no interference on the GPS either. Having reached our first target at 1hr 54mins a good 10 minutes ahead of schedule we broke out the energy bars and headed down the hill towards Bosley Reservoir just as the things started to brighten up. A herd of deer broke out of cover and ran right through the nearby field but too quick for me and the camera - maybe next time.

The distant Cloud beyond Bosley Dam

We reached Bosley at 2hrs 30mins which was bang on our timing. Bosley Reservoir is owned by British Waterways and was built to supply water to the Macclesfield Canal. As we walked the perimeter path there were plenty of fishermen lazily sat at the side of the lake enjoying the sunshine which was starting to appeal given that my waterproofs were now causing me to sweat and becoming uncomfortable so time to get rid. No easy task, propped against a low wall, removing gaiters then boots all covered in mud. A good 10 minutes lost before getting going towards the dam.

Do you think the natives are friendly?

A small wrong turn (the OS map hadn't been updated - thats my story and I'm sticking to it) had us crossing the outfall from the reservoir (and sure enough it discharged into a conduit) and climbing a barbed wire fence which had inconveniently been put in our way. We then found the correct kissing gate we should have come through (but the map WAS wrong!) though the natives were helpful.

The church at Bosley

Crossing the fields we came to the village of Bosley itself. A lovely little village but unfortunately no time to explore, we had to press on to the Nemesis that is The Cloud. 

The steep face of The Cloud

Now I had thought (wrongly) that we had been up The Cloud every which way but Lee knew a different way, a way which was manageable up the sheer face without ropes and crampons. Now at this point, about 15km in Mark was beginning to feel the effects of the previous ascent/descent. The legs had turned to lead resulting in several stops to catch his breath as we began the ascent. At one point Lee suggested perhaps leaving The Cloud out altogether on this occasion to spare Mark's oxygen deficiency but determination won through in the end albeit reaching the trig point 25minutes after our planned 4 hour target. 

 

Croker Hill - have we really come from there?

Another carb bar scoffed and we hit the descent making steady progress knowing there were no more ascents (this time) on the way back to the pub...I mean car. Gradually descending through fields and woodland we picked up the Staffordshire Way and the former railway that would take us back to the Knot Inn...I mean Rushton Spencer...where the car is parked...yes. 

Incoming! Hailstones at 3 o'clock

At this point we got hit with a sudden unexpected hail shower and thats right, Mark's waterproofs were now snugly in his backpack. After persisting down for about 5 minutes and duly soaking the side of our walking trousers, the Knot....I mean Rushton Spencer came into view and the chance to get out of our gear to enjoy a pint of their finest (mineral water).

The stats for this walk can be found here.

10 Things we learned on this walk:

1. Taping the vulnerable areas of your feet and toes with zinc oxide tape certainly seems to protect. No signs of blisters or chafing and no soreness underfoot.

2. Your feet can slide forward in your boots as you go downhill causing pain to the ends of your toes though this seems to be mitigated by 1. above.

3. We seem to be using about 500ml of water per hour at the moment.

4. We need to find waterproof bottoms which can easily be removed and put back on again without losing too much time.

5. Mark doesn't like hilly bits.

6. When Lee says, "This is a nice little incline...", you're in for pain, lots and lots of pain.

7. Mark hates really hilly bits

8. Lee is part mountain goat and part gazelle

9. Knowing there is a pint of ale at the end of the walk is a surprising incentive.

10. Hailstones really hurt when they are driven into the side of your face - but unlikely weather in July.