Health Walk 20180227

Health Walk - Tuesday 27th February 2018

Photos by Michael S, Sheila T & James - Please click on photos to see a larger one

Today we had only eighteen walkers turn up. those who managed to defeat the elements were rewarded with a gloriously sunny morning with lots of snow in the Park

John W led with Michael S back marking.

Brian L led the Elite group with Colin C back marking

Keith wrote on Facebook:

"Wise men say… only fools rush in… but I can’t help walking in Cuerden Valley Park!” A little nod to our leader today (John W) who, along with Michael (S) back marking, conjured up a memorable walk in some stunningly beautiful conditions. Taking part on the walk today wasn’t at all about hardiness or being intrepid, it was all about sure footedness, and whilst it’s always a joy to see as many members on the walks as possible, conditions underfoot required the agility of a mountain goat at times, with the potential for a slip, trip or fall being an ever-present danger. Whilst just about everyone experienced the occasional ‘wobble’ at some point, there were thankfully no mishaps or accidents, and it was such a comfort to be greeted back at The Barn afterwards by so many welcoming smiles from those members who, putting their frustrations aside, simply had to be there to share the moment. If only every member could’ve been beamed-up and safely placed in the heart of the park to sample that magical atmosphere but, from the amount of picture taking that was going on today, I’m confident that everyone will receive lots of vicarious pleasure from looking at the numerous wonderful photos that are being posted.

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John lead everyone through the grounds of Sue Ryder

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for the safer option of

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a descent down Snake Hill,

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and the views overlooking the park from the top of the hill were truly breathtaking. Throughout the walk the sun shone constantly, and that not only floodlit the park to brilliant effect, it provided some genuine warmth whilst being a part of that winter wonderland landscape.

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At the bottom, we crossed the river and the picnic area for the brief climb to the lake,

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which was the first of many priceless photo-opportunities, with the lake looking like a giant slush puppy thanks to the overnight snow, and only the Canadian geese feeling at home on the surface who were positively honking with delight – not a duck to be seen (?). We even got the majestic sight of a heron swooping across the lake to alight on the island bound heronry, probably having thrown in the towel as far as any fishing went today.

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We followed the rim of the lake round to

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the gate at the bottom of the field looking up towards the Ponderosa, and began the steady climb

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towards Cam Lane and the aforementioned conundrum, but not before being stopped in our tracks by the most gorgeous little robin on the lower branch of a tree who, despite almost being within touching distance, wasn’t remotely phased by our ogling. It got to the point where I wasn’t sure if it was a case of us looking at him, or if it was him looking at us (?).

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From there we made our way along the lane itself, where the atmosphere really was magical thanks to that sound-deadening effect snow can have, meaning the only thing that could heard was that soft crunching

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of snow underfoot, and brought back so many heart-warming memories of childhoods when these conditions were common place. Having reached Sheep Hill Lane, we then started our ‘sheepish’ descent down to the car park at the bottom (my personal ‘wobbliest’ moments on the walk – I think it was a weight plus gravity thing), where we crossed the road back into the park

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to follow the tarmac path all the way to

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the base of Cardiac Hill. I took a deep breath at this point, but I needn’t have worried as we all reached the top without too much fuss, even having the time to soak up every last precious moment in the park where at every turn there’s been

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a glorious sight to behold.

On days like today, the hot brew at the end is never more welcome, and with so many sensory and visual experiences to share,

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and photos to compare, refreshments in The Barn capped off a thoroughly rewarding couple of hours cocking-a-snook at ‘The Beast from the East’. I’m just grateful for living so close to the park that allowed me to get there in the first place today, and once there having such big feet to keep me upright! I must thank John and Michael for their ingenuity and thoughtfulness in helping us to enjoy such a fabulous walk in safety, and for everyone else’s utterly delightful company. ‘TBftE’ permitting, roll on Thursday!

Back to Michael:

The short option walkers, the Elite walkers' walked along the Cinder Path over the M6 and into the north side, walking clockwise round the area, back over the M6, Cinder Path Sue Ryder Drive back to the Barn

Today's walks (Red Main Group, Green Short Walk Option Group).
Where there are green arrows on the red route it means the Elite walkers had followed the main >> or the main group had followed the Elite walkers >>.