Organiser: Jean Harper-Pryce

Location: Blackshaw Moor, near Leek, Staffordshire, ST13

Walkers: 22 in total. 11 stayed on the Blackshaw Grange Camping & Caravanning Club site. 8 stayed at Blackshaw Grange cottages next door. 3 stayed in accommodation in Leek (for 2 nights only – Friday and Saturday).

Travel: 21 travelled by car and 1 by public transport.

Some people stopped off for some sight-seeing on the journey up and down.

Weather: Heavy rain on the first night but otherwise bright and sunny for much of the time.

Walks

 

Day 1, Friday 4th September
Led by Steve Wilson

2.5 mile circular walk along the Roaches from Rockhall to Danebridge. Lunch at Wincle Brewery.Return along the River Dane to Gradbach, then via Goldstitch Moss, Hazel Barrow.

 

Day 2, Saturday 5th September
Led by John Crowther

9 mile circular walk starting in Gradbach, via Three Shires Head, Holt, Cumberland Brook. Lunch at the base of Shutlingsloe which some people ascended as an optional extra climb. Return via Wildboarclough, Tagsclough Hill to Gradbach.

 

A few people decided to do a shorter walk that day: A circuit from the campsite/cottages, across the fields and around Meerbrook Reservoir.

 

Day 3, Sunday 6th September
Led by Jean Harper-Pryce

8 mile circular walk starting in Longnor, via Fawside, Hardings Booth, Marnshaw Head. Lunch at the Chapel Tea Room in Hollinsclough.

Return via Parkhouse Hill, Glutton Bridge, Green Lane to Longnor.

A “well-dressing” had been created in Longnor by the time we returned.

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Meals

Thursday 3rd   
11 people ate at the Three Horseshoes Inn (10 min walk).

The rest ate at the campsite/cottages.

 

Friday 4th
People ate at the campsite/cottages (and 3 in Leek).

 

Saturday 5th     
18 people ate at the Lazy Trout pub in Meerbrook (2 miles away).

The rest ate at the campsite/cottages.

Sunday 6th       
13 people ate at the Three Horseshoes Inn

The rest ate at the campsite/cottages.

 

On Saturday and Sunday, walkers congregated at the cottages for afternoon tea and cake.