Brian McMahon led a Three Shires Walk embracing Cheshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire, beginning in the village of Carrbrook, which sits in the north-eastern spur of Cheshire beyond Stalybridge. All the towns and villages in this area east of Manchester had a big part to play in the cotton industry and, in particular, in cotton spinning where the damp climate was ideal for the processing of the raw cotton.
Seven walkers, including Janet from East Cheshire, began the climb up to Alphin Pike in bright, sunny conditions, although the forecast promised rain at some point.
Unfortunately, one of our party was feeling unwell part way through the climb and decided to return to the start. Happily, we were able to stay in contact to ensure all was well and he returned home safely. After the obligatory group photo atop Alphin Pike, we proceeded along the high edge of the Chew valley to the reservoir (in Derbyshire) with majestic views to the north towards the delightfully named villages of Diggle, Delph and Dobcross and to Saddleworth Moor. We also passed some very interesting weather-sculpted stones on the way.
Descending the valley along the reservoir service road, we next walked along the old narrow gauge railway track built to carry materials to construct Chew dam. It was at that point that the promised rain began to fall but it was never heavy and we were able to grab lunch in the shelter of trees in the Forest of Remembrance without getting a soaking. The forest contains hundreds of trees carrying individual plaques in memory of a loved one. Passing Dove Stone reservoir (in Yorkshire), there was one final climb up Hollins Hill before a pleasant, easy stroll back to the car park to complete the 10 miles.