This was quite a simple loop of a 5-mile walk really – starting from Smokies Way up to the Edge overlooking the Cheshire Plain. There were 27 walkers, one of whom sadly had to leave early after not feeling too good on completing the climb - a relative came by car to collect  - an incident form will be submitted.   We continued then along the top through the woods until the Cloud came in view and then we came down past Higher Whitemoor Farm and progressed via field paths, tracks and Gillow Heath back to the cars. It wasn’t the easiest of walks with a steady climb to begin with, several awkward stiles – one of particular note near Pot Bank at the top -  and patches of slippy/muddy surfaces here and there; hence the walk grading of moderate, rather than Leisurely.  The weather, though at times feeling cold in the wind, was decent and a reminder that Summer is not too far away.

Derek Lowe