Given the appalling weather forecast, it was a pleasant surprise that 17 members were prepared to brave the elements as we gathered on Marshes Hill for a 5.4mile walk. Setting off in the direction of Lion’s Paw, we were soon assailed by the driving wind and hail but calmer conditions prevailed as we passed through the woods to Knypersley Park where the sun decided to make an appearance. Crazy English weather!

Group Photo on Marshes Hill

 Hail & Wind

Progressing down to Knypersley Pool, where we took a drinks stop, the mud was never as bad as I had predicted, no doubt due to the dry weather we had experienced over the previous days. We then descended the steps from the dam to follow the feeder stream and the Trent to  Woodhouse Lane for the climb back up to Brown Edge.

Descending to Knypersley Pool

The return to Marshes Hill was along Boardman’s Bank to Lower Stonehouse and through the fields to Tongue Lane. It was only when we clambered back up to the high path atop Marshes Hill that we were once again exposed to theblasts of the wind that almost took you off your feet. The return to the cars was very timely because, shortly after our departure home, there was a prolonged bout of hail in Brown Edge that turned the fields white. Lucky escape!

Brian McMahon