This was a day coach trip to Appleby-in-Westmorland, in hot weather.

Two members who would not be walking were dropped off in Appleby on the way through.

Two walks were offered, one long and one medium. The coach dropped everyone off near Dufton, the starting point for both walks, and waited for us in the centre of Appleby.

Both groups walked together for the first section, eastwards along the Pennine Way.

The 17 longer walkers, led by Brian McMahon, continued along the Pennine Way up to the magnificent High Cup Nick, a U-shaped glacial valley, then descended via Middle Tongue and Harbour Flatt. Despite the hot conditions, the 11 miles was covered in a very respectable 5 hours. Thank you Brian.

The shorter walk, of 7 miles, was led by Mike Field. 21 walkers took part. We broke off from the long walk group about a mile into the walk, and meandered southwards back to Appleby through Flakebridge Wood.

Points of interest included many wild flowers, a possible glimpse of a hare running away as we approached, and several fighter jets that overflew us at low altitude.

The walk did not go entirely according to plan. One walker left a walking pole at the drink stop. We strayed from the planned route a couple of times, notably in Flakebridge Wood, where this resulted in a steep descent and an encounter with very enthusiastic, and vocal, guard dogs; however, there was no physical contact, just a lot of barking. The hot conditions caused a medical issue about a mile from the finish, near the point where our route crossed under the A66, requiring transport, by a kind stranger, of an exhausted walker into Appleby. The person affected made a full recovery. The whole group worked together to deal with these situations.

Despite these issues, it was a good walk, with the shade in the woods being particularly welcome.

Mike Field