Sponsored Walk, July 6th 2008

Time for our annual walk once again.  The walk last year used a route around Errington woods for the first time; people seemed to like it but it was very muddy after weeks of rain.  How would this year be?  I decided to try the route the day before, just to be on the safe side, and , yes, I got soaked.  What a silly man, as Lauren Hearfield said!

The Sunday dawned cloudy but dry - would it last?  At 10 o'clock, a group of 35 gymnasts and families gathered at the car park and set out.  David led, walking just about as slowly as he could and putting up with Jess and the other girls who were desperate to know all about him - how old was he, how tall was he, was he really Carrot's brother?

The first mile or so was fine, on well made tracks, and all we had to dodge was a wolfhound the size of a donkey, a group of runners and several horses.  Then the first climb on to the top, a few brambles across the path but no major problems and then on around the fields on the top towards Upleatham.  This was the time for the first calls of 'Are we there yet?', and the time for the first nettle stings - next time we need to wrap Abbie Esplin up in padding to protect her!

Down from the fields and along the path above Upleatham, all the adults looking in envy at the nice houses, then over the fields and down towards the road.  Then the first rain, we had just time to put on waterproofs and then it stopped - typical!  Along another field and then down through the trees to Tockett's Mill and lunch, taking advantage of the pub bar for drinks.  Once again, a big thank you to Tockett's Mill for allowing us to rest there and eat lunch.

Did all those really tired young things rest?  No chance - straight on to the adventure play area whilst the grown ups watched.  Most of the lunch hour was spent upside down - especially Hannah!  When it was time to move on, they didn't want to go.

Over the bridge and through the fields, past the farm and down into the mines valley with a few more nettle stings - dock leaves and magic cream are great.  Up the hill with one close eye on the cattle in the field, but they really weren't bothered about us.

Now the last stretch along the hillside, across the big stile (with David's help) and back on to the main track.  Some asked if we would have ice creams as last year.  I suggested a gymnast's wish might make that happen - funny, but some didn't believe me.  Finally, back down to the car park and only 10 minutes late.  Fortunately, the ice creams didn't melt and we beat the heavy rain by minutes!

Thank you to everyone who took part, to everyone who sponsored them, and to David for his help (much against his better judgement).  Thank you also to Steven Lawson, who kindly bought everyone who took part a silver brick (see them on the buy a brick page).  The photos are already in the gallery section, but you will need a log in and password to see them (contact Steve).