For this year's weekend we were based at Quarnford Lodge, south of Buxton in the Peak District National Park.
We all arrived at various times from Friday afternoon onwards, laden with walking gear food and drink for the weekend. The kitchen was a hive of activity with everyone preparing their contribution to that evening's meal - and what a fine spread it was; a variety of starters, curries and stews, deserts and lashings of cheese, fruit and wine. After an evening of conversation, games and karaoke it was time for bed ahead of Saturday's walking.
There were two walks scheduled for Saturday, one was led by David P from Derbyshire Bridge, past Errwood Reservoir, Errwood Hall and up over the moors and tors, the other headed over the moorlands of Axe Edge taking in a couple of quarries, the waterfalls at Three Shires Head and Wicken Falls and the village of Flash.
Back at Quarnford another evening of eating, games and merriment ensued, but it wasn't a late one. There was a tough walk ahead on Sunday.
Sunday morning, and we made our way to Longnor to start that day's walk led by Mark. Longnor was very busy so we parked away from the village centre. 11 miles of hills, crags, more hills (or were they 'undulations'!). We climbed Chrome Hill, rested at Owl Hole and returned through the village of Earl Sterndale. It was quite a tiring day but we summoned the energy to go out for our pre-booked meal at the Pack Horse Inn at Crowdecote. More eating, drink, games... well you get the idea!
Monday saw our numbers depleted as several opted to miss the walk and go home early to beat the traffic, for those of us who stayed we were treated to a walk led by Norman from Rushton Spencer along the River Dane, Danebridge where we stopped for ice cream, chocolate and coffee and then up the hill to the Hanging Stone before making our way to the chasm of Lud's Church. After lunch it was time to head back through rolling countryside. We climbed ino our cars, and that was the end of yet another very enjoyable Single Boots May weekend