A return to old stomping grounds for me. 30 years ago I would have been running round here twice a week. Now it’s a slow walk with poles!
Setting off in the direction of Double Waters we eventually came to the track down to Grenofen Bridge - what has been happening here? - huge ruts carved through the soft ground - farmers on tractors or off roaders? One thing is for sure it will never recover to the nice grassy track it once was. On down and over the bridge to turn right on the path to the cycle track. The walkway before Gem Bridge has been completely rebuilt at some expense, very smart. On past the big swing so beloved by Terry, then over the bridge to find the track diagonally down towards Magpie bridge. Always boggy here but the huge viaduct seemed further from the car park than usual. Keeping to the right above the boggy ground in the valley bottom it was up, up to the car park.
Despite being the only ones in the Farmers' Bar of the Rock we were made welcome and served pints to round off the evening.
Mike