Eight of us assembled at the car park in the attractive village of Alstonefield, just into Staffordshire, for a 9.30 start.  A group from Buxton Ramblers was also meeting there.  After a sunny start for the drive there, it now became overcast which is how it stayed for most of the walk.

We set off heading northwards, round the edge of Narrowdale Hill, and across Beresford Lane, soon after which we had our morning coffee stop.  Continuing past The Raikes and Scaldersitch, we passed the halfway point at Hulme End.  Then an easy mile along the Manifold Way towards Ecton.  Now came the strenuous part of the day, a steep ascent out of the valley onto Ecton Hill.  The top of the steep part, and with the main climb now done, made a good spot for lunch, although now in drizzle and with mist closing in.  Normally, I would now go to the trig point on Ecton Hill, but we agreed there was little point in the now quite thick mist, so we continued on the track just below the summit and soon descending out of the mist.  We had another climb, this one more moderate, to take us round (but not up) Wetton Hill and down into the village of Wetton.  Here we had a short drink stop on the seats in the village centre, from where it was an easy and flat one and a half miles back to Alstonefield.

We had done nine and a half miles, finishing around 2.45, and I think I can say a satisfying walk.  Despite the weather, we still enjoyed good views for much of the day and plenty of animals, as evidenced in Frankie’s photos.

Thanks to those who came on the walk, and especially to Jane for driving me there, as I currently have car problem, although, I emphasise, it is not as bad as the one in picture FL17 !!