Start Of The WalkA party of 17 led by Philip and Janet Mawson enjoyed this short ramble. The number of attendees was surprisingly high given the rather worrying forecast. We did however manage to get away without a soaking yet again.
The weather was blustery throughout with heavy clouds and occasional brighter breaks. A few light spots of rain on the way back to the minibus did not dampen spirits as indeed many of the group were prepared dress-wise for far worse conditions. It was a 'woolly hat' day except for Philip who went 'baht at'!
Swastika StoneThe bus was parked at the uppermost car park on Wells Road. A gentle amble past the reservoir continued onto a sloping gravel path which led up towards the Swastika Stone with a brief detour to appreciate the spectacular view above Panorama Woods. The consensus was that whatever the origin of the stone markings; the one thing they were not was a 'swastika'!
GrousePlants seen included: Foxglove, Tormentil. Lesser Spearwort and Creeping Thistle. Birds seen were Red Grouse, Meadow Pipits, Carrion Crows and a Jay. No insects were about but this was to be expected considering the conditions and locality.
Our leaders had very generously brought lovely home made cake and buns to celebrate Janet's birthday. As author of this blog I had an obligation to sample both! Finally well done to Brian for his efforts in backing out of the small parking area and avoiding going into the ditch. John Gavaghan