Dave and Sue Boote put this weekend together and had selected an option of walks for the Saturday that could be accessed directly from the camp site. In the end a figure of eight walk of some 12 miles was chosen which took in Miller’s Dale, Tideswell, Monks Dale and Wormhill. The layout of the walk was perfect allowing those who were a liitle unsure of their durability over such a distance to join in half way round at a pub in Miller’s Dale where there was scheduled lunch break for a pie and a pint. Despite his protestation that they could not possibly walk such a distance Adrian and Jay bravely went for the whole walk while Peter and Chris Burnham elected to join the rest of the group at the pub. Martin and Cathy Covill stayed behind to build their new BBQ which turned out to be more like a field kitchen. Hazel and Catherine also stayed behind to look after baby Lawrence.

So at mid morning on Saturday, Richard and Sue, Dave and Sue and the Lesters set off. The weather turned out to be excellent for walking being sunny and warm. On the first loop the intrepid travellers encountered old lime kilns and disused railway bridges in Miller’s Dale from where people were abseil training. After the lunch break Monk’s Dale was tackled. Under the dense wooded cover the going was a little tricky on damp rocks needing care and balance. A steady climb up to Wormhill was followed by a descent to the river Wye. The last climb out of this valley was a bit of a killer so once completed we stopped to rest and phone base camp to get the Pimm's on ice ready for our arrival.

 The Pimm's was well received and really refreshing. As the evening drew in the New BBQ was lit, everyone contributed meats and salads, not forgetting the Boss Hogg's potatoes and some desserts. With the food and the wine and the camp fire the evening turned into night and, as they say, much merriment was made.