Schedule of Walks during 2011

2011 was an interesting year where we managed to undertake a total of eleven walks, with just the June walk having to be cancelled due to the weather conditions on the day.  The Christmas walk, on 14th January, was once again well attended by twenty walkers, with the group retiring to the Tors Inn at Belstone for a meal after the walk.  In addition to the meal, Colin held his annual fancy dress competition with the theme of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party and Pantomime. 

We had a bit of a disconcerting moment during the September walk.  As we neared Steeperton Tor we could hear the sound of rifle firing from fairly close, despite the fact that no red flags were flying.  All of a sudden the summit of Steeperton was covered in soldiers and then suddenly they all disappeared - probably camouflaged into the background.  No doubt the soldiers were firing blanks, but it did make us think for a minute or two.  On the October walk, we happened to approach Great Nodden from the east, which is by far its steepest side.  The plan of the walk was to swing around to the south and approach the hill on a gentle rise.  However, three of the group, Maurice, John & Dave B, decided that they would climb it the hard way, across the River Lyd and straight up the steep side.  This is thought to be the steepest incline on the moor with a gain of 200 feet in height over 300 feet in distance.  It was certainly a hard climb but gave us a good sense of accoplishment on reaching the summit.  On the November walk, Armistice Day, we had 11 walkers on the 11th Month of the 11th year (of the 21st century), so we thought it appropriate to hold a minute's silence in remembrance at 11.00 o'clock. 

The details of our walks during 2011 are shown below: