We were fortunate to enjoy a great winter’s day with long periods of sunshine as leader Derek left Newfield Park closely followed by seven members. We soon reached the River Eden at Rickerby Park to join the Hadrian’s Wall Path for several miles passing through Crosby on Eden then alongside Blea Tarn, an old quarry used to provide stone for building the Wall.

Underfoot conditions were reasonable on the National Trail with long passages of pleasant grassy walking. Muddy paths followed for a while after we left the Acorn signs at the nine mile halfway point and turned for home via the quiet villages of Laversdale and Scaleby. A period of road walking was not an unwelcome relief from the mud and a handy roadside bench offered a convenient lunch stop. Chivalry appears to be in short supply within the Group as the men occupied the seat while the ladies sat on the grass!

Moving on we traversed a short section of woodland near Knells before re-crossing the Motorway at junction 44. It was then just a short hop to the finish and the welcoming aroma of mulled wine and mince pies back at base. After doing justice to Stella’s usual superb hospitality we departed replete and content on our separate ways already anticipating a repeat episode next year!