For our annual joint midweek walk with South Manchester Group we decided to feature the New Five Trigs Walk devised approximately 30 years ago by Bob Tait.

Considerably easier than the Saddleworth 5 Trig Points walk it is still a good high level workout visiting 5 Trig Points in the South Pennines.

First objective was the trig point at Bishops Park, the highest point within the Oldham town boundary. En route from Delph we acquired the company of a dog who realised a good walk was in prospect and was determined to tag along.

Calls to the owners were not picked up so by the time we reached the ironmongery on the top of Tame Scout (Trig no 2), Norman devised a form of lead from a spare bootlace and the lanyard off a compass.

By now there was a bit of a competition under way with Tom from our group and Graham from West Yorkshire being childish and trying to be first to each trig point.

Across the M62 for the first time and a gentle walk along Syke Moor to Lydgate. Now the hard work began with the climb up the Roman (or is it medieval?) Road to the Aiggin Stone which has been a waymarker for at least 600 years. On to Blackstone Edge (trig point 3) , described by Defoe in the 18c as the 'bleakest place in all England'. It seemed not too bleak today in the spring sunshine with superb views over Hollingworth Lake.

Return over the M62 and the Pennine Way followed over White Hill (trig 4) to the trig point at Millstone Edge. Despite Tom's best efforts I don't think he made it to any trig point first.

Back along Harrop Edge to drop down into Delph Village after just over 6.5 hours walking. Norman had of course to do an extra climb to return the dog to its owners!

Excellent weather and a good turnout with 14 on the walk. Anyone attending who requires a badge or certificate for this Anytime Challenge Walk is advised to contact the recorder Carole Engel - phone Group Secretary if details required.