Ilam, Thorpe and Musden 28th January 2012

The first lambs of the year seen on our walks.

In the fields on the way from Blore to Thorpe.

Thorpe Cloud from the village of Thorpe.

On the bridge at Ilam.

Ilam Church with Thorpe Cloud in the background.

Thorpe Cloud from the slopes below Hazelton Clump.

Walk stats: Distance:11.6 miles. Climb:1609'.

Time: 6 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Dave J. Mike  and Celia.

This was a good day for walking, bright and sunny all day. Personally I would have liked a gentle breeze to aid the cooling process!

We set off on the extension first, heading from Blore to the village of Thorpe, and it was on this section that we encountered our first lambs of the year.

It was on the section along the river towards Ilam that we encountered our first mud challenge of the day, but many more to were still to come.

The route around Ilam Hall was delightful.

Lunch was taken at on Upper Musden before heading off towards Calton and Musden Woods. Musden Woods would probably be delightful in Summer conditions, nut not today when the muddy conditions made the 1.5 miles seem to go on for ever.

Once on the path from Upper Musden on the return journey, the section below Hazelton Clump was very pleasant, especially as we could see the car park below.

We arrived back at the car, with tired legs, having had a good day in the outdoors.

Birds seen or heard today included: Chaffinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Greenfinch. Redwing, Fieldfare, Mistle thrush, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Raven, Nuthatch, Mallard, Moorhen, Winter wren, Blackbird and Woodpigeon.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wilkes Head in Leek, where the Hartington Bitter was at its best and Celia bought he first round! What a pity I was driving!