The Peak's Regional Group gets underway

Nature had turned a simple moorland walk into something rather more challenging, following a heavy fall of snow. But some of the views were spectacular! Seventeen brave pioneers turned out for the day, and a couple more were able to join us for the meeting.

I’d planned a few challenges along the way providing a little bit of insight into the local Bronze age settlements often used for navigational legs which I was inspired to learn more about after I attended the Archaeological workshop in North Wales last year.. I wasn’t alone as Cath Lee From Peak Walking Adventures explained why you can find small, neatly sculpted and numbered basins that are carved into the rocks on the ground. There are 200 in total and they were created by gamekeepers at the beginning of the 20th century to ensure that their precious red grouse had a ready supply of water during the dry summer period. Drainage channels have been carved into the rocks to feed into them thereby reducing the need to manually fill them with water. Did you know that?

This led us nicely back to the pub where there was a good deal of enthusiasm for the idea of a new Regional Group. Belinda set the scene from the point of view of the Association to engage members and grow opportunities within the regions. Sue Mann’s gave us an insight into the formation of the West Midlands regional group set up last year. Then the ideas began.

Thanks to everyone who supported the day. The Anglers Rest did us proud, with exclusive use of the snug despite the very busy early evening crush in the main bar, and the food was delicious.

Our next event will be a night navigation evening hosted by Olly Toogood on Wednesday 4th March meeting at The Foxhouse, Longshaw. Look forward to seeing you there.

Steve Jones
Peaks Regional Co-ordinator