The weather had turned warm and humid for our outing from the golf club. JJ led the runners away from the golf course, north along the road for a short distance before turning left and then right up a drive.
The footpath is marked straight across the large pond, so we
skirted the pond and headed north west to a track. Then we took a brief detour up through some woods to Mellor Cross before dropping back down to the track as it joined Back Lane.
We then turned left down the track before gaining the green stuff again via a footpath on the right. A little later we swung left, heading across the Mellor and Towscliffe golf course.
This confused at least one runner who was sure that the path didn’t go that way and so headed off his own way.
Across the golf course and then turned right through a busy
Linnet Clough Scout Camp.
From here we headed to Far Bradshaw and onto Upper Bradshaw Farm and Springbank Farm where we crossed Gun Road.
This was a gentle cure which continued to Ringstones Farm where we took a sharper right turn to reach Hollinsmoor Road.
A quick right then left saw us back on the green stuff, bypassing Hollins Farm and on our way to Briargrove Farm. Some members received abuse for crossing the garden here, although it is a right of way and signposted. We took to Briargrove Road for a short distance, then right out onto the fields again, across to Mellor Road. A right then a left to skirt Broadhurst Plantation crossing Pole Lane and onto Primrose lane.
A sharp left then took us on the last leg before the finish, and we rejoined the outward course to gain the safety of the clubhouse.
The weather for the trail layers had started dull, with a sprinkling of rain, but had brightened up and by the finish it was warm and sunny, so after changing in the well appointed changing rooms (no shower), we purchased some refreshment and sat at the tables outside to await the arrival of the runners.
Paper Trail
Joe Park was accompanied by a guest of JJ, Paul who seemed to have enjoyed it all. Rick Riding, Des Winterbone and Tommy all arrived from various directions having followed the trail creatively and soon joined us at the table.
David Bell, Ian Jenks, Ian Brown, Mike Eastwood, Steve Murray, Rob McHarry, Andy Coatsworth and Shotgun all arrived in various states dependant on their level of effort.
When all were back, and refreshed we went inside to sit at tables with tablecloths for our repast. Steak pie, chips and peas, or veggie option, was followed by a very good cheesecake, and money was politely collected.
The Trail of the Season award for last season, which consisted of three runs due to the pandemic, was awarded to JJ, so any hopes of this years being the best were dashed.
Suitably refreshed and rested we then dispersed to find our way home.
Where we went:
8 miles with around 1200’ of ascent….according to the OS app
Words by Wells, Route by JJ, Trail Laying by Wells & JJ, pics by JJ.
Note that some of the photos are out of order....Blogger strikes again.
