Earlier in the week when we did the recce the field up front was being grazed by cows, calves and the most massive Charolais Bull I have ever seen.
I had warned the group that we may be turning back to return by road. However Laura struck out with confidence and it soon became clear that whilst there were some cows and calves the bull had gone- probably ‘served his purpose’ over the week!
So we were now able to relax and enjoy the spectacular views in all directions as we headed into Thurstonland, looking west across the Holme valley to the Pennine Moors, looking south to Snowgate Head and east to Shelley Park and Emley Moor.
From Thurstonland it was now a good 1˝ miles along lanes back to Stocksmoor, all of us stepping out in anticipation of our waiting meal. Later, much later, most of us were again on edge as we waited and waited for our meal. However at last it did arrive and we all agreed that it was worth waiting for and a good way to end a good Sunday walk.
Joan Parker,
Shelley Village Magazine,
January 2011.
