Despite the promises of fine weather Peri, Richard and Marina, Martin and Rob, Dave C and your correspondent, departed the excellent free car park at Chop Gate (pronounced Chop Yat) in the drizzle and headed up towards the Bilsdale transmitter. Passing some workings and Grouse Butts we made it to the ridge. A massive 400m above sea level but not quite above cloud level as predicted.

An easy stroll via some watery bits, stopping for Peri to photograph the raindrops on the grass, the rain on the moss, the rain on the boundary stone, the rain, eventually brought us to Barker's Crags (Scugdale), allegedly. Passing over the crag - not many people out - we head for "Brian's Pond" for a spot of coffee and snacks and Peri to grab a picture of the rain on the pond (and us).

By now it was getting on and wary of the pub closing time we headed down via some woods, a few fields, a couple of farms and lots of mud!

Sunday roast and tea (or Newkie Brown for Dave C) in the Buck Inn drew the event to a very civilised end and the short trip back to York was easy.

It was a great chance for me to meet some of the long time and potential future members and try out my waterproof socks (which work!).

Rob