Walk Diary - Sunday 16 October 2011 Weather, 15⁰ C. good.

Depart 10 a.m. 6, 8, & 12 miles Leaders: Various.

Fifty-eight gathered on the car park at Carlton Lees, after paying our dues for parking to the Chatsworth estate. There was some confusion at the start, the 10 a.m. deadline approached and the leader of the eight-mile walk had not arrived and it appears that he was taken ill the night before and had contacted someone about the situation, trouble was, no one out today was aware of this. Some discussion ensued with the outcome that Gerry White would continue to lead the thirty-one who had elected to take the longest route, with some reverting to the shorter after lunch, that left twenty-eight, seven of whom made their own way to Baslow and twenty one followed the lead of Keith Shiers on an off the cuff eight miler. The idea of the get together is simply that "to get together", unfortunately the lunchtime bit didn’t quite work out. The twelve milers had had their lunch and were on their way before the eight milers arrived at Baslow village hall, where Margaret and Shirley of Amber Valley Ramblers, were in charge of the teapot. Many thanks to them for a lovely cuppa.

I have heard of no moans and groans as the day worked our splendidly, with people from different groups mixing and chatting their way around the pastures and paths of the Chatsworth estate. The mileages were all spot on, as advertised and those who had timing issues were easily able to meet their deadlines. The weather was also very kind, with some cloud to start and gradually becoming warmer, with bright sunshine throughout the afternoon, as far as I know no one got lost and no one was hurt, so a very good day all round and thanks to all the organisers for this. An excellent day out in enjoyable company where several bonds were formed between members of the different groups.

For those reading this and do not know the area, the groups taking part were Amber Valley Ramblers, Derbyshire Dales Ramblers, Derby and South Derbyshire Ramblers and Erewash Ramblers all of whom are groups within the Ramblers Association situated within Derbyshire.