Plank over the River Bridge

The Challenge of Winter Walking

"It's good to get out!' we say and winter can bring some glorious days that really lift the spirits.

However there's a sting in the tail – or rather the ground. Soggy fields churned up by cows and sheep, gateways blocked by deep mud and standing water, stiles menacingly green and greasy all face the intrepid walker.

Sometimes there is even more of a challenge.

On Saturday we did the well known Brooks Mill circuit and met all the above hazards plus one rather exceptional one. Just after Brooks Mill the plank bridge over the tributary to the main stream had become detached at one end and was floating several feet away from the opposite bank. It too was green and very slippery.

One mistake and we could have got very wet indeed. After Sunday's rain I expect it will be almost impossible to negotiate.

Peter Kay