I evangelise about north Northamptonshire but the Roaches on the borders of Staffs and south west Derbyshire are fabulous. They are are a mound, well severel mounds actually, of rock and earth surrounded by lovely countryside just north west of Leek. Climbers flock there for the vertical rock faces but walkers find the whole area of particular attraction.

John B, Dixey and I left home at 6am the other Saturday for a day of walking and more training. It was quite windy but other than a few spots of rain, otherwise a smashing day that we all thouroughly enjoyed. Of course it was a long day, a lot of driving plus 17.75 miles and 2,650 feet.

We were amazed how little traffic we encountered. Is this a mark of the recession we are in?

If the day and our walking experience was a measure of what we are to expect on 'The Way' then I think (I hope?), I'm ready.