And they're off......

We kicked off the walking club last Sunday with a steady 8.5 mile stroll around Macclesfield Forest, which took slightly longer than normal after a pint of real ale (or pot of tea in Wendy's case) at The Hanging Gate near Langley.

This pub is small and cosy, with open fires almost all year-round due to it's exposed location on the side of a hill in Cheshire.

The views are fantastic on a clear day, but the outside toilets can be a bit of a 'challenge' when temperatures drop well below freezing!

The vista of the Cheshire Plain, looking out towards Jodrell Bank and Manchester Airport is only bettered if you make the climb up to the top of Shutlingsloe (The Mini Matterhorn), as we did on Sunday.

So here we are, the intrepid founder members of the Elior Walking Club - Mike, Wendy, Janet, Nicola and yours truly.

As you can see, the weather couldn't have been better, other than the fact that it was a bit chilly!

The team from Credit Control in Macclesfield were great - and all seem eager to continue training through to the Challenge itself. Hopefully, we will have a few more victims fellow walkers next time - a 10 -11 mile hike in the Derbyshire hills at the end of October. Winter drawers on!

Taking it easy this weekend as the 'children' are both home from University. John is studying back in Sheffield after graduating in Physics & Medical Physics in 2009, and is now doing his teaching degree. He's about to impart his scientific wisdom on the pupils of Doncaster, which I'm positive he will do extremely well. Claire is also in Sheffield studying Music - and performing in various bands, ensembles & orchestras. I know she doesn't get her significant musical capability from me, but that doesn't make me any less proud or appreciative when I go to one of her concerts, or listen to her practicing.