Descending Highlee Lane from Norland with Millbank in the distance

I had been trying to run a hike ever since we came out of lockdown at the beginning of December but things, including bad weather, kept getting in the way; 5 days before Christmas we finally managed it.

A gentle walk through the town and along the canal brought us to Hollas bridge. Passing through the tunnel under the railway (great echos on here) brought us to Hollas Lane, an ancient and interesting narrow lane leading to Pickwood Scar, they by Dye House Lane to Norland – one of the best ways up the hill with only one very short bit of quiet road.

A cold lunch at Donkey Bridge and then up to Ladstone Rock via our customary stop at the park. A snack and admire the view before dropping down Highlee Lane. Some of the Cubs ran ahead and had to be called back. “We know where we are going as we walked up here last month”, they said. “Ah,” I said, “but this time we are turning off here and going down through the woods.” This was probably a mistake, approaching Highlee Clough the path was steep downhill with slippery mud and nothing to hold on to; however, only one person slipped over.

We thought that was the worst of it, but no! Crossing some sloping fields we came across a soggy bog that had to be crossed as there was no way around. Some Cubs seemed to be able to almost walk on water as they lightly stepped across this 3m wide area, I tried to follow but being much heavier sank deeper in. One Cub chose a different route and decided that speed would be best and went in up to his knees.

A mile or so of pleasant paths and tracks brought us done to the old railway track and from there to the end. A pleasant and fine day, 6.8 miles.