Summer Stroll — Sunday August 9th 2026

Leaders: Dave and Vanessa Miller

Reporters: Val Poole and Helen Richardson

Ten hardy Ski Club members and three dogs enjoyed a very pleasant and scenic Millers’ Walk. The weather was a bonus, with a welcome breeze at times that made the walk especially enjoyable.

We met at the Red Lion pub in Hawkshaw for a quick briefing before setting off on a convenient footpath almost opposite the pub. The route included a few gentle inclines and a good number of stiles to climb, providing an excellentworkout for everyone.

We’d not gone far when Dave pointed out notices to private land beyond woodland where we were walking, which he explained is owned by the ao.com (aka ‘appliances online’) boss. Evidently, the guy has made a good living from his business, allegedly started after a challenge with a £1 bet that he wouldn’t make any money from it!

A short refreshment stop gave us the chance to hydrate and refuel before continuing. Here, from a vantage point part way up Holcombe Hill, we looked south over Manchester and could make out the roof of the Snow Centre, still thought of as ‘Chill Factor^e’ by some of us. Our route took us to the summit of Bull Hill, where the trig point provided a good photo opportunity.

To avoid the strengthening breeze for our picnic lunch, Dave led us off the top of the moorland to a more sheltered spot. Lunch was enjoyed by the

group and was made even better by Steve’s famous Eccles cakes — I’m convinced Steve must have shares in the Company!

Our detour to a lower elevation lunch spot meant that we had missed the Pilgrims Cross, so Dave then led us back to see the remains of this famous landmark, which originated over 800 years ago. Only a more recent plinth and a standing stone with inscriptions remain, but it’s still worth a visit.

Thanks to the excellent walking pace and favourable weather conditions, the walk was extended, allowing us to make the most of a wonderful day outdoors.

Throughout most of the walk, we had sight of Peel Tower, which commemorates Sir Robert Peel, Founder of modern policing, and our walk took us also to and past this landmark. Our return route led us alongside MOD firing range land, but fortunately all was quiet there on our walk day. We even passed by the Assault Course made famous by the Krypton Factor programme of yesteryear.

Some of us rounded off the day with a well- deserved drink and meal back at the Red Lion.

A special thank you to Dave and Vanessa for organising such a wonderful walk and making it an enjoyable day for everyone.