The forecast had warned of low fog and clouds to lunch but had also promised sunny breaks later in. That was kind of true. On the first ridge we certainly were still in low clouds, so much that from the base of the BT Tower on Croker Hill we couldn't see its top. That kind of low visibility sharpens the attention though for the beauty of smaller things, like dewdrop-covered cobwebs. Down and up onto the second ridge, the Wincle Minn. There we could see the valleys below at least and even some of the hills nearby, just before descending into the Shell Brook valley. 3 then took the extension for a longer stretch in the Dane Valley, and were rewarded with the sound of rutting stags from across the valley. We passed the rest of the group at the Wincle Brewery taproom, where they were ensconced in the garden. On to the Ship Inn for excellent lunch. Some of the brewery types also joined us there. By now there were a few specks of blue sky visible, here or there, but not quite where we were.

Never mind, the views from the elevated path in the Dane then the Clough Brook valleys were fantastic, especially when Shutlingsloe and the surrounding moorlands were bathed in the sunshine. On up to the third and final ridge where we had probably 50/50 blue sky/clouds. All stopped at The Hanging Gate pub, to drink in the views from the terrace overhanging the Bollin Valley, before the descent into the valley and a last hill before getting back to Macc around 6. low clouds lifting slowly some sunny breaks later 16 (incl. 1 off the 7.20 from Euston, respect!)