THE YEW TREE, CAULDON

This walk was planned because of repeated requests (mainly from Nick) for a walk to this eccentric pub in Staffordshire.

We caught the two-section 108 bus to Waterhouses (we had to change at Leek even though the bus continues with the same route number) alighting opposite one of the two cycle hire places at the beginning of the Manifold Valley Cycle Trail.

We then headed across buttercup-laden fields towards the quaintly-named village Waterfalls - there is no waterfall but the River Hamps disappears into the ground here, to re-emerge at the village of Ilam.

Waterfall has a small church that was rebuilt in 1792 that from outside is not remarkable; but entering the church reveals a wonderful chancel arch that dates back to the church's foundation in the 12th century.

We dropped deep into the Hamps valley crossing the river on a pleasant wooden footbridge and climbing the other side with beautiful views of the valley and its abundant greenery. There was a short stop to eat cakes thoughtfully brought by Mavis and Mary, and we continued to a tea-shop on the cycle trail and followed the trail back into Waterhouses where there was a more formal stop for sandwiches before following the footpath to the village of Cauldon and its eccentric pub.

A great surprise here was to find three steam engines parked outside! Inside the pub was equally surprising, with the walls decorated with ancient instruments (a crumphorn or serpent?), old hunting rifles and various obsolete country implements. It was good to see a good mild on the handpumps alongside draught Bass and Burton Bridge.

After a refreshing drink the walk continued arond the area until the bus returning to Leek and Macclesfield came along.

The walk was planned and led by Stuart - a great job!

Yesterday's walk was designed to show parts of Derbyshire that have not yet been scarred with progress.

We alighted from the bus in Pomeroy and hastily left the main road where traffic screams past at high speed following the old Roman road. We took a path across the fields to the charming village of Chelmorton.

Chelmorton retains its medieaval structure - a stream (Illy Willy Water!!) rises on Chelmorton Low above the village and runs down the hill, the single road clinging to its route with buildings on either side the oldest dating from 1634. At one time the stream fed a series of seven troughs for horses one of which has been lovingly restored. The road peters out at the beautiful church dating back to Norman times and a footpath climbs to the top of Chelmorton Low where the historical legacy of man's occupation becomes evident.

Everywhere can be seen quarries where the local limestone has been excavated to build the typical white buildings, and hillocks of debris left by mining over the centuries often following the line of a seam of lead.

From here we took what might be called the Path of A Thousand Stiles, again testimony to the unspoilt nature of the area. It is one of the few places where the medieaval field system can be discerned as the original limestone walls are still standing. The fields then were much smaller than today so the paths meet a considerable number of stiles over the boundary walls.

We followed the path to the charming village of Taddington and then headed towards Monyash at the head of Lathkilldale passing a charming dew pond on the way. In this area farmers are encouraged not to use pesticides and weedkillers with the result that we were welcomed by wild orchids, fields of cowslips and wonderful wild flower meadows.

The one thing that could not be planned of course was the weather that veered from threatening to absolute downpour. This did not dampen our spirits but did spoil the views as the rain clouds melded imperceptibly with the distant hills.

We ended the walk in the Bull's Head pub in Monyash - this is a wonderful old building with cast iron columns supporting the ancient beams in the bar, a selection of real ales (Auld Roger by Shaws of Dukinfield being very welcome) served by extremely pleasant ladies who uncomplainingly mopped up the floor where the bedraggled party had been standing.

A great day out.