30th December 2016 Walking around Thornton Reservoir

We arrived at Thornton Reservoir on a very grey misty morning. Not a particularly good day to see anything really.

After everyone was ready we set off for the walk around the reservoir path, only about 3 miles.

It's been a while since we were here and we noticed that the surface of the paths had been upgraded. Made walking much easier. No muddy boots to clean after the walk.

At the boat dock the mist had closed in and the result was that you could not see across the water at all or if anyone was fishing out there.

A bit of a disturbance and all the birds decided to leave the scene.

Further down the path we came to some ponies. 

Everyone thought they were so cute - just like Thelwells little fat ponies.


For info: Thelwell is regarded as the unofficial artist of the British countryside and is ... but he is perhaps most synonymous with little girls and their little fat ponies.

Moving on down the path we came to a challenge for our photographers - mist and reflections.

Good results all round.

Anyone who fancies a walk out on a misty cold day should take note of the gear worn by some of our walkers - waterproofs, woolie hats, scarfs, boots and fishermen's socks all help.

Forgot to mention gloves and thermals.

Mr Mole has been busy along this section.

Round the next corner we came across an Eric look-a-like.

For info: Eric the Bull, had to retire because he was no longer up to the job. He was infertile and unable to sire any more calves: little good as a stock bull. But Eric’s charisma was hard to resist and Adam, the farmer, couldn’t quite bring himself to send Eric to slaughter. Now the big boy is happily retired at his sister’s farm.

Quite a good looker for a bull. We did have the gate in between us, one or two of the girls said that walking in a field with him around would not be a good idea. The majority agreed with this sentiment.

But a handsome fella he is.

 Spooky country views 

Park bench in-waiting.

Crossing the road on to the last leg of the walk, along the dam wall pavement.

Back at the car park and after a change of boots we made our way to Forest Hill Golf Club for coffee tea and cake, a nod to our friend.

How to tackle cream cakes and dunking biscuits is an art.

Well the weather didn't spoil the enjoyment of our last walk of 2016. It was great, looking forward to the next one.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

Next week please remember to bring your bus pass if you have one.