Our programmes always include several 'welcome walks'. These are walks of around five miles aimed at encouraging new walkers to join our regulars and enjoy the local countryside.

Our last welcome walk in the summer programme also offered non members the opportunity to join the Ramblers' Association at reduced rates.

Thirteen members and four 'new faces' left Clarence Lido on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Radio controlled model boats skimmed the surface of the Lido skilfully avoiding the ducks and geese. We walked by White Carr and Scotland Lane to an excellent viewpoint high above Cheesden Brook. Knowl Hill, Blackstone Edge, and the Derbyshire Hills were all identified.

From here it was all downhill by Old Birtle and Harwood Fields to Sillinghurst. Crossing the motorway we arrived in Chesham Woods admiring the new information boards, the work of local primary school children. Emerging from the wood we were back at the lido, hoping the first timers will join us again.