Manchester

Alan Turing Memorial, UMIST, Vimto Park, St Peters Sq, Central Library,  Rochdale Canal, Guardian Telephone Exchange, St Anne’s Sq, Exchange Sq.  

Distance: 3.04 Kms or 1.8 miles, alternatively 4627 tc steps

Difficulty: Easy Peasy.

Weather:  Bright and warm

WW Walkers:  Andy Blease, Alastair Cairns, Tom Cunliffe, Terry Jowett, Chris Owen, Jock Rooney, George Whaites,  

Non-WW Walkers: 1 Brazilian, 2 Argentinians, and 3 of unknown origin

Apologies: Daisy 1 (impractical), Daisy 2 (not invited), Tips (unsure), George Dearsley (an elongated Turkish sabbatical), Alan Hart (taking part in a Ramblers effort), Mike Barrett (jet-lagged), Hugh Hardiman (sorting mother or filial duties if you prefer), Mark Gibby (under the knife at Stepping Hill), Alan Duckworth (hols), Peter Beal (further hols), Steve Kemp (not yet ready), Julian Ross (with breath taking brass-neckidness, he was unashamedly w?@king), et al.

Leader: Megan of the Free Manchester Walking Tours https://www.freetour.com/manchester/free-manchester-walking-tour 

Diarist: Tom Cunliffe

Starting point: From the Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Gardens

Starting time: 11:00am. Finishing time: 2.15pm.

This was an alternative city centre walk to our usual walk around the Peak District, and took the form of a guided tour around the city centre of our beloved city.

It is not my intention to write an account of the 3hr history lesson we received, however, I think its fair to say that we were in total agreement which was understated in true Mancunian fashion: the guided tour was “alright”. Actually it was very good even though the free walk was funded by the generosity of the tour parties’ tips. Bravo and long may it continue.

Whilst the tour was undoubtedly informative and interesting (a few bits of misinformation here and there), the real fun began as Chris led the remaining WWs at break neck speed (Jock had to leave us at this stage), to take lunch at the Kabana (an upmarket curry in down-market surroundings), another splendid effort by these people.

Having filled us tummies, we felt the need to wash it down with a couple of slurps of beer……so we did, many times over. One by one the WW left the peloton to find their way home leaving my good self and Alastair to finish off in the White Hart Cheadle where we met a bloke who told us that he once held the door open for Nelson Mandela….make what you will of that snippet of bulldust.

Next weeks walk will start at 9:45 from the Town Square at Hartington, calling at; Biggin Hill, River Dove, Alstonfield in time for light refreshments at the George, then on to Gypsy Bank, Wolfscote Dale returning to our vehicles in Hartington for 2.15 and a finisher at the Devonshire. If you’re  a fan of quality cheeses may I suggest you visit the Hartington Creamery, marvellous selection.

Happy Wandering