Friday, 4th December, 2015. A group of companions, some old friends, some just introduced, all made very welcome, meet in the comfort of  a small hotel on the edge of a mysterious range of hills, the last outliers of the West Pennines.  A short distance from the old mill town of nearby Bolton, the hillside above them is very different in character from the urban landscape a few miles away.

They unwind from their journeys over hot drinks, then are offered a short introduction to the landscape to be explored with mind and heart over the next two days. Dinner and wine have been arranged at the next door inn; good company and, perhaps a mellow nightcap see them to bed …

The winter morning of the 5th December dawns and our good companions take breakfast before wrapping up warm and putting on walking shoes to prepare them for…