 FRIDAY 30 MAY
We are standing in front of the Sheffield town hall waiting for the official start of the Walking Festival. The weather is damp but our spirits are high. A mixed crowd gathers, some are Ramblers Association members others from Sheffield U3A.
 Terry Howard (RA) leads the walk round the city centre, there are readings about the access movement and freedom to roam the hills. Later we are all invited into the Lord Mayor's Parlour and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with her. It all becomes quite convivial as she insists on us finishing off the cakes and biscuits.
(Photographs by Peter Barclay)
 SUNDAY 1 JUNE
Hardly flaming June - it's drizzling more, but we rally together this time at Meadowhall. The RA are organising a longer walk than U3A today. We wish them well and gather around our Chairman, Joan who has the baton ready. We all admire it, It's been beautifully carved by SU3A's woodworking group. Joan presents the baton to Stella who is joint SU3A organiser of the walking festival programme. Camera's flash and we're off across a busy main road towards the Sheffield Canal.
 Everyone is surprised when we suddenly find ourselves beside the canal which is broad and quite gracious. Stella tells us a bit about its history then takes us along the towpath towards an impressive set of locks beyond the marina. Pause for more photographs and a flight display by a local heron and then onwards towards Sheffield Airport and a lunch break. Later in the afternoon the group reaches Stella's house, tea and cakes. Shades of the Parlour?
Thanks for everything Stella.
(Photographs by Peter Barclay)
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Lunch Stop
MONDAY 2 JUNE
Stella hands over the wonder baton to Ron who leads the walk through the South East border of the City. By lunch time we are all feeling hungry, rather muddy and are happy to take a break at Rother Valley Country Park sheltering below a convenient hedge. Later we make it to Eckington which is our first point in NE Derbyshire.
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TUESDAY 3 JUNE
This morning our number has increased to fourteen. Jack is in the lead and Ken acts as back stop. It's still very muddy but the wild flowers are beautiful. We explore the Moss Valley via the hamlet of Ford and keep up our spirits with regular mobile conversations. Not too far to Coal Aston, tomorrow a longer leg of the Round Sheffield Walk.
 
HIGH STONES and MARGERY HILL
The 'Challenging Walk' to High Stones and Margery Hill, led by Bill Barraclough for J Group and Jackie Payne for F Group, forged ahead despite the steady rain and drizzle.
 Ten hardy and cheerful souls turned out and celebrated on Margery Hill with champagne, brought there by Julian Oakley.
A fitting and welcome climax to the day!
(Photographs by Rati Chiba)
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4 JUNE WEDNESDAY
A brisk walk after waving Harold goodbye at the Chequers in Coal Aston. A dodge across the main road at Dronfield and then up the hill to Dronfield Woodhouse, Gordon leading the way. Most paths seem to be well used but at Dronfield Woodhouse we encounter an overgrown path and fight our way through in tough SU3A style. It's a pleasant morning and there's a good turn out. Even the wayside horses prove friendly. By mid afternoon we've made it to the Fox House pub for a welcome break, some even vow to return there tomorrow.
Jubilant Start
5 JUNE THURSDAY
A lovely day, bright sunshine and hardly a cloud in the sky. As usual we welcome our friendly RA rep (Judy this time) and attracted a member of the public. Success at last!
There are well over thirty of us, The SU3A baton is jubilantly held aloft and we've off along Burbage with hardly a break until we reach the road at the top.
Waiting Sheep
Not too far to Moscar Lodge; transport has been arranged by the support group and we are home in good time mid afternoon
The Walker's Bane!
(Photographs by Ann Barclay and Stella Longden)
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 Coffee Break near Strines Reservoir 6 JUNE FRIDAY
We meet up again after a good night's sleep and set out in good form from Moscar Lodge. To begin with the sky is reasonably bright but later in the morning dark clouds hover overhead as we take a coffee break. Again the views are spectacular, Strines Reservoir and splendid views of surrounding moorlands. Today our leader is Howard Smith, a well known local historian. Howard leads us over to Lower Bradfield and
 The End of The Day (Photographs by Gordon Young)
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Handing on The Baton at The Start 7 June Saturday
After the ceremonial handing over of the baton, nine SU3A members set off from High Bradfield on the next leg of the Sheffield Country Walk. Yes, all committed walkers but we did do some advertising and canvassing on the way to any strays we came across!
 Handing on The Baton at The End There were no mishaps on the way and a good time was had by all. The baton was duly handed over to Julian for onward transmission.
(Photographs by Derick and Jackie Payne)
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8 JUNE SUNDAY
The last leg of our pilgrimage around Sheffield. A fine day. Six were on the walk including two genuine members of the public with no connection with U3A or RA but now interested in joining SU3A. We set off from Greno Woods in glorious sunshine, carefully avoiding cattle and horses on the way. It's getting hot by the time we've joined the Trans Pennine Trail but we're at Meadowhall in good time to meet our Chairman Joan Keogh. Meadowhall is crowded with trendy teenagers putting on their style, but we've had enough for one week, styles or no stiles.
Thank You, Stella! Julian kindly presents Stella with a bouquet to express our gratitude to her for all the work she's done to make the 54 mile round walk a success. In total 120 people from U3A have taken part, though what happened to all the public interest is anyone's guess.
Our thanks to everyone who took part - especially Julian Oakley and Stella Longden who were an inspiration to us all.
.....and finally
Filling In Evaluation Forms
(Photographs by Peter Barclay and Stella Longden)
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