This, the longest walk organised by the MPC for many years, was a repeat of the MPC's first ever walk, organised 120 years before, from Hayfield to Castleton via the Snake Path, Ladybower and Bamford. It was attempted by two members, Steve Tetlow and Andrew Basden. The original had been a heel-and-toe race walk; this was not supposed to be - but the speed at which Steve likes to walk sometimes made it feel like one!

Starting off fresh from the car park next to the Cricket Ground in Hayfield just before 08:30 the pair took the road to the Kinder Reservoir, skirting it, then up Williams Clough. Williams Clough was not as bad as its reputation warns. An hour and a quarter for 3 miles. Over the Col, down onto the Snake Path across Black Ashop Moor, which proved to be a much longer stretch than expected. Crossed the River Ashop at the ruined stone hut and up onto a good path that hugs the contours and then descends gradually, along opposite the wood, down to the bridge near where the Fair Brook meets the river.

At this point they split, Andrew crossing the bridge up onto the road and Steve continuing along an unmarked but trodden path, to meet again at Upper Ashop Farm, opposite where the River Alport joins the Ashop. The reason was because, when they recc'ied that path a month before it had exhausted Andrew, whereas the road had not. He recommends counting steps as a way to overcome the monotony of road walking. The traffic on that busy road was lighter than he had expected. This time Steve found the path exhausting, because, in the month, the Bracken had grown to head height and had to pushed through.

On meeting, they had a short lunch - then it was on again. That they were not yet half way was a bit dispiriting, but the fact that they had done all the rough walking and from here on it would be easy paths and tracks lifted the spirits a little.

They took the Concessionary Path alongside and sometimes atop a watercourse, until meeting a path that had come over a bridge from the road and began the long march down along by Ladybower Reservoir. Now they were half way, with only 10-11 miles still to go, it felt good. When they reached the track from the second bridge, it was even easier walking, so they discussed a couple of poems that each of them had brought along, in an old school poetry book and on a phone. One poem, Kipling's "Boots - boots - boots ..." fitted the occasion rhythmically and onomatopoeically, one poem was by a well-known outdoors man and homosexual; and one was immensely atmospheric. Poetry reading and discussion is a good way to pass the time along reasonably monotonous tracks.

This track along the Ladybower Reservoir must differ from the original route, which took place before the reservoir was built. People aglore! Cyclists, walkers and tourists along by the Ladybower Reservoir. The Snake and Ashop paths had also been quite populated, with a sizeable camp of tents by the Ashop woods. Ears and eyes had to be kept sharp for cyclists (most of whom rang bells, thankfully). Humidity was very high, the air was warm with occasional wafts that felt like a sauna, flies were numerous, including Cleggs (Horse flies).

At the end of the Reservoir, by the Plughole, Andrew partook of his customary 20 minute afternoon sleep, to ensure he was in good fettle for the remaining 7 miles - which is the total length of many MPC walks these days!

Taking the road then the old railway track down past Bamford to Shatton, they encountered a group of youngsters with wonky packs on their backs, who asked the way to their campsite, as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award challenge. From Shatton, Steve warned, is 5 miles of trudge. First a path parallel to the road, where he recognised three elderly ladies with dogs whom he had met on an earlier walk. Then road, track, road, path alongside the river to Castleton. Andrew was tiring now - probably psychologically more than physically! - while Steve alternated between agreeing with Andrew and boasting that he might still have the energy to run up Mam Tor and down again!

In the event the boast proved hollow, because he enjoyed a drink in the Peak Hotel as much as Andrew did, when they arrived at Castelton.

They arrived just after 5 pm - taking eight and three quarter hours for 21 miles, faster than either of them expected. They had done it! Andrew had seriously wondered whether he could do such a thing - the longest walk he had attempted since his youth.

Thanks must go to John and Amanda, who drove over from Altrincham to celebrate with Steve and Andrew, with a meal at another venue, and then took Steve back to Hayfield to pick up his car and Andrew to Stockport station for a train home.

Might the very occasional long walk be good for the soul of the MPC?

Report: Starting off nice, the day soon turned grey and began to spit then rain, and it rained through most of the day. This was not a good welcome for our two guests today, David and Ruth. The orchard down by the river provided a bag of apples, some tasty and sweet, as did a reliable tree on the lane up to Bradley. Lunch was taken at Frodsham Caves, in the company of a family whose children enjoyed exploring them. The rest of the walk, via Shepherds' Houses, Snidley Moor and Frodsham Edge, was wet - but it is always an interesting walk with variety.