A Day out From Forest Hills

Late summer showers peppered the day as a few of us congregated at the Forest hills leisure centre to follow a Park and Ride Trail. As usual some instructions were taped to the notice board and helped some find their way.
There were some early starters, who joined in the “Down the Hill” organised run and had to be on their mettle not to be shown up by the under 5’s in that race.
They only had to follow the race for a short distance before heading off round Beacon Hill on the familiar route, heading down past the caves to Bradley lane. Then following the farm track we headed towards the sounds of gunfire in the woods. Hoping that the Red and White Hoops would prove bright enough to avoid targeting, we entered the woods where people in camouflage were milling about. They turned out to have paint guns, but were quite friendly and didn’t fire. Out of the woods the other side we caught sight of a quad bike race on an adjacent field. A busy farm.
Once clear of the excitement, the run headed towards Catton Hall, then swung back to Kingsley. It was a very long track. Finally familiarity and the run past the graveyard where the plots seem to press against the fence. How long before they extend into the field?
Up the hill to Castlehill house, then, finally on the long uphill run to Forest Hills. Past Newton to Shepherds Houses, brushing Mickledale and then up the road to the centre.
A young persons Birthday party was just finishing up as the early starters headed for the pool and some comfort in the warm bubbly water of the jacuzi. Then we assembled in the bar, where the beer was so poor that some returned it, and a few didn’t bother at all. The football scores were constantly updated on the television behind the Hon. Treas, who was doing a brisk business accepting money, both subs and for the meal.
The meal was served in the main restaurant, and was a tomato soup starter, Lasagne with chips, garlic bread and salad, followed by a choice, for those who finished the mains promptly, of deserts. Then coffee. Excellent.
We could watch squalls of rain across the estuary, and reminisce about runs around Winter Hill, clearly visible  in the distance. The meal finished, documentation completed, the assembled members made their way home in the evening sun.