Faith on the move - Chester to Lincoln 2006

Day 6: Macclesfield to Buxton

Having slept in the church, that's where we awoke. No difficulty for Patrick to make his morning prayers.

After the usual packing and clearing up we set out.

In a cluster through the Weston estate, where a number of arrows had gone astray ("nicked by yobbos every one!")

We skirted around the south of Macclesfield, and the hills which awaited us could be seen ahead.

As we entered Sutton Lane Ends the level walk came to an end - out first prayer stop at St James'  was up the hill.

The church had been prepared for a wedding tomorrow, so "boots off" was the order of the day.

Bruce led the prayers on disharmony.

What come off must go back on - synchronised.

The road was designated as a quiet lane...

but there was still some traffic

Next stop was Langley Methodist Church

Jack is clearly in love with his new GPS, but are Geoff and Howard Joy and Peace?

Inside the children play with their toys

We were made welcome (and given tea and coffee) and Bill led the prayers.

We climbed up towards Ridgegate Reservoir, through the woods.

Up through the woods we climbed

Some needed a rest on the way up.

Then out onto the moor towards Shutlingsloe

Looking back you realised how much we'd climbed.

At the top the front markers posed for a team photo.

... and admired the views of the blooming heather

Some pilgrims rested and ate their sandwiches at the top.

Then it was time to descend - Anne skipping over the edge.

It was a slightly tricky descent, though with a bit of help from friends all got down safely.

As we approached the pub Mike and Jessica appeared with their junior pilgrims, taking the safe route across a cattle grid.

At the Crag Inn we enjoyed a long lunch break. These ladies appearing to be sitting without support...

After lunch we prayed at St Saviour's Church, and as we emerged it was clear that waterproofs would be in order.

Other rain-limiting equipment is also available.

As we crossed the main road, it got darker and the thunder and lightning started in earnest.

In heavy rain we walked to Three Shires Head - Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

The climb continued to Axe Edge Moor.

We crossed the black peat bog in safety...

... before descending into Buxton. The rain stopped for the descent, though we were clearly focussed on getting to our destination, as the photos petered out.

In the hall, it was time to get the arrows out to dry, so that they might live to mark another day.

And now, squeezed into a small hall and a few upstairs rooms, the evening routine is underway - sarnie bashing, diaries, pub, calls home, and so on.