The fear that Ramblings might prove to be a wet, rainy and miserable event fortunately proved groundless, as the last day in February turned out to be bright and sunny. 

January and February weather had been depressingly grey, muddy and wet this year, though snow on the Stretton hills had also brightened the view from time to time. The opportunities to do a recce on Caradoc had been few and far between. The Ramblings organisers were thwarted twice and had to abandon the ascent, once for extremely strong winds (that sent all walkers on Caradoc scurrying back down to safer levels) and then again for snow that proved too slippery, with an accompanying mist that risked masking the routes up on top. No one else was trying the ascent that day! 

Third time lucky! With only 3 days before this annual event, they tried again and succeeded in following all of the planned route, heaving a sigh of relief. It also meant that they had the opportunity to modify the route to avoid the incredibly muddy approach round New House Farm fields (that would have been a major challenge for a group of 24) and skirt Helmeth Hill instead. 

Another modification was to avoid Hope Bowdler Hill and, instead, include the fabulous ridge walk from Willstone Hill to the Gaer Stone, ascending three cairned hilltops instead. We'd recommend this ridge to everyone, particularly in good weather!

On the Saturday, we were surprised and delighted to find that reality was so much better than the weather forecast. The clear blue skies and sunshine ensured fabulous views all day, first from the whole Caer Caradoc route and then from the ridge across in the Hope Bowdler hills.

From Caradoc the Long Mynd stretched out before us, showing off all the ridges, the baches, the hollows, the Burway, Carding Mill Valley - and so much more. What an amazing 'mountain' - and it confirmed just how special was the location of so many Lone Pine stories. 

From Willstone back to the Gaer Stone, we were rewarded by great views of Caradoc, understanding just how long the 'top' is and why it takes so long to reach the summit, even after reaching Three Fingers Rock. 

Rarely do we enjoy such wonderful weather and views on our February Ramblings events - but then the first day of March saw a return to rain and greyness - and the devil was certainly back in his chair on the Stiperstones, when we walked up to Pole Bank on that Sunday. Then another change, as we skirted Yearlet and looked across Stretton to our previous day's route, the sun, a blue sky and a rainbow welcomed us back!