Castle Mountaineering Club. Reports of 2012 meets.
New Year’s Day walk 1 January 2012
After a lovely evening at Linda & Dave’s for New Years’ Eve [also known
as the CMC Outpatients Clinic!] 13 of us started today’s walk which was
a gentle stroll from Burbage via Stanage to the Little John at
Hathersage. Despite meeting in heavy rain, by the time we reached
Stanage the weather relented and we enjoyed fine views down the valleys.
Charles diverted back to his car at the road and we meandered down to
the pub to meet the cycling duo, just tucking into pudding! We were soon
joined by the mediacally unfit and enjoyed HUGE portions of lunch, with
the Dowling brothers pressed into service to finish the chips.
It ‘only’ remained to return to the cars. Unfortunately Hathersage lies
much lower than Burbage, so it took a concerted effort to gain the
height required, although Himalayan explorers had no problem. A scramble
up the back of the Higgar Tor block led us to a slight diversion to
visit Higgar Tor East to prospect its suitability for a Spring evening
meet.
Back to the cars where we met those who had returned by alternative
routes, to end a fairly gentle start to the New Year.
PG
Kinder walk 8 January 2012
A small select group braved the poor weather forecast, Me Charles and New member Ian. Leaving Edale in dry ish weather and ascending by the Nab. Charles left us early for a shorter walk leaving Ian and myself.
The wind direction suggested heading east on gaining the plateau and we headed over to the northern edge before returning to Grindsbrook and descending over Grindslow Knoll. This was in deteriorating weather with increased wind driven heavy rain and decreasing visability. All good stuff. I suspect those put off by the weather made a good decision but we still had an enjoyable day
Gordon
High Peak walk 15 January 2012
A fine but frosty Sunday morning saw a party of 7 set out from the Snake
Inn and follow the River Ashop, festooned with icicles, to Ashop Head
along ice covered tracks, briefly joining the Pennine Way for the climb
to the Kinder plateau where we followed the northern rim along Ashop
Edge. Despite gathering cloud, we had fine views over Bleaklow and
Derwent.
Gavin briefly left us to investigate the activities of 3 helicopters but
rejoined us at er the top of Fairbrook Naze, where caroline & gordon
descended. The rest of us continued until the Seal Stones were reached.
A slight navigational error meant we descended the grassy hillside
beyond before joining the path halfway down Gate Side Clough. It only
remained for us to cross Fair Brook itself before returning to the cars
via the woodlands.
Not the longest day, around 10 miles but very enjoyable and finished off
with tea and crumpets back at Caroline’s.
Thanks to all who attended from as far apart as Burton & Leeds, as well
as more locally.
Paul Gibson
Lake District Trip 21-22 January 2012
12 places were booked at the Bowderstone Cottage, but with some last minute additions 15 members actually attended. No other parties were in the hut, so we soon made ourselves at home helped by alcohol and a warm fire!
Violent winds rocked the hut all Friday night and Saturday dawned with continuing high winds and squally showers. The group split into various parties who then sallied forth to do battle with the elements… [Read More]
Mike Doyle
Marian’s Mysterious Meander 29 January 2012
Sorry for delay in reporting on this delightful days walk where we had a covering of snow and extensive views despite the grey cloud. From ladybower we ascended through the woods and via a numbered ruin, to not quite the top of Win Hill. Great views from the ridge down to Hope Cross where we witnessed the topstone of the monument was missing as reported in the media. (Glad to hear the topstone has now been found.) We followed the small track up Jaggers Clough with bits of scrambling here and there especially for those hugging the stream bed towards the top. Lunch was memorable for the lengthy debates over the identity of points on the distant horizon (High Neb, Higgar Tor?? No!). We crossed the plateau with rather more snow, then followed a grouse butt path to the shooting lodge, then on to Rowlee Bridge. The finish over Rowlee pasture back to ladybower viaduct was conveniently completed shortly before the first shower/sleet of the day. Thanks to Dave Steve Tom Gary JB and Ian for their company on a fine day in the Peak.
Marian
Scrambling meet 19 February 2012
The Weather Gods smiled upon last Sunday as ten of us including three new comers met at Torside car park, just off the Woodhead Road. This was origanlly Ali Williams meet but she couldn’t make it so she gave me the route. We started up Wildboar Clough which was quite icey. Before we set off up it, I anounced that points would be awarded for style and artistic interpritation. Whithin 5 minutes full points had been awarded, one of our new recruites had a total submersion baptisim.
We made it to the top, passed some very pritty ice formation. From there we deviated from Ali’s route and went in search of an aircraft wreck, which after quite an intensive search we found. Sitting around the wreck eating our sandwhiches we could see the outline of Snowdonia. We then headed of down Torside Clough untill reaching a a gully which we climbed and was quite steep and entertaining which lead directly to the Pennine Way which we followed to the Longden Dale Trail which in turn took us back to the cars.
Several of us then retired to Langsett cafe providing a plesant end to a very enjoyable day.
Hugh
Paul Fowkes Memorial walk 4 March 2012
After the recent fine weather it was a bit of a shock to wake up to rain
and cold wind. Nevertheless a fine turnout of 14 hardy souls, including
the rarely spotted Steve Belk, gathered at the Castle Inn at Castleton
for the Paul Fowkes Memorial Walk. Charles, Andy & Rosy even arrived by
bus. Initially we visited Paul’s memorial stone, planting flowers and
leaving a card along with cycling memorabilia.
We then threaded our way across fields and stiles to join the ascent
path up to Lose Hill, by which time the wind was increasing and snow
begam to fall. A short stop in the wood below the top gave a chance for
hot coffee before descending to Hollins Cross, where we lost 3 of the
party, Caroline, Gordon & JB, before going down into the Edale valley,
reaching Barber Booth via a number of very muddy fields. After saying
goodbye to Dave Jenkyns we soon stopped for lunch before the long ascent
up into the snow along the Chapel Gate track and onto Rushup Edge and
proper winter conditions. Luckily the ever strenghening wind was behind
us along the ridge and after descending we crossed to Windy Knoll to
eventually join the Limestone Way, where Andy & Rosy left us to walk
home to Bradwell whilst the remaining 7; Hugh, Jane, Andy Came, Steve,
Mike Doyle, Vanda & myself, descended the Cave Dale, which was very
treacherous underfoot, and back to Castleton, where we felt honour bound
to enter the Castle Inn and sample the excellent beer and a couple of us
even managed a pudding.
Thanks to everybody for coming and sharing some of the memories and
stories of Paul which many of us have.
Paul Gibson
Scramble Meet 11 March 2012
A cloudy start soon lead to a glorious sunny spring day for the 11 people who turned out on this meet. We descended the slippery stones of Rimmon Pit Clough for an early coffee break and a play on a dam wall that gave two group members some entertainment. We then walked alongside the length of the Chew Valley Reservoir and had a stop for lunch. The ascent of Charnel Clough provided easy scrambling onto the edge. Photo opportunities called at the Trinnacle where one member took a step too far and required some guidance down from Hugh! One more descent, ascent and descent brought us to Holme Clough which I think is the highlight for this trip. Ascents of waterfalls and some low level traverses shape the journey, before the final scramble over some angled slabs. We ended the day with a kilometre bog trot back to the cars. A great day out and thanks to everyone who came.
Ali
Coombs/ Castle Naze walk 25 March 2012
Clear blue skies and sunshine welcomed the 7 members who met above Errwood Reservoir.Sun hats were donned and even the odd bit of sun tan cream!We then set out on the approach to the White Hall centre and the moors above.
Lunch was taken by the shooting cabin overlooking Coombs,from where we followed the edge with glorious views of Combs reservoir and the hills beyond.
At Castle Naze we turned east above Chapel-en-le Frith and were soon heading south above Dove Holes towards Buxton with frequent stops to basque in the sunshine take photos and admire the views.
The descent past White Hall followed at which point Gregg and Sue sensibly decided to peel off and follow the outward route back to the cars to avoid the descent to Errwood and the quite stiff climb back up to the cars.The rest of the party accepted the challenge and,having gained Errwood,fought their way up the hill side through grass and heather to the welcome level track leading back to the cars.
A glorious day in spring sunshine exploring a little visited corner of the Peaks.
Mike D
It’s a Rockout 1 April 2012
Thanks to all those who turned up to make the first climbing meet of the year such a success.
19 people donned harness and boots and 2 club members on a training walk also dropped by.
We had wall to wall sunshine enabling some to climb on the 3 intended crags.
It turned out that the Tegness Pinnacle does exist and was not an April Fool joke. Some 12 or so of us managed to climb on the Pinnacle at the same time and it still stayed upright!! Look out for the photos in due course. Routes from Diff to E2 were ascended on the Pinnacle as well as a number of routes on the quarry behind.
We then moved onto the Great Slab area of Froggatt where we met up with the Leather clan and Eric. Again a wide variety of routes were climbed in an almost party atmosphere. Zac led his first trad route and others led their first routes of the year.
A smaller band moved on the Curbar Woods area, climbing some worthwhile routes until the cold wind got up and the sun went down, such that the last teams got back to the cars about 8pm.
It was notable that many of us changed teams during the day – for example, I climbed with 7 others – making it really sociable.
Hope this proves to be the start to a great climbing year.
Safe climbing. David
Cornwall meet 6-9 April 2012
Easter weekend in Cornwall: Seven of us had a great time there recently, camping at the Trevaylor campsite in Botallack, near St. Just. We climbed at Sennen [twice] and Bosigran, interspersed with surfing lessons for some, ice-cream eating [any excuse to have a break!] and a coast path walk back from Sennen to the campsite [a modest 7 miles] for two people who also needed a rest from climbing. One person, who will remain nameless, went off on Saturday morning to hunt for a pub TV that was showing an important Nottingham Forest match. And we won’t name those who thoroughly enjoyed their pub evening meal and then left without paying. The cliffs seemed to have got steeper, and the climbs harder, over the years for certain older members in the party, and it was a good decision not to do Commando Ridge [which we had taken 6 hours to do on a previous occasion] as Dave Beynon [who’d dropped in at the campsite to say hello to Castle members] had found it, with so many climbers attempting it that day, very slow with long waits at uncomfortable belays in the cold north wind. Torrential rain on Easter Monday persuaded four to leave [it took 10 hours to drive back to Sheffield], but the remainder stayed on to sample St. Ives art [!] and cycling. Thank you to Paul,Hugh, Rachael, Nigel, Jonny and Elly for your excellent company. Meet organiser – Vanda
Mountain bike ride 15 April 2012
A merry band of eight (Mary, Mike, David P, Leon, Alan, Pete and Dave Jenks and I) set off from Hope in bright sunshine. We got off to a good start with everyone tackling Pin Dale rather than taking the easier option on the tarmac. We gave a good account of ourselves almost making it to the top before falling off/dis-mounting.
A pleasant ride in the sun took us along the top of Dirtlow Rake to Eldon Hill Quarries and the fast downhill section to the road. We then rode over to the “challenging” hill at Rushop Hall leading on to Rushup Edge which gave some good sport and fantastic views whilst we had lunch.
We took the bridleway around the north side of Mam Tor. The heavily rutted track along the ridge down to Hollins Cross demanded lots of focus in order to avoid summersaulting through the air.
With the exception of Alan “Hard-Core” Cash who decided to take the “alternative” way down to the road, we turned left down to Greenlands via the rocky, stepped and rutted horror. Small children gawped in amazement as we sped down the track..! Pete “Technical” Tingle arrived at the bottom with a bent bike which then got stuck in the quagmire…
A short section of road took us to Clough Farm (where Jenks left us) and the superb track to Hope Cross. Our efforts on the long ascent were rewarded with a fast and furious downhill to a sharp bend which saw a few of us teetering on the edge above the stream. Unfortunately, a group of horses prevented us from riding up to Hope Cross and so we had to get off and push – I’m sure we’d have made it to the top otherwise, honest..!!
Having decided to save The Beast for another day, we headed over to Win Hill. Pete narrowly avoided two lambs which were playing “chicken” and got his chain jammed. After a bit of beard-stroking and faffing we managed to get it free. The lambs looked on sheepishly…
The fast and rocky downhill to Fullwood Stile Farm provided the last blast of the day and just when we thought all difficulties were over, David took a spill. Fortunately, Lucozade aided recovery and we were soon off to the Woodbine Cafe to congratulate ourselves on a job well done!
Thanks for coming everyone, can’t wait until the next one..!!
Nigel
Trespass Walk 22 April 2012
As many of you are aware today is the 80th anniversary of the Mass Trespass Trail on Kinder Scout – the reason why so many of us have enjoyed the “freedom to roam” on the hills for so many years. Nine people and one impressive wall-hopping dog turned out at New Mills to embark on the Trespass Trail Walk.
Following the Sett Valley Trail, we headed for Hayfield to a designer cafe for morning coffee. A 16 mile fell run was just starting as we arrived, but we decided that we would give it a miss this year! From Hayfield we arrived at Bowden Quarry, where the Trespass leaderd rallied the crowds before heading on to Kinder. After a lunch break at Kinder Reservoir, we walked a short distance up William Clough. Due to a late start it was decided that we did not have enough time to climb further (where the trespassers confronted the Duke of Devonshire’s gamekeepers and the Manchester and Sheffield ramblers met in 1932) so we doubled back along White Brow to a shooting cabin. We then ascended Lantern Pike, not part of the intended route, but worth the effort for the views. Two members of the party then opted for a shorter way back whilst the rest of us continued en route and enjoyed very pleasant rolling countryside through Rowarth and onward to New Mills. For the last couple of miles we experienced hail and some heavy rain but, undeterred, we followed the River Goyt, finishing along the remarkable suspended Millennium Walkway – qiuite a feat of engineering!
As many of you have already read, the entire walk was 15 miles and contained a deceptive 2 500 feet of ascent. This explains all the aching legs on Sunday evening! Thanks to all who took part. By completing the trail, maybe we have done a little to remeber those early trespassers, some of whom spent five months in prison, for our “right to roam” last Sunday.
Ali
For those who would like to find out more about the Kinder Trespass there are various events taking place this week, including walks, talks and slide shows. Many look very interesting. Visit www.kindertrespass.com for more details.
Jubilee weekend 2-5 June 2012
An AMC splinter group consisting of Rob, Sharon and Dave decided to celebrate
the continuing survival and non retirement of an octogenarian aristocrat by
escaping to the land of midges and heather.
Fun and games on the road resulted in a late arrival at Poolewe on Friday, and
we finally reached Carnmore bothy around 11pm. Despite the basic floor the
bothy was more watertight than we had been led to believe, and surprisingly
contained actual beds.
Saturday morning saw Sharon and I head off to climb a route on A’Mhaighdean
while Rob abandoned us to bag some more Munros down around Torridon.
A steep slog led to the base of “Pillar Buttress”, which provided some good
sport and coincidentally resolved some decade old unfinished business regarding
the Fisherfield 6.
Sunday morning saw us walk back to Poolewe & drive south to reconvene at the
Sligachan camp site on Skye where we also found certain members of the Castle
Mountaineering Club. A pleasant evening in the pub ensued.
A quick bimble up Mr. Horlers Last Skye Munro on Monday, and then it was time
to start heading south.
A brief detour into Glen Coe yielded no photos, but was quite fruitful in
terms of midge bites.
Anyway, who wants to read this nonsense? Here are some pictures:
http://www.spectral3d.co.uk/Personal/pics/2012/jubilee_june_2012/index.html
Good time had by all, good weather, productive blah etc.
Dave Beynon
David’s Big Easy Walk 10 June 2012
Five intrepid Members set off from Hartington at 9am, aiming to follow the River Dove downstream to Ilam, from where we would follow the River Manifold upstream to Hulme End and then along roads and over fields back to Hartington.
The Co-ordinator had promised well surfaced paths and hence recommended light footwear – most feet were wet within the first two miles due to flooded meadows!
However, drainage improved and we were at the Stepping Stones before midday. Unfortunately, heavy rain earlier in the week had moved one of the stones, so we stayed on the same bank down to the bridge where we met Charles. On to the car park and and excellent ice creams, just meeting up with the cycling party who arrived dead on time at midday. We rejoined them for lunch on some well-situated benches outside Ilam Hall.
Following a section beside the Manifold, we climbed further up the hillside, with views of hares, past the ruined Throwley Old Hall and over a ridge, providing dramatic views of Beeston Tor. The Manifold Trail took us to Wettonmill for well deserved pots of tea and a further reunion with the cyclists. A scenic gated road took us up the dale to where we rejoined the Manifold Trail to Hulme End. A shortish section of road and hay meadows full of flowers took us back to Hartington by 5.15pm and a well deserved pint at the Charles Cotton Hotel.
While billed as a 24 miler, it did not seem quite that far – Leon’s GPS suggested 21. I will have to recalculate!
Whatever the distance, the scenery was spectacular with rock arches, towers, caves, spires and cliffs. Both rivers were also running high and fast – not the usual crystal clear Dove or Manifold which is often dry over some sections.
David
Roaches 17 June 2012
The weekend at the Roaches condensed just to Sunday, but it turned out a lot better than expeted.
Leon, David C., Andrew, Ali, Caroline, David P., Linda for quick visit, Helen and I met at the car park at 1100hrs, raining and gloomy. While waiting for David P. who had a walk in mind for us, Ali produced a book on scrambles and we decided to scramble instead.
We started at the right end of the lower tier (Thin Air) and gradually moved along the top, choosing the biggest boulders and trying to keep up with Ali. Everybody in the group tried to follow the hardest scramble route. I soon realised that it was less scary to walk round the boulders and I did that a few times when they weren’t looking.
At the level of Valkyrie, Marc appeared with a big rucksack full of climbing gear. We, then realised that the weather had changed and it was ok to climb, I personally had not noticed that due to the amount of concentration with the scramble. Some of us rushed to the cars to exchange the walking rucksacks for the climbing ones. Helen didn’t have to exchange, very wisely she distributed her daily walking possessions into several rucksacks! The rest of the group finished the scrambling route.
Coincidentally, later on, we all met at the bottom of Maud’s Garden, Helen and I queuing to get on it followed by Caroline and David C. Andrew and Ali did it before the queue started. There, we had lunch together with a backgroung of singing and clapping by a group of teenagers nearby.
Helen got very proficient at handling her beautiful green rope which matched my trousers perfectly. We had a fantastic time. On the way home we stopped below Hen Cloud, some hardy ornithologists gave us the latest update on the Peregrine Falcons and we saw them flying around and perched on the rock.
Thank you to Ellen and Bill for inviting everybody to their house for a cup of tea.
Rosa.
Hartington Walk 1 July 2012
Eight of us gathered at 10am by the duck pond in the centre of Hartington: myself, Mike, Hugh, Leon, Steve and Sue, Greg and Sue [plus their 2 dogs]. The planned 12 mile walk would take us through unfamiliar territory west of Hartington, passing through Sheen, Brund and Hayes, before heading northwards by Rewlach to rejoin the Manifold valley and following it to Longnor, before crossing over to the Dove valley to head directly back to Hartington. [But at the end of the walk, according to Steve’s GPS, we’d actually doneBy 14 miles]. Having started by a duck pond, the watery theme unfortunately continued throughout the day. The weather forecast hadn’t been very promising, especially for the morning, and we were soon putting our hoods up and donning waterproof trousers. The long and lush grass made gaiters a good choice, but after a proper splashy bog-trot through the marshland south of the appropriately named ‘Spout’ farm, we had all relaxed [I think] into having squelchy boots and the discussion briefly turned to the hazards of trench foot. Lunch was delayed looking for somewhere vaguely dry to sit on/under, but a very large and comfortable log was found that fitted 8 of us perfectly. People were puzzled where we were, but having successfully navigated the more challenging part of the walk [with so many choices of footpaths] and not got us lost for once[!] I was now back on familiar territory for the middle section of the walk and confident that Longnor would soon appear ahead, which it did. The main hazard from then on were the fields of frisky cows which were attracted to the 2 dogs; occasionally one felt as though one was taking part in some cowboy film, but not from the safety of sitting on top of a horse, with the cows bucking and kicking up their heels, as they wheeled and rampaged around in a group. By early afternoon, the sodden, but still cheerful [I think], group voted to give the Longnor tea-shop a miss and press on to the Dove valley, with a then direct and straightforward return to Hartington. Finally at last the sun came out, over-trousers came off and suddenly it felt like summer. There were wonderful views back to Chrome and Hollins Hill, and the walk down the upper Dove, which was unfamiliar to many of us, was a delight, including passing close to Pilsbury Castle. Approaching from the north, Hartington remained completely hidden until the very last moment, but discussion had already taken place about the competing attractions of tea plus cake versus beer plus crisps. It was now almost 5 oclock, so with the serious possibilty of missing out on our well-earned treat/reward for the day’s endeavours, Mike and I headed straight for the tea-shop in sodden boots, soon followed by Steve and Sue. I had the best sticky toffee pudding with ice-cream I’ve had in years – huge and absolutely yummy. Sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye, and thank you for your cheery company, to the rest of you on the walk. Vanda
Langdale weekend 14-15 July 2012
Irrespective of potential suspect weather the Langdale meet was busy with 14 members at various points over the weekend with some lucky individuals starting early with climbing and walking on the Friday. An enjoyable Friday evening with everyone catching up before various groups going off walking, climbing and scrambling on the Saturday. A full day had by all and a successful Sunday with the full range of activities again before the rain appeared by about 5pm with only a few unfortunates caught in it. I thoroughly enjoyed myself so thank you to all. Summed up for me by a text I received ‘fantastic laughing and great climbing’ – what more could you want.
North Wales Meet 20-21 October 2012
Last weekends away meet in North Wales was very enjoyable. We were blessed with good weather and the Hut at Deniolin, belonging to The Gloucester MC was excellent.
In attendance were Dave Pendlebury, Mark Proctor, Nigel Wragg, Mary Reap John Barnard, on Sunday, Gary Shepard and new member Marcus Kenyon. After heavy rain Friday night we decided that Tramadog would be our driest bet. We split into three groups, Mark and Dave went of to do desperate things leaving the rest of us mortals to do easier ( more enjoyable ) things. I and Gary went of to find some V.Diffs and Mary Marcus and Nigel ( They sound like 60’s pop group) went of to do Poor Man’s Paltry. On there second climb they upheld a Castle tradition and did a head torch decent.
A convivial evening was spent in the hut enjoying the coal fire and each others company and wondering if we should call out the Mountain Rescue for Nigel and Co. The local hostelries are not noted for their warm welcome to the English.
Sunday dawned bright and warm. JB and Gary went off to do The Snowdon Horseshoe and the rest of us headed for the Llanberis Pass. Climbing in three groupes of two, myself and Mary, Marcus and Nigel, Marcus and Dave. All but one team had a good time: between falling off, route finding problems and abandoning gear one of them was heard to say, I have had enoughI want to go home.
I will not mention names ( although I can be bribed ) just to say that it wasn’t me or Mary.
Hugh
Litton/Tideswell walk 11 November 2012
17 set out on a lovely sunny day to walk from Litton along the Dales to the Horse and Jockey, in Tideswell and joined by others for lunch and the second half of the walk. We managed to get back without the use of head torches and a few of us could not resist the Red Lion to finish of the day. Congrats to Imogen aged 12 for completing her longest walk ever, 12 miles, and was full of enthusiasm. I am also pleased as it was my longest walk this year and I feel fine today!! Also it was a good crowd in Wetherspoons, about 18 of us, many who had not been walking, helped me finish off my birthday celebrations. So thanks to all for making my birthday special. cheers Linda.
Elton walk 18 November 2012
As always, a good idea for the meet organiser to have other walkers in the car with them to guarantee company, so we started off as a small select band of Mike Doyle, Chris Kell and my older sister Jane, as well as Charles Knowles who had arrived separately. The walk followed a clockwise circular loop from Elton, heading initially SW before dropping down into Long Dale [where Charles and Jane peeled off for Jane to catch her train] and then staying up high, with stunning views in all directions, towards Youlgreave. Here we dropped down briefly following the river to Alport before heading east to Stanton in Peak. My idea of following a fairly direct line back towards Elton was thwarted by my not appreciating that the planned track ran through the private grounds of Stanton Hall, with discouraging notices about visitors on every entrance gate, so we were forced to do a bit of road walking towards Birchover. Chris had put on an impressive bit of acceleration when we realised that none of us had torches and time was passing, but we arrived safely back in Elton in daylight with time to spare to visit the very pretty local church. Then it was back to Sheffield via the Chatsworth traffic jam [Christmas market w/e] for tea and biscuits at High Storrs Road. A thoroughly enjoyable and great day out, on many new footpaths,in warm winter sunshine, clear blue skies all day , good company and not too many twinges after only 11 miles.
Vanda Boyd
Ringinglow Walk 25 November 2012
A party of 9 assembled outside the Norfolk Arms including the President and a number of the usual suspects ,but with the welcome addition of new member Lulu and 2 prospective members James and Dan.
Initially it was blustery with rain showers and cold enough for hats and gloves.Emerging out of Lady Canning’s plantation we were exposed to the full force of the weather.One or two put on over trousers while those who wanted to deviated slightly to touch the trig point by Ox Stones.That formality completed we pulled hoods up and headed south across Burbage Moor.By Houndkirk Road the rain had largely stopped, but it was wet underfoot as we crossed Hounkirk Moor.
Then we were into the shelter of Blackamoor Nature Reserve after which we headed up to Stoney Ridge.The rain had now definitely gone and we had good all round views.Hats and gloves came off, but conditions on the ground remained boggy.
Passing the quarries at Burbage South we climbed Carl Wark and pressed on to Higger Tor where we ate lunch in the sunshine.
Continuing to Stanage we were treated to crystal clear views in beautiful winter sunshine.Keeping up the pace (to avoid finishing in the dark!)the traverse of Stanage was soon completed and we regrouped at Stanage Pole.
A short descent to Redmires followed after which we floundered our way over some seriously soggy moorland before emerging,eventually,at the road alongside Lady Canning’s plantation.From here it was an easy romp through the woods back to the Norfolk Arms where we arrived in good shape ( but some with wet feet) a good half hour before sunset.
Most then headed for home,but Hugh and I decided to finish the day with a drink at the Norfolk Arms.
Mike