PDBW Langsett to Bradfield Report

[Alison Milne]

Seven walkers and two cyclists met on Sunday 3 September at Low Bradfield. Having bid cyclists farewell for their hilly tour of various surrounding valleys, we ferried the required cars and walkers and then set off from Langsett Reservoir,. The pace was brisk to match the gusty wind . We headed through pockets of woodland and forestry rich with tasty and very ripe blackberries, but alas not enough time to pick them. We then skirted Midhope Reservoir to emerge on the edge leading to our lunch destination. We stopped for a late morning refreshment, admiring the views down into the Ewden Valley, before challenging ourselves to stand up from ground level without hands. Two members were successful but aided perhaps by sloping ground. Onward to Bolsterstone where the cyclists had just arrived. Lunch took place in the churchyard and a quick visit inside the church followed, to admire the stained glass windows. Entertainment was provided by folk attempting headstands. But remember too long upside down can play havoc with balance and walking skills!
The afternoon stage continued down in to the Ewden valley and in between Broomhead and Morehall Reservoirs. A slight detour here involved a half mile u-turn before we huffed up the other side of the valley. We passed some old quarry workings before descending into High Bradfield. Another slight detour ensued here which meant that we had to complete more unwanted down and up with an even more unwanted wasp sting. The finale of the walk involved a steep descent into Low Bradfield and an unfortunate argument with a dog who didn’t like sticks. Glad to say everyone arrived back at the car park in one piece.
Overall an interesting and varied route. The usual ambiguous route description in the book led to various unanswered questions along the way. For example: When is a wide path a track? But this dilemma, at least, led to the most imaginative list of track adjectives, that I have heard for a long time. 11.8 miles completed on the day and ascent of 1346+ feet or 410+m. Thanks to all who came.
Ali

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