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The best-laid plans of mice and men must often be amended. Five joined the meet leader (who had recce’d the route two weeks earlier, honest) at Dale Road for a circuit of Dale Dyke reservoir and rising ground to the west. Progress was slower than normal as the drugged-up (well, ibuprofen) leader hobbled along at the back (sore Achilles), using poles to semaphore directions to the lead walkers (who did, kindly, stop at major junctions).
We took the SE waterside path along to the bridge, then stopped for twelveses just below the holidays lets at Brogging before ascending the track to Mortimer Road. Our route should then have been the concessionary path through the woods across the road, but a sign warning of tree felling blocked the stile into the wood (no sign or warning of it on the recce). No problem, back down the track to the nice hillside bridleway returning above the reservoir on the NW side. Met the farmer at the far end who informed us that the goats there are his daughter’s pets and are not farmed – though they are multiplying rapidly. Up the lane and across Mortimer Road to the bilberry-lined Thornsett Road (now an overgrown track) – bilberries rather poor there this year.
Felling was going on in a big way just past where the concessionary path exits the wood, so it will seem very different in there next time we visit. A fallen tree across the track provided a minor obstacle just before the exit gate – now reverse-opening, with the retaining chain acting as hinge. Walking round the quarry edge a decision was made to take lunch on the far side, with a view of the moors – this proved a good choice as we found a sheltered sun-trap past the exit gate. Some sheep showed initial interest in our sandwiches, but stopped a few yards away so we ate in peace enjoying the warmth and purple heather.
A post-prandial nap would have been easy, but we passed through another wonky gate to the return path, with views of Agden rocks then Damflask reservoir as we rounded the hill and walked back down to Mortimer Road. A final stretch of bridleway took us back to the cars after our 6 mile stroll. Thanks to all for coming along.
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