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On a slightly cooler morning than of late, 13 of us, plus obligatory pooch assembled in Rails Rd car park for a prompt start [yes, even the President and Hugh]. Good to see Gordon R. out on a meet again. Amongst many exciting tales of climbing during the last few warm days, we ascended the old track up to Bell Hagg edge, where we quickly discounted the idea of a quick solo, wondering why it used to appear on evening climbing meets lists, maybe we were different then? Martin did admit to having climbed a few routes [no surprise].
We wandered along the narrow path until the meet leader came to familiar territory. It being Thursday he couldn’t resist visiting the golf course. Supressing the urge to stay and play, we continued to the perfect coffee stop, two benches and what would have been extensive views of Rivelin Edge and beyond, had there not been a slight mist restricting visibility. It was noticed that one of the memorial benches was for a local killed in the 9/11 twin Towers atrocity.
Continuing along the highest part of the edge, a slight drizzle started falling, a bit worrying for the meet leader who hadn’t bothered with a waterproof. However this soon ceased and all was well until the 1pm lunch hour deadline was missed, causing some consternation. The planned stop at Wyming Brook stepping stones was reached by 10 past, relief all round and no lynching for the inexperienced leader.
Post lunch meant a crossing of the stones but despite more than one camera at the ready, no immersions took place. Descending the wide track in order to examine more esoteric climbing opportunities, the pace picked up somewhat, so much so that the speedy frontrunners whizzed past the planned short cut near the bottom. this was later blamed for the total mileage being greater than advertised.
On reaching Rivelin Dam we made our way through the woods to a second, more challenging, set of stepping stones where a group photo was taken [see Facebook]. This almost caused a wetting, but not quite. Passing through the water treatment works [we were untreated] we found a tiny zebra crossing provided to help us cross the equally tiny, and empty, works road. On encountering the busy A57 we were forced to cross unaided, a heroic effort.
Ascending the fields opposite we came to our final obstacle, a broken/badly mended stile which produced a variety of ways to overcome it. All three of under/through/over were eventually used. On reaching the final track, with some way still to go, the meet leader was informed that afternoon tea was not allowed on Thursday walks, so after a quick slurp of water we headed towards the Stannington Rd, eventually turning downhill, resisting the temptation to visit Barnard Towers, and returned to our cars.
A variety of distances recorded on similar GPS devices ranged from 7.2 to 7.9 miles, the meet leaders said 7.7 so we’ll stick with that.
Thanks to all who came, very enjoyable, I might come again.
I’ll put some pics on Facebook if it lets me.
Cheers
Paul Gibson.
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