Thursday walk meet report Feb 28

[vanda boyd]

On a slightly cooler morning than of late, 13 of us, plus obligatory pooch gathered in Rails Rd car park for a prompt start [yes, even the President and Hugh]. Good to see Gordon R. out with the club again. Amongst many tales of exciting climbing in the last few warm days, we ascended the old track up to the Bell Hagg edge, where we quickly discounted any ideas of a quick solo, wondering why the crag used to appear on evening meets lists. maybe we were different then? Martin actually admitted to having done a route or two there [no surprise].

We wandered along the narrow path until the meet leader came to familiar territory, it being Thursday he just couldn’t keep away from the golf course. Resisting the urge to stay and play we progressed to the end of the course to the perfect coffee stop, two benches and what would have been great views across to Rivelin Edge etc. unfortunately a slight mist restricted visibility somewhat. 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, there was a slight bit of drizzle, slightly worrying the meet leader who hadn’t bothered with a waterproof, but it soon ceased. The 1pm lunch deadline was missed causing some consternation but the planned stop at the stepping stones of Wyming Brook was reached before 10 past, where yet another bench and surrounding perches were made use of. Post lunch meant a crossing of the stones was required, despite more than one camera ready and waiting, no immersions took place.

Descending the wide track in order to observe yet more esoteric climbing opportunities, the pace picked up somewhat, so much so that the planned short cut near the bottom was completely missed by the speedy frontrunners. this was later blamed as the reason for total mileage being more than advertised. We eventually reached the Rivelin Dam and continued through the woods to a second, more challenging, set of stepping stones awaited. A group photo was arranged [see Facebook] which almost caused a wetting, but not quite. we then walked through the water treatment plant where a zebra crossing awaited us to help us cross a tiny works road. However, on reaching the busy A57 we crossed with no such assistance.

Ascending the fields, we came to the last substantial obstacle, a broken stile, badly mended, which was eventually negotiated by a variety of methods, under/through/over!

Reaching the final track the meet leader was told afternoon tea was not allowed on Thursday walks, so after a quick slurp of water we made our way towards the Stannington Rd. On eventually reaching the road we descended back to the car park. A variety of distances recorded on similar GPS devices ranged from 7.2 to 7.9 miles, meet leader said 7.7, so we’ll go with that.

Thanks to all who came, I’ll put some pics on the Facebook page if it lets me.

Cheers
Paul Gibson

[Author]

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