Thursday walk report 26 December 2019

[Andy Smith]

Ten members gathered at Bradwell for the Boxing Day
Thursday walk. The weather forecast was continuous light
rain, which was more or less correct though it was very
light, indeed at times so light it was barely discernible.
We headed up Top Hole Road and Earl Rake to get to the
entrance to the now disused Moss Rake Quarry, which has
recently been opened up as a new climbing area. We walked
up into the quarry which cannot be seen from any right of
way but is actually quite big. Most of us walked down to
get a better view of the climbing areas, passing a number
of bolted routes up a loose steep wall, which reminded some
of us why climbing loose steep quarry walls never appealed.
One person commented that an easier angle and a big pot of
superglue would not go amiss. We regrouped at the road at
the top of the quarry, known as Batham Gate, the line of an
old Roman road which ran from Templeborough (near Rotherham)
to the Roman fort at Brough and on to Buxton. A coffee break
was taken here, after which two of the party decided to
return to Bradwell.

The remaining eight pressed on via an old mineshaft to the
top of Bradwell Moor. A path down the other side brought us
to the Limestone Way which was crossed to reach Oxlow Rake,
accessed by an awkward stile (one of many on the walk). We
walked up through the beech trees to reach the Limestone Way
again at the top of the hill, where we paused for lunch by
a gate. Mud had not been lacking up to this point but on
the other side of the gate was a deep wide stretch which we
tackled after lunch, and after a discussion of the mudness
scale. We continued muddily along the trail, passing a dead
cow, a rather rare sight. Dead sheep, yes, but I’d never
seen a dead cow on a walk before. At his point we noted a
party of six ahead, the only other people we saw on the
whole walk. On reaching the five-way path junction, we
turned right off the Limestone Way onto a less muddy track.
We soon turned onto a path down through the fields which
ultimately took us back to Bradwell via Outlands Quarry.
7.8 miles; 1220 ft of ascent. After doffing wet waterproofs
and muddy boots, we tucked into hot buttered crumpets
washed down by mugs of tea. A contribution of mince pie
flavoured cheese was sampled without, it must be said, any
great degree of approval. Thanks to all who came.

Andy & Rosy

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