Blue skies and a blustery wind welcomed the two groups of five walkers at Redmires Road. The journey began through the woodland of Fox Hagg, with short pauses for fungi photos and an exploration of a hidden culvert. After Rivelin dams and a babbling brook, we ascended to the Headstone. Here, Chris and Hugh summited via two separate routes. Traversing the moorlang above Oaking Clough, one group made good use of a shooting bluff for coffee, whilst the others strode on. We joined the far end of the Conduit, after passing some old military training trenches. At the small header reservoir one group stopped for lunch whilst the other investigated the now derelict Stanage Lodge. Onward from here we followed an unmapped but well trodden path to High Neb. The Stanage shelter-come- bus stop provided a useful location for a second lunch. Walking along the top of Stanage we admired the views and noted how many trees were changing colour. Next came Stanage Pole, the Roman road and Redmires. Here, the groups diverged in routes. One went over White Stones moor, whilst the other followed the reservoir shoreline – mainly due to a case of blisters. Back at cars, official mileage: group 1 = 10 miles, group 2 = 11.5 miles. A welcome refreshment outside The Sportsman before home. A day of “cat and mouse” or “hare and tortoise”, depending on perception. Great route, weather and company!
Ali
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