It was Fi’s choice of route from Broomhead on an initially light evening. The usual conditions of wind and rain prevailed for a Warts’ Wednesday night so the waterproofs were very much to the fore. Also there was predominance of yellow Mudclaws, six out of the group of ten (ten of “the usual suspects”) were wearing them. Refreshingly, Fi had no plan to battle through the rhododendrons and over the girder crossing of Ewden as we headed off in the opposite direction towards a walled enclosure marked on the OS map but not on the Harvey map. The wall was found and it was reminiscent of but even less distinct than the John Field Howden enclosure.
The wind and rain continued though there was some relief as we sheltered behind the Broomhead cabin, Fi’s next check point. The rain had persisted most of the day and on previous days so streams and rivers were well topped up which made for the first of four interesting river crossings as we headed for Fox Stones across Oaken Clough and Ewden Beck. By now, the ten had become two groups, of four and six, who then raced to the Stones (the six group won!). Another indistinct wall was crossed as we went to the next crossing of Ewden Beck and then of Stainery Clough, also in full spate. Advice about which way to face when wading through the rushing water, upstream or downstream, I forget, was helpfully given by Ian W before we made for the new bridge over Oaken Clough, no more semi immersions! The groupings had now become five and five with the other group crossing the old footbridge at upper Oaken Clough. The wind and rain were now behind us on the climb to Flint Hill via a bit of the quad track but the light had faded so torches were now in use to the finish.
A grand and classic Warts’ adventure! Thanks to Fi and all
Graham