Shall we, shan’t we, wear our waterproofs? Such wardrobe discussions have been rare in recent unusually dry outings but driving up the recently reopened Derwent valley road to King’s Tree, dark clouds were gathering over the head of the valley where we nine of us were going, including John joining us for a recuperative walk. Indeed, at King’s Tree it was already raining, as predicted on the Margery Hill mountain weather forecast which also included a “feels like” temperature of -3⁰C and a strong northerly wind.
Some of us did, and some didn’t, wear waterproofs but they were of little use as we waded across the river Derwent to prepare us for what was to come. The chilling of feet and lower legs proved to be a fine opportunity to praise the benefits of the Barber Bloomers, in keeping thighs cosy. However, the effect was rather spoilt when Chris only just avoided a complete immersion, including his Bloomers, by clinging on to a conveniently exposed tree root. Our cold lower limbs were soon forgotten as we warmed up on the climb to the two Cold Side pinnacles. Here, more waterproofs were donned for protection from the increasing wind and rain, described simply by Tim as “not nice”.
It was almost a pleasure to cross over Long Edge and then over a spot height (446m) on a quad track thereby avoiding a concentration of tussocks before the steep path climb up towards High Stones and Howden Edge. We became a bit strung out towards Wet Stones but regrouped there to take bearings to our main target, the shelter on Featherbed Moss (one of several inviting sounding Featherbeds in the Peak District). One of the few stream beds near a line of shooting butts was followed until a bright light was asked for, to scan for the shelter which was duly found, only a few yards away, all thanks to Bob’s fine navigation.
At the cabin
Our route impinged on some races in the area so we crossed the Margery Hill race at Long Edge and later, the Mickleden Straddle above Howden Clough and the Derwent Watershed, as we followed the latter from the shelter to Howden/Wilfrey Edges. Now facing into the wind and rain, our enjoyment could be measured by the extent of the conversation; none! Nevertheless we reached Wilfrey Edge path and started to climb upwards towards Margery, we thought, until it was realised our direction was south so a rapid reversal brought us back on track (see below) and, after more weather battling, to precisely, Margery Hill.
Our thoughts were now for the comfort of the car park so a dash was made directly to Cut Gate avoiding any worn peaty “paths” to reach, to my surprise, the flagstones which I didn’t realise existed, having cut the corner more on the Margery Hill race. Slow Warts are right (!) to avoid paths as in the dark the latter parts of the path descent into Cranberry Clough were tricky so it was a relief for a short time only to reach the path to the Slippery Stones bridge. From then on, the hard track was only relieved by the thought that we were near to the cars which prompted a sprint finish to the Tree.
The Sheffield Ecclesall Slow Warts were depleted with Clive and Tom being crocked so Roger and I came via Hathersage and could see the blocked main entrance to the Yorkshire bridge Inn. This advanced information enabled us to get to YBI before the rest of the group by parking at one of the other parks. Remember, sadly, that even though we may not be a drinking club, there is an unmentioned race to the pub to get the drinks in early. Not that we were early, however, having spent two and a half hours on the hills, though Moz complained we weren’t out for long enough.
When we had got our drinks, and, as always, there was a broad discussion of anything at all that took our fancy but this time concentrating on historical artefacts of the Peak District. A mention of the footprint stone on Wet Stones and a visit to the cabin reminded Roger of the existence nearby of a part submerged carved stone depicting a squirrel or was it a Gaelic cross? Then the other possible artefacts came rolling in, ones at Ladybower Wood, Crook Hills and possibly the mausoleum near Glossop, all possible destinations for the Slow Warts. So what with all the geological adventures as well, the Slow Warts have morphed into an educational (geological and historical) drinking group with a little bit of running or bumbling along, thrown in.
Whatever, it had been a challenging wonderful outing, one to be long remembered, thanks to all.
Graham
Our track and details, thanks again to Chris
