Anxiety levels were high, not because snow had fallen but because more snow and sub-zero temperature were forecast during our outing from Broomhead, possibly making the return journey problematic. So, only five Slow Warts gathered at the “wall” for a decision discussion. The possibility that we might not get to the pub weighed heavily on us so, perhaps ingloriously, we decided to go to lower ground, Low Bradfield, and run from there. Cars were still moving on the Mortimer Road so we tentatively drove along it before turning off for Low Bradfield but even in daylight, a car had slid and then enjoyed the delights of the roadside bracken, so becoming wedged into the ground.
Of course, our instinct was to stop and help but not even the might of five hardly heavily built fell runners could extricate the car from its beached position. More help appeared, a van and a local, s straight talking farming lady who suggested getting Trev’s tractor out but then more help, a Transit van with a tow rope, saved the day by simply pulling out the car. With the rescue now completed, we left but found that the road to Low Bradfield also seemed blocked. The farming lady assured us that it was Helen with the trailer feeding the sheep and, in time, it duly moved. We were then able to reach the relative balm and calm of the cricket field at Low Bradfield.
Even here in these benign conditions there was a temptation to return home, WITHOUT RUNNING but the psychological effect of the rescue needed some mental repair so it was concluded we should RUN and include Emlin as a check point. Still in daylight we left the road as soon as possible to enjoy the soft snow and slippery tree roots around Agden, then mourned the demise of the Wilken Hill hostel though it now has a smart red roof. Despite the general dislike of the long straight grind to the cabins from the gas station, we changed from an immediate ascent of Emlin to make a circuit instead finishing at Emlin. We do like to make things difficult for ourselves. The drag up to the cabins at least had the benefit of warming us up on an evening forecast to feel like -7⁰C in the mainly easterly wind.
At the cabins
Indeed we faced this chilling wind going towards Emlin and, as we encountered the wide open space of the part mown or burnt heather, we spread out in traditional Slow Warts’ habit, only to then converge at the trig point.
Emlin trig
Emlin trig again (spot the difference)
It then felt as if the run was over and done with but we then meandered through magical Agden Wood in soft and quiet snow passing a large old yew tree. Eventually we reached the reservoir via some twisting and disorienting paths to the wide, rocky and uncomfortable main track. Despite or because of Tom’s injection of pace (the pub is calling?), it still seemed a long way back to the cars though we had the pleasure of a softer finish over the Low Bradfield green.
After all the evening’s excitement, we had been out for a total of about two and a half hours, so it was thankfully a very short drive to the pub, where tales of other past epic adventures were recounted. “Do you remember when………………..? Tonight was another such sort of experience not to be forgotten, wonderful. Thanks to all.
Graham