There were worries amongst the Slow Warts about whether the Mortimer Road would be accessible enough (road works) to reach the gas station, particularly for the Hathersage group, John D (and Moz) returning from injury recovery. Nevertheless, nine of us assembled at the gas station to agree Andy’s proposed route, i.e. Wet Stones via New Cross and back. As a reflection of the Slow Warts’ vaulting ambition to return to youthful expeditions, it was fine but the harsh reality of our current ability and the threat of later rain tempered our route choice. Instead, on Bob’s advice, Wet Stones was abandoned for a trip to Crook Clough and back.
Whilst the Slow Warts’ ambition had been curtailed, our competitive tendency remained so, having warmed up on the way to the shooting cabins, the race to New Cross was on, using a variety of possible lines, i.e. directly over the moor, up the track and then on to the Cross. There were about four or five variations, and, for the record, Tom and Tim got there first, the rest of us followed. To spice up our adventure, the threatened rain had arrived for our crossing of Cartledge Flats to an isolated outcrop of rocks which has one of the few signposts in this part of the Dark Peak, this one directing to Back Tor. Ignoring that, we headed for the Lammergeier (possibly?) roosting valley where one was seen a few years ago. None were seen however as we descended into the dramatic Abbey Brook for a climb out of Crook Clough (plenty of bilberries) for a soggy crossing to the Dukes Road where Jim joined after avoiding the Crook Clough diversion.
This deliciously oozy ground was preparing us for the delights of the very wet fields of golden Bog Asphodels near Wet Slack Ridge. That was surely enough to satisfy our lust for pretty flowers but as we avoided going to the shooting cabins again, we sauntered down Emlin Dike (a first for me) into high quality swamp on an ever-disappearing trod. Facing a wall of head-high bracken we cut short our enjoyment and crossed the dike and fought our up the steep and heather bound bank to join the outward path back to the cars which included Simon’s shiny new pick-up truck, his old one being sold for service in Ukraine.
Bog Asphodels
Somewhat wet after our two-hour soaking, we looked forward to the comfort of the Plough in Bradfield. However there was an ominous lack of parking which was confirmed by the crowding in the pub, mainly by the Sheffield Running Club ordering drinks and even food. Sadly, Simon, Bob, John and Moz didn’t manage to get to the bar and left. To add to John’s woes on his return to the Slow Warts, his car broke down on the way back home. Of course, John is now keen to get his pint without any incident next Wednesday.
Yet another night to remember, plenty of flowers, one hare and one grouse and plenty of both ground and sky water. A great wild moorland jaunt, thanks to all.
Graham