Some of us were prepared for the low sun with a variety of peaked caps which, we thought, added a touch of sophistication to the otherwise casually but functionally dressed six Slow Warts. Andy’s route for us was a shock, there was a significant amount of quiet road amongst the mainly pleasant footpaths and tracks (yes!) and a total climb of about 300m all in the Bradfield Ewden area. There were even a few isolated houses and a Sheffield University environmental studies centre, formerly, it was suggested, some sort of spy establishment (?). There was a risk that we may have become overwhelmed by so much civilisation after many previous routine outings to rough moorlands in deep heather, bracken and bilberry. However, we weren’t overwhelmed nor were there any vegetation withdrawal symptoms and we enjoyed it in the wonderful September sunshine.
Our long section of road after the first climb from Low Bradfield allowed us to look up from the ground without fear of being entangled in any ankle grabbing bracken etc., and enjoy the extensive views from the top of the first climb including apparently Greno or Wharncliffe Woods (?). It is inevitable that after a climb there is always a descent so we descended through some pleasant fields, avoiding some dangerous gorse, to another road. Such was our enjoyment that to avoid any faintness due too much pleasantness, a rest was needed, on the discarded sofa conveniently placed for Chris and Tim.
Now fully rested, more delights awaited us as we entered a delightful wooded dell with a babbling brook and bridge for us to pose on. More road and then a visit to Pogg’s Wood which I couldn’t find on my map and which had been newly signposted by the local authority, Bradfield Parish Council. Incidentally, we non-residents of this parish owe them for their work in numbering the footpaths we used, i.e. path numbers 17, 35, 196 and possibly others. Could these be used for navigating a way through the area in future, maybe we should try?
A few more fields and roads brought us to White Lee Moor Forest where somehow, we had become separated as Andy took a more direct line (surprise, surprise) with John unbeknown to the remaining four of us who took the long way round. We four waited for John but to no avail until Moz had the bright idea of phoning, thereby accounting for all of us!
A descent by Agden Rocher and Agden reservoir, missing the shortest stream in the world, to Low Bradfield completed our two-hour expedition which included about 3 km of road and much running, of one of our longest (distance) 2 hour runs.
Of course, it had to be the Plough at Low Bradfield for the post run analysis though I spent some time talking about ears and then the next three week’s start locations, gosh.
Thanks to all for a grand evening and to Andy for the very different route.
Graham
