It is probable that most of the Slow Warts could be described as curiosities in their own ways but this time we were on the search for landmarks in the rarely visited (for us) area around Ocean View at Redmires. It has been suggested the dimpled (small hollows and mounds) military training ground was named in the optimistic and ambitious hope of seeing both the east and west coasts simultaneously. Whilst the Rivelin Valley and the Stanage moors were clearly visible, disappointingly, no sea could be seen. However, Pete G pointed out that it was fertile ground for challenging or possibly even confusing orienteers.
In the absence of Andy H and Tom W, our plan had been democratically discussed amongst the ten of us including new arrival, the speedy Mick C, and occasional Slow Warts Penny (to keep Anna company), Paul S and Pete G. To maintain our Harmerian dosage, we made a short direct crossing to the bridge over the conduit which was rather choked up with weeds. The Headstone never disappoints though despite the number of climbers in our group, no one actually summitted.
Instead, we returned to the conduit for our next curiosity, the Haunted House, which with a bit of renovation and TLC, would make a bijou residence for anybody with hermit tendencies.
Disputatious is the word to describe the preamble to the decision to not go to what Chris called “t..t” valley, much to his disappointment. However, with order restored, we sped off up to Stanage via the now infamously non-existent tree mysteriously cut down sometime before the Sycamore Gap tree was notoriously cut down. Our generally calm mood had returned by the time we reached the inappropriately named “bus shelter” after we had passed the fenced off mining shafts. The bus shelter is a model for a robust roadside citstructure but it just happens to be in the wrong place. Despite this inconsistency, we celebrate its curiosity status.
Nearby, the obligatory visit to High Neb trig was made for our routine planning meeting for the next section of the route.
This lifted our spirits before our tussock-rich moor crossing past Stanage Lodge and the large fishing (?) pond with its incongruous line of parked cars. This touch of civilisation prepared us for our return to the car park where we were greeted by a hirsute wild swimmer who was keen to go running, inspired by the sight of the Slow Warts. Although it surprises me that anyone could thinks we were inspiring, wild swimming in the warm waters (so I was told) of Redmires sounded pretty amazing.
Our post-run refreshment was at the Three Merrie Lads, last visited (if at all) a long time ago, was nevertheless equally welcoming as the YBI; did the YBI miss us I wonder? Not to waste any time at the pub on chit-chat, Paul S set up a new WhatsApp community incorporating all the Dark Peak interest groups. Now we’ll all be fully informed of the Dark Peak goings on! Roger and others recounted their experiences in the various mountain marathons for the benefit of Anna who had entered one (the Saunders?) this year.
It had been sunny with a gentle cooling breeze, we had encountered a few curiosities, we’d managed to enjoy some Harmerian ground and so we’d had a jolly good time! Thanks to all.
Graham
