Whilst Dennis Knoll was agreed last week as the next starting point, its scope for possible Harmerien experiences is limited without repeating fairly recent terrain. So, we (nine of us) were faced with the dilemma of avoiding repetition or going on paths. We chose the latter in our democratic giddiness; Andy was away in the Lakes.
Things only got worse or better depending on preferences, we even included some road running, though not as much as a previous expedition last year to near Bradfield and the Canyards. Then, it also involved a settee discarded on the roadside, not something seen before or since on Slow Warts outings.
There was no such entertainment as we set off from Dennis Knoll, on the road, to reach a path leading to Buck Stone which was duly climbed by very young and moderately old Slow Warts.
The rest of us stood and watched or, more likely, rested before tackling the long traverse of Stanage Edge towards its eastern end. Whilst it was warm and sunny, the occasional shadow briefly and ominously passed over. These were not meteorological effects but the shadows of paragliders chasing and enjoying the lift from the edge. A rare sight.
There had been a suggestion to include Higger Tor and Carl Wark but this was considered just too much enjoyment so Callow Bank was the alternative via the fully grown bracken infested steep side or the clear path. We chose the latter to avoid any of the blood letting experienced a couple of weeks ago in the Mihopestones area. There was a half-hearted attempt at some Harmerian ground when we made a short, short-cut across to the path descending towards Mitchell Field Farm. By the path, curiously and remarkably an old farmhouse originally built on unstable silty (?) ground had slowly disintegrated but recently had been completely rebuilt but appeared to be still unoccupied. What is the story of this house?
Pondering this question diverted our attention from the road descent (!) to the Toothill Farm track where a herd of cows had to be negotiated, successfully. However, prompted by the sight of the cows, and to emphasise just how low we had come, physically (e.g. use of roads) and mentally, there was a discussion on bull tossing. It always surprises me just how much collective knowledge is held by the Slow Warts. We were entertained by the graphic and detailed (possibly too much) description of this process on the road down to Hathersage church.
However, we were brought to our senses by the climb up the field to another rebuilt farmhouse and then on to Green’s House (more building work going on), avoiding the civilisation of Brookfield Manor and North Lees.
After about two hours of some intermittent running we made it back to Dennis Knoll but just how far had we been and how much climbing did we manage? According to Chris’s track he had descended more than he had climbed and according to John’s track, Chris had run 0.3 miles further than John. All in all, this demonstrates just how low we had come. Next week, proper Slow Warting will return when we attempt the Way Out West Summer Series race.
Our usual watering hole of the YBI provided the usual opportunity for fertile discussions on everything. Despite all the paths, tracks, road and incursions into civilisation, we had enjoyed ourselves. Thanks to all.
Graham
