Four last week, eight this week, all out to enjoy probably the first serious downpour of the summer for the Slow Warts. We were also forecast a “feels like temperature” of 8 C for added refreshment. Not daunted, we set off from Nether North Grain and admired the chocolate brown peaty waters gushing down the Grain. For a short time, a path made the going easy compared with what was to come for the rest of the outing, no path, but a classic mixture of tussocks, bilberry, reeds and bog with a steep-sided valley to cross. What more could we ask for?
Our line was northward and any path, like the rain, had disappeared as we crossed over Over Wood Moss and Alport Moor to wade the upper reaches of the Alport valley for our assault on the “Thes”, The Ridge and The Swamp. Whilst the Alport valley is a clearly defined feature much of the surrounding area is a bit bland with The Ridge being gently sloping on most sides. However, the climb to the rocks at Westend Head above The Ridge certainly sharpened things up for us.
There is a wonderful sweeping view around the bowl over The Swamp which we enjoyed on our visit to what is thought to be Bob’s Cave. However, typically, there was some discussion whether we were there or not.
Continuing in our characteristic ways, we split up into a couple of groups, one going around the top of the streams flowing into The Swamp and another more direct and possibly hillier way. Both groups did run near the fencing (which included a warning that this wasn’t the Pannine Way) at some stage with one group advised (by a world champion orienteer) to aim in the direction a plume of mist two or three miles away, precision navigation! Not that we compete, and just for information, the direct line group did not get back to the car first though the other group did include the faster (younger) boys.
It was a reminder of things to come that we reached the YBI in the semi-light, The talk there was of the need to trim our torch wicks for future outings and, of where the remotest place in the Dark Peak is. We couldn’t even agree how to define remotest, furthest from a road, most difficult to reach or simply the feel of the place but then how is “feel” defined. Instead, we were diverted to a photo of Andy’s straw regal outfit and to club outfits, vests, hats, track suit consisting of white top and brown leggings………………….. and so it went on until it was time to leave, in the dark. Torches next week? A great outing, thanks to all.
Graham
