We had a route with three checkpoints and a “checkpath”, the latter to maintain it and to remember Tony Keddie whose foot path is now in the DPFR Slow Warts legend. Also, on the list were Bamford House, Cogman Cabin, Lost Lad or thereabouts and the small wood near Far Deep Clough. First though, an energetic stair climb up by the side of Derwent Dam which was a second choice, after speculation by the climbers in our group, of making a crossing via the dam wall itself. Thankfully, sense prevailed,,,,,,,.so we went for the stairs.
Whilst it felt as if we’d made enough effort on the stairs getting to the track, there was more climbing to come up a field which, over the years, had become more overgrown with bracken and hawthorn. This start had become familiar to us so, as creatures of habit, we drifted towards Hancock Pond which was not a checkpoint. Having corrected ourselves, we climbed further attempting to avoid the deep heather and to find the wall for a rocky contour. Then we descended to the remains of Bamford House. We then went back up again and then down (as is the fell runners’ lot) to the “checkpath”. It was certainly overgrown with heather in places but our passage through it will help keep it open. We continued on this path to Cogman cabin where we all gathered for a discussion and photo break. Tea perhaps next time?
Last week’s classic Hunter Wreck race had started thoughts about its route and the comparisons between out of bounds (OOB), trespass and race route variation following Roger’s confession that he may have strayed from the so-called very vegetated “Corridor” route originally suggested or stipulated (?) by RO Andy. Fortunately, there is another year for this tricky problem to be resolved, or perhaps, not? No doubt, it will provide many hours of discussion, and distraction.
Returning to what we were meant to be doing, fell running, our next challenge was to reach Poynton Bog. Our own experience and the ominous blue printing (associated with lakes and rivers) of “Poynton Bog” on the OS map tell us what to expect. However, there was disappointment for a few and delight for the others, the latter escaping miraculously with dry feet. The blue printing may now have to be changed?
On the subject of maps, DPFR members are attempting to make a list of interesting places visited by Dark Peakers but which are either not been marked on the map or are unnamed places on the map which have been given names by DPFR members. Perhaps the Aztec Stone, Bob’s Rock, Tom’s Tree,………., it’s up to you to identify them!
Having crossed the dry Bog, we slow four rounded Lost Lad End to see the fast fives’s torches moving away from Far Deep Clough wood, so, in order not to delay their return to the cars, we slow four decided to go directly back via Hollin Clough, missing out the wood.
The usual welcome awaited us at the YBI, where a table had been ”reserved” for us so we could discuss anything from politics and literature to, surprisingly, fell running and yes, we agreed it had been a great outing and we also agreed to set off early next week from King’s Tree.
Thanks to all.
Graham
