It was John D who noticed that after we’d reported yet another epic outing, it was getting to be a habit for the newly named Serious (formerly Slow) Warts. Some of us can’t even manage a slow pace but we are serious about managing a snail’s pace, hence the euphemistic Serious Warts.
Anybody watching us at Midhopestones Elbow (God help them) would have been forgiven for thinking we were some sort of mysterious secret society, as we changed into our shiny (waterproof) costumes and fitted our torches. There was an air of excitement and trepidation as we set off into the frost and snow and cold, serious cold, which with a north easterly wind, was forecast as a feels like temperature of about -5⁰C. And, it did feel like that.
As Serious Warts, we were unaccustomed to the concrete surface start but it prepared us for the even more uncomfortable rocky and icy track through North America, fun, fun and fun as Chris describes our outing. It was almost a relief, therefore, to get into some soft snow (up to about 3”) mixed with ever growing heather for our descent from Hingcliff Common. Even in the dark, we recognised a previous encounter there (last year?) with a wild camper who must have been surprised by a troupe of noisy breathless ne’er do wells passing by.
It was a bit intimidating to hear the roar (yes!) of the Little Don but fear not, there was an ice and snow covered slatted bridge (no hand rail) over it, just to perk up the jeopardy level. Having crossed it, Andy warned that we would cross it again though without a bridge, but higher up stream, ah well, that will make it easier, won’t it?
Now sheltered from the north easterly wind in the valley and the trees, we picked our way between the tree roots and branches before descending to the river and the faux fortified sheepfold. Was this arrangement to ward off potential sheep rustlers? Such speculation was dismissed as the more immediate problem of crossing the river, loomed. Leaving the fortifications, we retraced our steps to search for a suitable crossing. Whether the one we found was suitable, is questionable but it was better than returning to the bridge. Tim heroically led the way and was the anchor for the human chain to get everybody across. Thanks. We all crossed safely. I think cold water is believed to be beneficial but I’m not so sure though we were grateful for neoprene socks.
The BBC had published an article on mysterious lakes and ponds including, for example, Loch Ness and the Peak District’s Mermaid’s Pool. It failed to mention Mickledon Pond which has a distinct feeling of magic, perhaps. It is not easy to find, being hidden in a dip in the hill side and as witnessed by our wanderings (see Chris’s track) over rough ground and frequent referrals to various of our technologies. When we finally overlooked it, it was a group decision that waving at it was sufficient recognition of us reaching the Pond.
The Pond had not only been elusive but also the Landrover track which was to be our way out to, and by, Sugden Clough. First though, there were the snow and ice coated notorious, purple (?) plastic matting and the logs to skate over. We managed with no serious problem. The rest was straightforward compared with what we’d all been through but it did seem to be a long way, still, of course, in the snow and ice!
All was not over after 2 hours 45 minutes wandering the hills. Getting changed was the next challenge. I was trapped in my leggings, shoe laces were frozen and shoes could not be removed until reaching the pub by which time, the warmth of the car had melted the ice.
Another epic! Thanks to all. It was very much a team effort and I think we were all pleased to have survived, a bit battered and cold but we did it.
Graham
