Should a group of six 70 plus year olds really be doing this sort of thing? Night time capers are a trade mark of outings organised by Andy and this was no exception. We risked being swallowed up forever into what looked like the entrance to Hades, jagged teeth like rocks anticipating masticating only slightly fleshy sacrificial beings well past their sell by date. The water oozing into the chasm/crevasse, providing the saliva like lubrication. The scene was set for a horror movie with the addition a misty moonlit sky.
Even before attempting to cross this life-threatening feature, getting to it was equally daunting. Running on the fells is always our ambition but there are times when it is rare to actually run, downhill perhaps, otherwise the Serious Warts are forced by BOA (bloomin’ old age) and other obstacles, to walk (quickly possibly). And, we walked up some remarkably steep, pasture like land to the crevasse. Our observation of the vegetation was greatly enhanced by the closeness of eyes to the ground. We made it, through the rocky debris of a previous landslide which had changed the shape and position of the Snake Road below. Efforts were now concentrated on finding a crossing place of the crevasse, Pete G went right and managed to get across. The rest of us went left, peering into the dark depths of it, not an attractive sight, causing us to keep well away from its edge. Eventually we found a narrower part of the crevasse with knee tremblingly loose rock and scree, to make a stride across the gap to a well-situated grassy slope. Phew!
We needed a respite from these adventures so we left Cowms Rocks for a gentle ramble around Oyster Clough, admiring, on the way, the misty moon.
There is a waterfall of sorts at the head which we felt had to be visited despite it extending our outing, it was worth it even missing some time at the cabin which was convivial, as expected.
Refreshed and mesmerised by the track from the cabin we slavishly followed it, and followed it, until we realised, we’d being going southish but were now going northish, so a quick turn-around by the forest for the steep, steep descent into the woods and to our car park.
The adventurous route choice was thanks to Andy, and whilst we did a bit of grumbling to ourselves at times as we teetered across a formidable crevasse, we were pleased to have completed the challenge. And, of course, we celebrated at the YBI. Thanks to all.
Graham
