It was a 2pm daylight outing, later in January although any daylight was heavily disguised by the rain loaden clouds and mist. Despite or maybe because of this, the Serious Warts turned out at Doctor’s Gate in some number (5) to enjoy the wet and blowy conditions. These finely tuned athletes are always aware of the consequences of wet winter weather outings, that is, the drying of clothes afterwards. So, various methods were considered during the early conversations. Notably, Roger’s kitchen’s underfloor heating on which his damp and possibly odorous kit, was carefully laid out, claiming it added flavour during cooking. He refrained from offering this facility to other Warts.
However, maybe prevention is a better approach. Our first steps from Doctor’s Gate involved a rocky path strewn with puddles which we carefully tiptoed over in the vain hope of keeping our feet dry. It was in vain and our feet became wet within about fifty yards and remained so throughout the run. Where were we going? It had been pre-decided by our absent leader (nursing a hole in his foot/heel) and his pub-based committee, to visit Shelf Stones, Pike Cave, possibly the Mausoleum, and Hern Stones. So, having deviated from Doctor’s Gate we were on the familiar ground, of open moor, splashing through the familiar sodden bogs and hidden brimming pot holes.
Whilst we had the basics of the route, there was doubt about which detailed way to go over the moor, however, the precise line was given, “over the moor” at which point Tom got out his map and compass out (and used it) to take us to the PW track for a short meander to decide whether to go in and out of Crooked Clough. The first such crossing appeared to be too intimidating so we took the slightly easier upper crossing. It involved some excellent bogginess which felt as if we were pushing the bog down rather than actually climbing out of the Clough. But, there was compensation, in the sighting of a vole (thanks Chris) and one white hare, what a privilege!
Higher Shelf Stones did not disappoint with its high-risk hyperthermic conditions (Pete G comes to mind, changing here into his leggings a while ago), strong wind, rain and mist; this is why we come out in winter! We didn’t stay there very long and continued north westerly following a wide groove of sorts (used in the Shelf Moor race?) taking us down the moor towards Yellowslacks and round to Pike and its cave.
Whilst Yellowslacks is a worthy and impressive feature, Tom’s suggestion of a direct deep crossing to the Mausoleum on the opposite side, was met with limited enthusiasm, so navigation to Hern Stones was handed over to Chris who has the accolade of being a pre-millennial SYO orienteering champion (“I’ll have you know!……”).
It was a bit of a trudge up the edge of Yellowslacks but we got to where we could cross the stream only to enjoy more trudging, highlighted though, by another sighting of a white hare scampering over the bog, if only we could scamper like that. We did however reach Hern Stones. A final moor crossing by-passing the swampy Hern Clough and off to the long fence
leading eventually to the Doctor’s Gate car park just beating the fading of the light (Tim’s bright new shoes were a distinct help in the half-light, Keep wearing them, Tim).
As changing places go, Doctors Gate is not ideal and it takes a bit of resilience to remove wet clothes in the wind and rain and replace them with dry ones. However, we survived after warming up in the welcome of the YBI. Well done all, it was a hard and satisfying outing and thanks to the navigators and all.
Graham
