Having decided last week that we were going to explore the infamous and daunting Ouzeldon, Alport Grain and Cote Clough complex, instead, we opted, on the day, for not exploring it after all unless we do it in daylight. Maybe it was all the pre-run talk of injuries, their diagnoses and cures that overwhelmed our good intentions.
So, in the twilight and to the sound of the Derwent Dam overflow, we nine set off up the road (yes!) and then around the conduit outflow to make our way up to Lockerbrook Farm. By this time, John D (welcome return) and Moz fresh from his Pyreneean skiing holiday but suffering from ski knees, had split off for an alternative adventure.
Our adventure was to be a shortened version of the Rowlee Zig-Zag race avoiding some of the tricky bits. So, the route became Bellhag Tor, Whitfeld Pits and returning via Lockerbrook farm. It was a long contour around to Whitfield Pits cairn and the one-sided lean needed to progress became a tad tedious but we persevered to be rewarded with a rather dismal pile of stones, hardly worth the trouble? Our return up to the edge path provided some relief from an opposite slope lean but with an added steep climb. The paved edge path was initially a further relief but the longing for soft ground overcame us so we diverted to the parallel quad track for a sprint (?) finish to the Lockerbrook Farm woods. Here, Andy recounted his experiences as a warden at the Woodcraft outdoor centre, running (in both senses) his Margery Hill race in between his daily morning and evening centre duties.
It felt like a surprisingly long but easy return on the track to the cars before a dash to the YBI where Moz and John held it open (kitchen closed for refurbishment) whilst we returned later. Somehow our discussions drifted to the Stirling wreck (and Chris’s father who flew them) and then on to the list of curiosities (e.g. Tom’s Tree, Bob’s Rock, the Aztec Stone various caves and grottos, the three-sheeper sheepfold , various aircraft wrecks, the bus shelter, etc. in the Dark Peak being collected by Tom Saville for possible publication by DPFR in its 50th Golden Anniversary Year. Celebratory tee shirts (gold print on a black background) are available for sale if you would be proud enough to wear one.
A fine outing with a brief bit of sunshine to hint that it’s not inevitable that we’re destined to live in perpetual gloom this winter. Things are getting brighter, be patient! Thanks to all.
Graham
