Was it the forecast that kept the Serious (Slow) Warts away from the outing? We were three, and about to set off early when Moz appeared over the horizon to Dennis Knoll to swell the numbers to a fine four. Before his arrival, we were grumbling about the charges for the use of the newly renovated car park at the Knoll. It is becoming more difficult to find free (in both senses) car parks in the Peak District; however, we did find somewhere so our grumbling reduced, no doubt only temporarily. I suppose we shouldn’t grumble, it’s important to support the Peak Notional Park
My suggestion to set off downhill from the Knoll was sufficient to spark some rebellious grumbling about the proposed route especially the climb back up from Hathersage via Callow Bank to Stanage. So, in a minority of one, I acceded to the more Harmerian (Andy was absent on nursing duties) suggestion to find the local stone circle, then on to Crow Chin, Jarvis cabin and back.
Despite our confidence (misplaced) in finding the stone circle, we didn’t immediately do so and resorted to Chris’s technology. In our anxiety to get there quickly (!) we had gone past so we had to backtrack. The circle was still there and had had the benefit of some mowing around it to simplify (!) its location, though perhaps only from above.
The next section, initially, involved some Harmerian terrain with Tim skipping lightly through the usual tussocky and heathery swamps before reaching some relatively smooth grassland, only spoilt by its steepness. We’re never satisfied, so there was a bit more grumbling.
On Stanage Edge we were rewarded with extensive and grand views which included some rather heavy black clouds and rain, all coming our way. It was forebodingly impressive but we’d had the forethought to don our waterproofs from the start; we were prepared.
Disappointingly, the anticipated downpour never materialised although we had a moderate wetting. Our biggest problem was finding the main path down to the cabin, we could see it in the distance but never actually ran on it. This minor mishap maintained our reputation for avoiding paths, at least for a little while.
The cabin was a revelation. Instead of it being on the edge of collapse, as last Christmas, it had been refurbished, walls had been repaired and beams replaced, it was now a very smart shelter tempting a longer stay. But we didn’t, instead, we reached the big track and followed it virtually all the way back to the cars, our reputation was destroyed!
Whilst the terrain had been familiar to us, the cloudscape had been spectacular, the display of thin, thick, white, grey and stormy looking black clouds interspersed with patches of bright and sunny blue had been impressive and splendid.
Despite the none-too-serious grumbling, we’d had a fine outing. The 50th anniversary of the DPFR AGM was nevertheless calling a couple of we Serious (Slow) Warts to enjoy the continuing camaraderie of the club at the Norfolk Arms. Wonderful!
Graham
