Yes, there were nine Serious (Slow) Warts including returnees Tom, Roger and Ian, who gathered at Cutthroat Bridge for what promised or threatened to be a hot evening. It was about 30⁰C with a bit of an easterly wind to relieve the heat. These were probably not the most suitable conditions for some of the semi-geriatrics in the group, but nevertheless, whilst still trying to establish a route for the outing, we set off in the hope that a definite plan would emerge. Come back Andy, to herd us into one well-co-ordinated group!
At least, we were able to set off, and in a north-westerly direction, having been to the south west, recently, so we weren’t frozen (to say the least) by indecision. Our sights were now set on the heights of Derwent Edge where we picked up a cooling breeze and another bout of indecision.
There had been a mention of going to Salt Cellar and doing the reverse of a standard route involving the Packhorse Bridge, the reservoir, the National Trust shelter and back to Derwent Edge. However, our discussion at the Edge was to split up (the heat, the distance, the inclination, health, etc.) with two going directly to Salt Cellar and the rest going downhill, possibly because it was temptingly downhill and because we could put off any decision to choose a way.
Having descended a short distance, we were faced with an unusual phenomenon, some (1 km) of flat running along a wall contouring around the hillside. The flat specialist runners in our group of seven relished this opportunity and sped off, leaving two of us in their wake. We two (Chris and I), though, had a plan to Worsell (short-cut) the larger group. It involved a delicate bit of aerial limbo dancing, performed with grace and elegance by Chris. This secured us sufficient distance-saving to allow us to catch up the other five at the Packhorse Bridge, a smug bravo!
Although it was mentioned, any plan to go to Pike Low was quickly dismissed as we then climbed out of Mill Brook and dropped down to the reservoir for some road running, relaxing perhaps, before the return climb to Derwent Edge, via the NT hut where Simon generously handed out some life-saving Haribos, many thanks!
Dispersal seemed to be the plan from the Edge to Cutthroat Bridge, any which way over the vegetation, hoping that another cleared area would appear and ease our ways through it, We’d been out for nearly two and a half hours on a hot spring time evening, glorious for some,. though, with the heat, not for all, however, it was a night to remember.
As always we had a fine welcome at the YBI where there was a fine analysis of the joys and perils of the Jura Race. Are we Serious (Slow) Warts (only 8 by this time, Ian had gone), now reduced to just talking about past glories, birthdays and, sadly, the passing of time though Joyfully we can still get out.
Graham
