In contrast to the previous few days, we were dressed in almost winter gear including Chris’s Bloomers, now modified to stop them inflating in the wind, such are the deep discussions before starting an outing. The weather forecasts were for showers, wind and a feels-like temperature of 5⁰C, confirmed by the rain cloud approaching us down Fairbrook. However, it somehow missed us and instead, we crossed Fairbrook and got wet feet to compensate for no rain.
The climb up to Gate Side Clough brought back memories of the original Marsden to Edale race, the last climb before Edale itself; then, we ran up, today, we walked up, the world changes! But, there were complaints as we approached Gate Side Clough: the surface condition of the planks laid across the bogs was slippery (more maintenance needed?) and care was needed to avoid sliding into the bogs. We did survive. Our target was to reach Bob’s Spring, located, like other Kinder springs, where the slope changes from moderate to steep. Sure enough, we actually found two adjacent springs bubbling deliciously out of the ground.
We weren’t at the top, though, so the final steep bit was climbed to reach edge of Kinder where decisions were made, where to next? We had been given free choice by Andy as he and Moz were to go around the edge to the Naze. The remaining nine of us chose to go to Crowden Head, navigationally, to follow the sun, at least for a short time. Our climb to the edge had been just a warm-up for the traverse of the plateau which was a constant battle against the prevailing wind and the many groughs which we had to cross. How many? Possibly, 20 or 30, each requiring a 10ft climb out, making, possibly, an extra 200ft of climbing (and descending).
Fortunately, we had a distraction, in a bowl-shaped area which hid most of our group, there was a cluster of rocks, including the Aztec Stone and part of an aircraft wreck with the remains of the five-cylinder aero engine block.
We continued to follow the sun and aimed for a slight lump on the horizon, Crowden Head. There was little to distinguish it from the rest of the moor apart from a tiny cairn and a stick, a touch disappointing perhaps, or maybe we were at the wrong place?
We were now on a relatively grough-free terrain between two streams feeding into the head of Fair Brook, so more rapid progress was made to cross Fair Brook on our way to Fair Brook Naze, known colloquially and disrespectfully as “Nasal Hair”. By now, the lure of the pub was beginning to show in the form of an increased pace descending from the Naze via the soft and fast track to the final descent to the bridge.
All eleven us managed to squeeze around one table at the ever-welcoming YBI to discuss horse and greyhound, racing (competition is in our genetic make-up, perhaps), the sound of clogs on the streets in days gone by, and, of course, our next Serious (Slow ) Warts’ venue, Midhopestones (5pm). A grand outing, thanks to all.
Graham
