What a glorious evening! The air (possibly Arctic) was clear and the views were extensive; it was claimed that even Pendle Hill could be seen. Of course, that was not our only impressive sight. Closer than distant fells, we nine fortunate Serious (Slow) Warts also had the pleasure of a collection of local (near Midhopestones) wild life, including a peregrine falcon (yes!), a cuckoo, a meadow pippet, kestrels, a red kite and so on, a wealth of birds.
Unlike our finish of the run, the start was a concrete surface followed by a distinctly rocky section near Langsett reservoir and North America. But. be careful what you wish, this was replaced by deep heather with a vestige of a sheep track. Really though, we like it to be hard, after all, this is what Warting is about.
After a steep descent into the Little Don valley where we split into groups on the left- and right-hand sides of the river (the latter over a rickety narrow bridge) to enjoy the varieties of trees and the trip hazards of their tree roots. There was also the danger of low hanging branches to divert us from the tree roots, keep alert! The flat flood plain of the river tempted us to actually run to the elegant castellated wall surrounding the sheepfold. There was much speculation about alternative uses for the walled reedy pool which reminded us of not only Roman baths though without the warm water, but also yet another venue for the club AGM, as always, we came to no decision.
Instead, we crossed the Little Don, no longer Little where we crossed, and so provided us with one or two dunkings in cold water to bring us back from our Roman warm water reveries. It also spurred us on, up and over the heathery moor, to warm up and to dry out on our way, via some quad tracks, to Mickledon Pond.
Was it man-made for sheep washing or skinny-dipping, surmised Jim (who was resting at home)? Chris was able to definitely state it was a land-slip but Pete and Tom still went down to the pond to investigate, the rest of us were less curious, or perhaps lazier?) and just watched them climb from the pond to join us crossing the moor on the track, once we’d found it! The track had been reinforced with lethally slippery logs and some now familiar purple plastic matting. The sight of the track by Sugden Clough, encouraged our pace to pick up particularly on the descending, comfortable grass track (ideal) until we reached Thickwoods. Chris’s watchwords were don’t go downhill, always contour. It worked well to bring us to the concrete of the track to the cars.
We decided to go directly to the Plough where seating for nine became available, a critical part of any visit to the pub. Besides discussing not only the wonderfully enjoyably conditions and air clarity we’d enjoyed, the wild life we’d seen, but also everyone’s surprise at Andy and Jenny’s wedding after 39 years of being together and producing Hamish and Polly not to mention daughter-in-law Christina and granddaughter Amba. Needless to say, amongst a group of hardened and, dare I say, wrinkled old Warts, there were comments, “hope you get on well together” Dave H; “are you sure you haven’t rushed into this”; Chris B, and other comments, altogether a congratulatory and happy feeling.
Thanks to all for such a joyful and enjoyable time; an evening to remember!
Graham
