The thought of appearing in the Sportsman photo for the 50th anniversary celebrations of DPFR, brought out some recently missed Serious (Slow) Warts. So, also appearing at the Redmires car park were the golden oldies of Clive, John, Simon (not so old) and later Ian W. A goodly turn out!
Andy had suggested a route covering a tour of moors behind Stanage Edge, incorporating the Head Stone, the haunted house, the Pole and back in time to pose at the Sportsman photo shoot at 6.20. We left just as Simon arrived, for him to catch up (he did at the Head Stone), ah, youth! It is traditional to climb the Head Stone so Michael, fresh from his Scottish climbing adventures on Skye, obliged as did Ian during his own wanderings.
Leaving there, we were mildly disappointed by missing out on the usual wall climb (V. Diff?), because of a gap which could be simply walked through, too easy! And, we were spared temporarily, from any brutal vegetation by a fine track taking us to the haunted house. We didn’t risk going in and carried on.
Crossing the streams leading to the conduit, we were reminded how this area had got its name. Our feet and shoes took on a glorious red hue from the deep mire, to remind ourselves of the autumn and winter seasons yet to come, assuming it rains!
A gradual climb entertained us as we passed the industrial landmarks of the bell pits (?) used for extracting coal for delivery, apparently, to Hathersage via a pack horse track.
Having enjoyed the soft peaty ground to the Edge we had the contrast of the trip-worthy rocky path. But not for long. We took a short cut, i.e. a direct line to the pole. On the map, it doesn’t look much shorter but at least it’s softer and it allowed the youthful Roger to sprint to the Pole.
In our anxiety to reach the Sportsman on time, we took to the direct “hard stuff”, rocky then hard packed sand (?) and finally tarmac, meeting John and Ian at the car park.
It was a grand affair at the Sportsman with many young and old Dark Peakers, wonderfully and typically chaotic with a successful photo shoot under the guidance of Mark H (thanks) precariously balanced on a tall wobbly step ladder. The finale was the flinging of shoes in the air to create a spectacular downpour.
A super gathering worthy of 50 years of bog trotting. Thanks all.
Graham
