The Serious (Slow) Warts (SSW’s) have now organically divided into the fast and the slow Serious (Slow) Warts, allowing the quicker ones to have free rein running, not hampered by the slower decrepit ones. So far, this arrangement has worked and is currently accepted by all. It gives the opportunity for ambitious slow members to promote themselves to the fasties and, conversely, there is freedom for the declining (ageing) fasties to join the slowies with no loss of dignity. We are, after all, a sensitive, caring group.
So, Tom, Tim and Michael set off at speed leaving the remaining six vintage athletes to follow up the track from Westend towards Alport. But, we were diverted (easy for the slowies) by flashing warning lights and a tractor like vehicle which was being repaired under torchlight part way up the hill, a rare event, At least, it gave us an excuse to rest.
This easy (underfoot) running was to change as we left the main edge path to descend into the world of chaotic rocks to challenge our waning abilities of strength and balance over boulders. This was just the warm up before attacking the main struggle up The Tower. The decision to do this was taken lightly but it was a serious challenge reviving rusty and partly remembered gymnastic skills. However, we did, and decided that we need more practice before, and if, we attempt again.
The thought of descending this route in the dark, was disturbing so, for the time being, it was a one way up and another route down. The equivalent of tea and cakes, whisky and jelly babies, were taken at the top whilst looking at the view. This was just darkness so we were spared the jeopardy of any vertigo. After so much enjoyment, we had to descend which seemed to be only marginally better than ascending. It was a relief to reach the grassy fence line around The Tower but it wasn’t all over by then. There was a very steep and seemingly long climb up to the edge path. During the bouts of serious breathlessness, I wondered, was this one of the steepest mainly grassy slopes in the Dark Peak and which one is the steepest?
These thoughts occupied me until we were cruising along the edge path towards the “ford” near Alport trig. Our target now was the small trod leading from the Fagney plantation. It is notoriously vague at the Edge so Andy planned a course to bisect it lower down, it worked and put our previous Wednesdays’ route-finding episodes to shame. One of the questionably great advantages of night running is that we miss some of our “rat runs” and, by good fortune, we find a better one. Under cover of the trees and the dark, we found easy running ground avoiding most of the brashings through the plantation which was not all pine as our forester, Phil, pointed out. We were left with an easy jog to the car park where the fasties were all changed and ready to go to the YBI.
As is inevitable, discussions there were mainly about our routes, the fasties had included the pond below The Tower and still had managed to arrive 15-20 minutes before we did. We felt that going to The Tower and across the boulder field might have been good practice for Tom’s forthcoming trip to Mount Etna. We wait to hear of his adventures.
And, we had a grand adventure on a wonderful clear and dry night, thoroughly enjoyable, so we’re looking forward to our next one from Broomhead. Thanks to all.
Graham
