A fashion show of the latest and retro waterproof elegance greeted us at the start of the Warts’ Blackden outing. The price and source of the waterproof tops and bottoms were also keenly discussed in the sleety Blackden layby. Whilst all of this was truly edifying, only secondary importance was granted to where we were going this night. Mark had suggested on the website a trip over to and then up Grindsbrook followed by a crossing over Hartshorn and a descent over the Wicken. However, Mark was unable to make the outing and alternatives were daringly put forward. The Cap’n wanted to revisit the crevasse under Cowms Edge which nearly swallowed him whole, two or three years ago but in the end, Bob suggested Blackden trig, Ollerbrook, Druid Stone and Dean Hill. Should Mark turn up later, a note was left thoughtfully on the car for him to catch up.
Leaving behind the waterproofs chatter, we descended the mud slide to the bridge over the full flowing river from where we strolled up, breathlessly, on a southerly(ish) bearing to the edge path. There was talk of a full barbecue on the fairly newly constructed patio around the trig point but as always with these fantasies, the weather, now snowing, gets a little in the way and disappointingly there was no equipment and very little food. In any case, the thought of barbecued liquorice allsorts and jelly babies also contributed to our decision to move on to Ollerbrook. Again we headed off roughly southerly for the eastern side of Ollerbrook on Tom’s recommendation. Thankfully, this was nicely gnarly, tussocky and rocky in places but was spoilt after we descended to, and left the bridge, on a smooth grassy track. (I suppose we can’t have it all our own way!) Tim, Bob and Fi lead us off the track to climb back up to the edge for a dash in the snow to Druid’s Stone. Liquorice from Sarah (prize winner at the Trigger), other sweeties and jelly babies were handed out at the Stone before a northerly trek over the top and a descent to Dean Hill and into Blackden.
The Ladybower supplied us with the post run drinks and crisps which encouraged the Cap’n to describe a previous winter race involving no waterproofs or thermal vests or leggings or hats or gloves or underwear. Such was the graphic and over detailed account of this male only race, involving not only the Cap’n himself but also Willy, that Penny and Sarah had to leave the building looking truly horrified. All talk was cut short at the prospect of more such information on this race and it was agreed that the rest of should also leave. Here’s to next Wednesday night!
Graham