Tropics
After the tropical, yes, tropical and sweaty, conditions on the 76th running of the Crookestone Crashout, what should we expect just three days later on a Slow Warts’ Wednesday carol singing outing on the shortest day? The forecast for rain, snow and 2⁰C was correct so very little sweat was generated on our run from Cutthroat Bridge. The only commonality with the Tropics was the very swampy ground we encountered.
This outing was to be the Slow Warts’ choral experience of the year, unless, of course, a summer solstice singing one is introduced at Rowlee Bridge. Three carols were planned for Jarvis Cabin and three more for Great Tor on Bamford Edge but first we had to get there. We were not deterred by the slipping and sliding immediately leaving the car park nor were we concerned, yet, about the navigational methods proposed. Instead of the 20⁰ biased compass used on a previous visit to these parts, the use of the 45⁰ method was suggested. For mountain navigation, a bearing to the nearest 45⁰ is sufficient, so north, north east, east, south east………..will do. This appeared to work as we arrived at the flooded track leading to Jarvis cabin. (I don’t think, though, we were ever more than 100 to 200m from the track before we got to it). A disturbing shining apparition arrived at the cabin as we did. Was it Mr Gamekeeper? No, instead, coming out of the wind and rain, it was speedy Simon catching us up! In the cabin, the pleasantly increasing sound of tinkling and then rattling rain on the corrugated cabin roof provided the background rhythm for “In the bleak midwinter” and “See amid the winter’s snow”.
Thanks to Mike for the photo
A direct line to Great Tor provided the vigour we always treasure on Slow Warts’ outings, there was more wind and rain, possibly sleet, from the west. The added intermittent pleasure of thigh high reed, swamp and heather was also fully appreciated. Clearly, there was something wrong as we found ourselves on a path; had the 45⁰ system failed? Relief was soon at hand as we returned to more wet vegetation wading, to bring us to some rocks. Was it Great Tor or not? We weren’t sure and there didn’t seem to be much shelter, hardly surprising I suppose, with the westerly facing rocks! A couple more attempts were made, where at the last we declared “It’s good enough, b***** it”. Three more carols, this time accompanied by the rhythm of chattering teeth, was the last of the night’s choral enterprise.
At least the wind was roughly behind us as we left our limited shelter and set off for the Hordron Edge stone circle via a good track, we were assured. Whilst the offer of visiting Stanage Edge en route was not received too well, we nevertheless willingly continued (followed) in the Denis Knoll direction. Although there were a few queries expressed about this direction and the nature of the increasingly fainter track and the deep swampy rushes, we continued, now in a couple of groups spread across Bamford and Moscar Moors towards Crow Chin. Now on a good track below Stanage Edge, we moved relatively quickly, for us, to then head for the Hordron stone circle. The 45⁰ system was abandoned for the “a bit right or a bit left” precision navigation method. For two of us this proved to be very hard work, not that we didn’t understand right and left but for the sheer distance to be covered through chest high reeds and the deep water in between the tussocks. And, we missed the stone circle much to the amusement of the other group who’d made it via the track using, oh horror, a compass!
Needless to say, there was plenty of discussion afterwards about routes and other things ranging from the joy of running over unrestored peat lands, the price of cheese, the proposed trip to Trough of Bowland and more……..
A glorious Slow Warts’ night to remember!
Graham