Early on in the Tour of Blacks time trial last week, I soon saw the faster Slow Warts (Tim, Tom, Russ and Roger) all disappearing up the track towards the first (footbridge) and second (White Stones) check points. Then, I was running in isolation at the back but there was nothing new in that! However, passing the third checkpoint, two figures came racing down the hillside to the wreck (CP3). Russ and Roger had decided to visit Bleaklow Stones instead of White Stones, I suspect, to get some more height training. Whilst I was hugely encouraged, a repeat view of their backs disappearing to the horizon quickly dispelled any notion of keeping up with them. As a consequence, it was suggested that a visit to Bleaklow Stones to honour Roger and Russ’s visit would be appropriate for our next outing.
So, seven of us gathered at Nether North Grain in the worsening wind and drizzle where we were impressed to see the Desforges brothers plus one other, running up the track towards the moor. Not even the fast Slow Warts could manage much running up the same track, as we made our way to the line of shooting butts. By now there was a surprising array of winter gear, hats, hoods, gloves and even a Buffalo were all on display and, as a bonus, our feet were soon wet. No drought here then?
No trip to this area would be complete without a crossing of the upper Alport valley, if only to maintain our feet wetness, so we did cross it. From there, three lines were taken including via The Ridge to Bleaklow Stones. In our anxiety to set off from Nether North Grain, we may have left a bit before 5pm not thinking anyone would be joining us in this less than pleasant weather. However, a young and fast Slow (?) Wart (Dave H) came flying up to join us at the Stones.
Compared with much of the ground we wander along, Bleaklow Meadows does live up to its name and whilst the traverse to them was a bit knarly, the terrain for the climb over the watershed was almost pleasant. At this stage, there was some concern over the whereabouts of Andy (fresh from the wind and rain of the Hebrides). He couldn’t be seen and comments of this being the demise he would have wanted, were generally agreed, until he was seen on the horizon and well in front, the wily fox!
On the way to The Swamp, Bob continued to lead us, this time to a rather fine unnamed rock outcrop near the Fork Grains. This provided us shelter from the constant wind, entertainment from its various curious features and an expansive view, splendid.
Our due south bearing took us into Grains in The Water and over the moor towards the North Grains where our compulsion to avoid any road surface gave us the opportunity to have a final climb from Upper North Grain over to Nether North Grain thus keeping our road avoidance integrity intact, at least, for this run.
It is sort of gratifying that we are now becoming recognised as regulars at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn which continues to be welcoming and a fine place for the post-run analysis particularly when we were joined later by the (proper) Warts, including Willy (K) and Sarah (B).
Despite, or even because of the weather, it was a grand outing.
Graham