After a late change of venue from Redmires (ironically there was a road race!} to the gas station, we were guided there by a distinctly sinister black cloud hanging over it. The Wednesday Warts’ weather was maintaining its reputation for challenging conditions. Setting off to New Cross (remains of), we enjoyed hail stones as big as golf balls (we do enjoy a bit of hyperbole), and our group of ten, including a welcome return for Roger W and Pete G, braved the cold northerly wind to the cabins.
We may be the Slow Warts but we relish a race amongst ourselves, this time to determine the best way from the cabins to New Cross, via either the direct way across the heathery moor or up the longer fast (?) track and across a short stretch of moor. The answer is there’s very little difference except that the Harmerians’ direct line may have the moral high ground.
New Cross, our first check point was marked by the white base for, it is assumed, a wooden cross which would have fitted into it. Also, nearby, there was a small slab of unknown purpose, who knows what? Leaving this puzzle behind we tried to dodge the deep heather and swamp by navigating through the mown patches of heather towards the “rocking” stone identified by a nearby lonesome tall spindly rowan tree. However, whilst we did see rocks of about the right size, there were no rowans to be seen. There was a group feeling that we had by now gone too far so we tracked back to find the rock but, disappointingly, without its tree. It was lying broken in between the rocks. Closer examination revealed a part saw cut at the break, so short of attempting to graft the pieces together, we sadly, left them, But, the rock provided some compensation in the excitement of feeling the earth move when we cooperatively rocked it.
After the rowan tree disappointment and the exciting rocking, we needed a long calming trudge through moorland which we got from crossing Hobson Moss and its Dike, a short section of Dukes Road and then on to Hurkling Stones. There we contemplated the next stage of our adventure to Emlin which, according to Andy, would be the sting in the tail. The young ones (60ish to 70ish) in the group saw this as a challenge and set off into the Agden valley at (relative) speed leaving the rest of us floundering in the vegetation and the rocks. The Agden river crossing was not easy and when it was crossed, the exit up the steep slimy slope was also hampered by trick branches. Grab them and they may be firm but more likely to be half buried short fallen ones with no support. It was so bad for Moz he had to turn around and start again on another way. Having escaped the clutches of the steep exit, I took a route which is definitely not recommended, straight up though dead bracken, brambles, deep heather, rocks and, it seemed all manner of impediments. Moz, having escaped the valley, teamed up with Pete and found paths (!) to take them more quickly to the Emlin ridge and Emlin, It was now even a treat to run (yes run) down the stoney track past the shooting butts and then to the car park.
Next “check point” was The Plough in Low Bradfield where the route for next Wednesday was Tom’s Cakes of Bread Race with a few start times.
Thanks to all for a splendid bracing outing.
Graham
