OFC Peak District Summer Endurance Challenge Print
Written by Sue Kennerley   
Monday, 07 July 2008

 

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Group photo at start of walk [photo: Angela Clarke]
Group photo at start of walk [photo: Angela Clarke]
21 June, 2008
I arrived promptly for 10:30 to meet a very well looking Lorraine who kindly showed me her scar.  We were followed shortly by Angela and John, Kev and Les (who'd come all the way from Milton Keynes) and Simon.  Not a large group, obviously some had been detered by a less than promising forecast.  As we geared up it started to rain.  Only a light shower to begin with - nothing to deter us from our intended route.  We set off at a jaunty pace with our first objective for the day, Higher Shelf Stones, clearly visible ahead.  The Doctor's Gate route climbed gently across fields of flowers and sheep before getting steeper and boggier.  The weather had now deteriorated and we were walking into a strong wind and driving rain.

Climbing on the Pennine Way out of Wildboar Grain [photo: Angela Clarke]
Climbing on the Pennine Way out of Wildboar Grain [photo: Angela Clarke]
The tops were now covered in cloud and no one objected to Angela's suggestion that we skip going to Higher Shelf Stones and grough hopping across the top to Bleaklow but use the Pennine Way route instead.  This is a fine flat path that winds between the groughs and cotton grass, which Les seemed to be allergic to, though in those conditions it did seem an age before  Bleaklow Head appeared through the mist.  We all looked briefly at Bleaklow Head and considered taking a group photo but in the wind, rain and mirk no-one fancied either posing or digging their cameras out of their bags.  Angela had suggested earlier walking over to the Snake Pass and getting my husband to give us a lift back down.  I thought she was joking but with hindsight I don't think she was.

By now it was getting on for two o'clock and we were starving.  Shelter from the wind was required but it's not an easy thing to find up there.  We had a quick lunch stop which left us refuelled but feeling cold and damp.

Starting to descend Cock Hill at the end of the walk [photo: Angela Clarke]
Starting to descend Cock Hill at the end of the walk [photo: Angela Clarke]
We continued to follow the Pennine Way which was now descending out of the cloud to afford us a few glimpses of the views we were missing.  We descended too far and realised we'd missed the path off to Cock Hill.  GPS and maps were produced, plus reading glasses and after lots of comments about old age creeping in we turned back and headed across open moorland and some lovely wild flowers to find the correct path.  This was easy to follow and all the groughs had been boarded across making progress easy.

By now it had largely stopped pouring down and there were views of Glossop to be had as we descended past grouse butts down to Old Glossop and back to the cars.  Once the walk was over we all agreed it had been worth it and hoped to meet again soon in fine weather.

My waterproofs had kept me dry but my boots and socks were sodden.  I said my goodbyes and thanked Angela for organising the day after which I set off home for a steaming hot bath.

 

Not The Fair Weather Walkers certificate, produced by Lorraine BarksTo celebrate the determination of OFC members, Lorraine has produced a Not The Fair Weather Walkers certificate.

Angela will be shortly be sending these out to the hardy souls who made the day so enjoyable.







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