Sat 27th Sep, 2014
Derbyshire Gorge Walk
Members: Laura Collier, Dave Wylie, Christine Beeston, Mark Pilling, Andy Stratford, Jo Stratford
Guests: James Meakin, Bec, Lester Payne
The group met as planned, one a little early, one a little later, all in good time to set off together. We grabbed some blackberries along the Longendale Trail in glorious sunshine, which clagged up by the time we got to the bottom of the scramble, promising a damp ascent. Waterproofs on we made our way up and although it was even greener and slippier than when I had done it in a couple of weeks before, nobody fell over. Each taking our own routes some were "braver" than others. It is a pity really that the seven harnesses, handful of slings, helmet, full set of nuts and 60 m rope we had between us did not come in useful but no-one was tempted by the waterfall which was actually not so washed out and more obviously treacherous. I for one still managed to get covered in slime but most managed the moves with decorum and appeared smiling at the top without looking like they had waded through a swamp.
The rain eased and we then set across the foggy Moor for Bleaklow Head looking forward to provisions. Was a bit cool for loitering so between several maps, compasses and general awareness of our surroundings we got on through the mist out and down eastwards to Glossop. It wasn't too hard to persuade most folk to have a quick bevvy in the pub.
Laura C
Meet Promo:
****PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE - THIS IS A SATURDAY MEET****
Meet at 10.30 at Hadfield train station. It should take about an hour along the Longendale trail to the signpost for Wildboarclough where we begin the ascent through woodland, nipping onto the dry bed just after a stile in open country. Plenty of boulders and typically some thrutching on the greasy gritstone. You should be able to keep dry in big boots but I'm taking a spare harness and some tat for any adventurous types who might like a shower on the way up.
A few hundred metres to the marvellous views at the top of Bleaklow and then a descent past Yellowstones into Glossop or a quicker escape back down Torside Clough back onto Longendale.
Laura C