Peak District Walk

In Footsteps of Len Stubbs/ "Kind-er Blue" (with apologies to Miles Davis)

Walkers: Christine Beeston, Dave Bone, Roger Dyke, Sandy & Jim Gregson, Kasia & James Hoyle, Alan Liv Jones, Bob Kelly, Iain McCallum, Phil Ramsbottom, Peter Walker.

 

After studious map reading and only temporary confusion the Meet convened at the correct start in a biting hard frost in Valley Road, Hayfield. The sky above promised a splendid blue day and so it proved, with very firm if somewhat slippery going underfoot. A brisk pace took us up past Mount Famine and South Head and on towards Brown Knoll which is normally a squelchy wade, but today was a crisp crunch. The pavement was rather slick to get to the gate above Jacob's Ladder. At this juncture Peter and Alan opted for a dignified elder gentlemen's diversion to bask in the sun at a gentle pace while the rest steeled themselves for the glassy descent of the Ladder with the prospect of a tea stop at Lees House. Amid varied chatter, covering diverse topics including animalistic climbing wall holds, a Polish-accented voice was heard to say "You always know what you're going to get when you grip a frog" - most of us were speechless at this revelation, which came with no further explanation!

Moving swiftly on we buzzed down to Upper Booth and turned into Crowden Clough for what is one of the best ascents up onto the Kinder plateau. There was plenty of ice but not enough to prevent for most the direct scramble up the water course on dry rock, while others stuck to the banks to arrive at the sunny lunch spot. Next on the agenda would be the crossing to the Downfall, and the Meet Leader now crept to the rear to observe.

Firstly Roger and Christine mutinied and went West to look at masonry mammals at Whipsnade. Dave struck forth and North, Pied Pipering Bob, James and Kasia in his wake into the piebald Pennine plains. The rest strolled on behind. When it became clear that the Dave group was lasered and locked onto Fairbrook Naze [how often is the going on Kinder as good as 3mi/hr+?], the more canny rest turned West and beelined it to the Kinder River, correctly, passing the infant Christmas tree forest which has established itself on the heights. The river, a true guide to the Downfall, was frozen and treacherous to walk on so a flanking progress had to be selected, passing the Gates to arrive at the edge to pause and wait to see how long it would take the Dave group to wake up and walk up. They duly arrived somewhat later looking slightly sheepish.

Onwards past Sandy Heys and round into William Clough, heading down into glorious sunsetting sky, with more and more ice to be negotiated nearer to the reservoir. The quarry road was a deceptive trail of black ice requiring great care but the cars were reached as the light finally died. Then it was off, home for some but into the Royal Hotel for others for liquid refreshment at the close of a superb winter's day of walking over Stubby's happy hunting grounds. And nobody ended up hurt. Thanks for stimulating company.

On Monday it poured down with rain.

Jim Gregson