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.

IN FOOTSTEPS OF LEN STUBBS.

Founder Member Len Stubbs had a comprehensive knowledge of the Peak so this walk will revisit some classic ground he would have covered many times. To add some interest and challenge, the meet info. is being presented in the form of a Grid Reference trail - a sort of walker's sudoku. You have to join up the dots and visit all the relevant grid squares in the correct order, up, down, sideways or diagonally to complete the walk. You may not ask the Meet Leader for further information - except at a cost of 50p forfeit per request (proceeds to go into Hut funds!).

Map required: OS Explorer OL1 Dark Peak or BMC Dark Peak. Headtorch/Food & Drink also advised. Meet at 0900 for prompt start at 0930.

STARTPOINT (for car parking) in HAYFIELD at Grid Ref SK041867. If you can't find this quiet spot you could begin at Bowden Bridge quarry carpark and work out how to link with the rest of the route from there.

Head E, SE then S to 053862, going uphill S then W to050853. Along flank of "Hunger Hill" (not its real name!) turning to reach "North Foot" (see above!) at 062846. Aim ENE to NE over wet ground, later joining the yellow brick road swinging N then NW to gate at 081861. Turn E and go down all the obvious rungs to possible rest stop under cover at 096855. Onwards - don't get left behind - to stile at 102853 where turn L to go N. Regain all lost height, and a lot more, by long sporting scramble as close to main watercourse as flow levels on the day allow.

All being well, arrive with relief at 095873 through splendid scenery (if visible!). Pause for breath - and regirding of loins for the black challenge of the next 3 kilometres, heading generally NW - you need to definitely find the reassuring portals at 088887 then go with the flow (literally!) all the way to the "Brink" at 083889. Difficulty in completing this section by a good line (not easy in hill fog) could leave you floundering in a slough of despond until after dark - or even longer (bring plenty of 50p pieces!).

Resist urge to throw self over the "Brink" - eat and drink instead - then head off NW to vantage point at 071893. Choice of ways from here - weather, condition of body and time of day will influence decision. Fit and eager? - if so, continue NW on moral high ground to 064901 then turn SSW to 060886. Flagging and seeking relief? - from vantage point turn SW and go thankfully downhill directly to 060886.

From this point, obvious track takes you down and down, valleywards, some tarmac, passing hallowed ground of Trespass Meeting 049869. Jink across bridge and pass water at PC if required. Parallel river back to start point. Think of young Len Stubbs storming this route in his prime.

Sorry, no Kettleshulme homecoming this year - sustenance possibly available in a Hayfield establishment.

NB - Daylight hours are short in December so you are advised not to saunter if coming - a purposeful KMC approach will repay the effort. Approx. map distance 20 km. Everybody welcome, hope to see you on the day.