Members present: Dave Bone, Mark Ashley, Bob Kelly.

Guest: Elizabeth Wilson.

As usual I had little idea who would be there, and it turned out to be a solo drive (for all) up the M6. The forecast was not brilliant it had to be said, with gale force winds due and some rain, but with 2 definites I had to go. What's this, "Road Closed" at Abbeystead - phew, it's from tomorrow? Bob was already there, but the signs caused consternation amongst those following so the party was only complete at the appointed hour. Well done the Navigators!

So we set along the river in murky conditions, just about dry above but soggy underfoot. It had been frozen solid only the day before, but the rapid thaw had left the mud unconsolidated. Still we eventually gained the road and marched along it, strangely no motorcycles streaming past, with a quick exit up the gravel track past Tower Lodge. A break in the shelter of the wall - no more such for miles and the wind was being felt now, as was the flying drizzle/mist/cloud. On across the grassy moor to Brennand Great hill, where a large boulder broke the force of the wind, still behind us. Humidity inside as great as out, we soon battled onwards to the main ridge, all visibility gone inside the cloud. And taking the wind on the other cheek, we were hurried out to Wolfhole Crag, with a Trig point at long last appearing in the gloom.

Now for a hunt for shelter, being very definitely lunchtime and no where else likely to offer it. The wall was no good - too low and no corners. The escarpment edge faced the wind so one of the climbing crags had to do (but not for climbing on today, as anyone would be ripped from the face such was the force of the wind now). The crag looked big enough but strangely the wind blew right round it so we had to make the best of the huddle of boulders at one arete. Lunch wasn't long? There might be some caving in those boulders - if you do and find a flask top, it's Mark's.

Then it was back down the ridge again, wind more in our faces. I think it did rain a bit at times, but it went by so fast in the overall 100% wind driven humidity we never had time to say hello, just got 100% damp instead. Not particularly cold though with all the effort expended. I have to say that the going underfoot was not the usual Bowland stuff. Once on the hill, the ground was still frozen hard under a surface layer of water, so with the odd patch of neve, walking, or balancing on the solid peat pinnacles, was pretty fast. Instead of getting black, you just got wet. A serious discussion at Brown Syke - cut it short or carry on - but the mad devils all wanted to continue, so on it was following wall and fence line. The fence is being replaced - abandoned tractors and other tools seemed to litter the moor. Linking the two tops of Wards Stone required a compass bearing, and then it was off west on the scrappy path. The only person of the day was seen here - a fell runner (not the Bish) heading the other way - don't know who was the crazier. The ridge flattened out - where the heck is the track - I want off (as did everybody). That's a post, and yes here is the track. Suddenly it gets easier, and we dropped below the cloud - we even had a sort of view. The miles back to the cars were easy then, and one could relax, battles done. Sometimes it feels good to have gone out and fought a good fight. No more rain and we were back by 4pm - no other hill walkers about still. Thanks to those who came along, hope you will return.

After a long break from meets and perhaps not too much activity, something is needed on the Calendar. So here is a circuit in the Forest of Bowland, offering a bit of a mixture, wild untamed moorland, boggy moorland as it used to be, track, woods and riverside. Even a bit of Climbing if you want it.

Start point: Car park in Abbeystead (GR564543 on Landranger 102). From junction 33 on the M6, turn left (south) onto the A6 and 1/4mi fork left following signs for the Trough and Dolphinholme. Left, under the railway bridge, 2nd left and straight on (ignore the Trough now) into and through Dolphinholme (2nd right at the mini-roundabout confusion). Past the school in Abbeystead, over the river and immediately turn right through the wooden gated (open) road. Small carpark on the right so share cars as much as possible.

Route: Follow the Wyre Way Eastwards along the riverbank to the road at 583537. An unfortunate quick mile along the road to Tower Lodge, then up unto the White Moor at 602546. Turn right on the ex-permissive path (now Access Land) and find a way via the knoll of Miller's House to Brennand Great Hill. With more signs of a path head north to the main ridge fence line where a right turn is made for the rocky top of Wolfhole Crag, 527m. This is apparently the furthest gritstone crag from the road in the UK, there are ~8 routes to 9m. For collectors of such notable tops, an RAF Anson crashed here in February 1944.

After a break, head west for the main path at Brown Syke (Dark brown that is), where shorter walk option 1 heads for Tarnbrook (easy after 1st half mile), and the KMC route tackles the peat en-route for the Ward's Stone, highest point of the Bowland (560/1m). After this the going is easier westwards, and a search for a track at 564588 should see us storming downhill past Grizedale Head to rejoin the road. At Lee Bridge, take a footpath to Abbystead school and the carpark.

Total distance 13mi/21km, ~400m ascent. Start time 10am (remember a headtorch in case).