Sun 9th Feb, 2014

Stubbys Stamping Ground (Episode 2)

Jim Gregson


Members:  Laura Collier, Roger Dyke, Jim Gregson, Sandy Gregson, Kate Harvey, Iain McCallum, Dave Wylie.

 

Since episode 1 the British weather continued to put on its most discouraging, depressing and disappointing demeanour, but splendidly six recidivists from the first outing bravely booted and suited in Hayfield which made the Meet Leader feel that getting out of bed had been worthwhile.

Thus we stamped off uphill, suitably Stubbs-like, heading past Stones House then above Coldwell Clough before bisecting Mount Famine and South Head. The rain eased off a bit but the wind redoubled its blustery blast pushing us to stumble through very wet bog until thankfully we reached the flagged path winding along the Brown Knoll ridge.

At the Jacob's Ladder crossroads we all felt we had done a good twelve rounds of tiring tussle. Roger decided on a dignified return towards Hayfield. The main party, foregoing (sensibly in the conditions)the diluvian delights of Crowden Clough pushed up to Edale Rocks for a well-earned, sheltered lunch. The western edges of Kinder now lay before us.

First, up to Kinder Low where a single wraith-like white hare sped conspicuously away across the sticky black peat. Windblown we wandered past Red Brook from where we could see the Kinder River being blasted skywards. At the brink of the Downfall we watched the upfall, entranced by the sheer volume of water failing to fall as great curtains of spray were hurled back onto the plateau. A suitable spectacle for Stubby.

We scampered over the river and wound onwards to Sandy Heys and a descent to William Clough where we entered blessed calm. After this shortish but strenuous day we sauntered down past the reservoir and Bowden Bridge quarry (of Kinder Trespass fame) and repaired to the Sportsman Inn for welcome teas/beers in the warmth.

A very good effort from all participants, honouring our founder member. Well done, all.

 



Jim Gregson



Meet Promo:

Episode 2, remembering Len Stubbs, will take us onto the High Peak on a nicely varied route over fine Kinder terrain.

 

Route: -- From Valley Road, Hayfield GrRef SK040867, head E. On entering woodland take path on R passing behind campsite, ascending past Stones House. Follow track (Pennine Bridleway) climbing above Coldwell Clough, then through fields to gate NW of Mount Famine. Take main track to SE along N side of South Head then bear E onto ridge towards Brown Knoll. First section may be boggy but after 1.5km join stone flagged path which continues all the way to junction with Hayfield/Edale main track at GrRef SK081861. Turn R to go down Jacob's Ladder and on past Lee House. Just before entering Upper Booth, turn sharp L through wicket gate and follow stream into Crowden Clough heading N. In upper part of Crowden Clough best ascent is by a good scramble in stream bed. If preferred - or water level is too high, or if icy - a worn path goes up the W side of the clough. At head of clough a choice of ways : a) shorter route to Kinder Downfall via groughs to Kinder Gates and along Kinder River (this is not so easy if very wet and/or in hill fog); b) longer route (but easier to follow) is to go L up steps past Crowden Tower then W through Wool Packs area then on past Pagoda and Noe Stool to big cairn S of Edale Rocks - some repaired sections along this 2km stretch. From cairn go N past Edale Rocks and on upwards to Kinder Low. Now on Pennine Way, follow paths past Red Brook to reach Kinder Downfall. From here turn NW along ups and downs to top of Sandy Heys, then quite steeply down grassy ridge to where William Clough runs into Kinder Reservoir. Follow path SW below White Brow to join Kinder Road for final 2km past Bowden Bridge, campsite and back to cars in Valley Road.

 

Distance -- c.22km (shorter by Kinder Gates variant).

Meet in Valley Road, Hayfield at 0915 for prompt start at 0930. Best map OL1 The Peak District - Dark Peak area. Bring head torch. (If you want a shorter walk altogether, the entire Jacob's Ladder/Crowden Clough section can be omitted by going direct to Kinder Low from the Brown Knoll ridge -- a good choice if the weather proves to be awful on the day.Again, all welcome.

 



Jim Gregson








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