Just Us and a Few Friends

Bridge 80 & Back – 21 January

noreply@blogger.com (Ian W Charters) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:18:00 +0000

This may well turn out to be the mildest winter on record which is a pity as I have pair of new, unused ice-axes hanging in the garage but it seems to be the worst winter for strong winds. This weekend was yet another when the wind was, at least, troublesome. I planned a long route over Winter Hill so that the wind would be behind me on the higher ground however when I saw, on Saturday morning, just how strong the wind was in our garden I realised even my carefully planned route was going to be very difficult. Instead I settled for a long run on the Leeds-Liverpool canal while Pauline headed out to meet her usual Saturday running buddies. Coincidently they opted to follow a route very similar to the one I had planned only to find the wind too strong.

With no real plan in mind I set off to join the canal at New Springs and headed north, into the north-westerly wind. Knowing it would be behind me on the way back I decided to aim for about 10 miles and then see how I felt. The overcast sky started to clear and some sunshine appeared both of which helped hugely.

Looking back towards Aspull as the sky clears

“Flipper” flipped by the strong winds after losing her bow mooring line at Red Rock

A pair of Swans feeding

By somewhere around 10 miles my legs didn’t seem too bad and after a shower or two it looked (again) as though the blue sky and sunshine might be here to stay so I decided the “turn round” mile was 13.1 or just a little over or just a little over to ensure the iconic 26.2 was exceeded by the time I got back home.

View north from Bridge 80

Bridge 80 is just over 13.2 miles from our house, according to my watch, and so provides an obvious turn round point. Turning back into the sun with only another 13.2 miles left to run my legs didn’t feel too bad although even I knew they weren’t going to get me home as quickly as they had brought me here.

Mormon Temple near Chorley

Botany Bay Mill – “Shopping and a world of fun”, according to its website

I finished my “Bridge 80 Marathon” (26.5 miles) in a little under four and a half hours – not my fastest marathon time but the muddy towpath, winter kit, carrying everything and not racing all combined to ensure it wouldn’t be fast. On the other hand it was a PB for the route! It will be good to get out on the hills, in daylight, next weekend and I hope there won’t be a strong wind to battle then.

Winter Hill – 14 January

noreply@blogger.com (Ian W Charters) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Before travelling north to celebrate Dad’s 86th birthday I had a run up Winter Hill, mostly in the dark. A clear sky promised an impressive sunrise and it didn’t disappoint.

Horwich Parkway railway station

Running from home to the top of Winter Hill is possible by a variety of routes, most of which involve a combination of tarmac and mud and require a combination of cushioning and studs which simply doesn’t exist. Most of the year and all of the winter the only practical way is to settle for cushioning and stick to the tarmac. A shameful admission, I know, but needs must. As it happened I wasn’t the only one on Winter Hill before dawn on Saturday. Once on the road to the mast I could see two lights descending from Rivington Pike and I vaguely remembered seeing two hikers a year ago tramping over Winter Hill in the dark. I met them a little later as they too made their way up the mast road. Approaching the Trig Point I could see another torch and recognised Mark setting up a camera to “film” the sunrise.

Getting ready to film the sunrise

This might not have turned out to be one of Mark’s best but do look out for him and a few others during the Winter Hill fell race next month when they will filming the race. It was too cold for me to stay for long so I headed for home and a hot shower while Mark waited for the sun.

Almost first light on Georges Lane

The two bungalows and trees create silhouettes as the sun rises

Sun reaches Chorley Old Road

The Double – 06 January

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:51:00 +0000

By tradition, the first meet in the calendar of The Rucksack Club each year is the linear walk (or run) from Marsden to Edale, a distance of about 25 miles (depending on the route chosen) with about 5000 feet of climb. If done “with style”, and many still do it this way, Marsden will be reached by train and a homeward train taken from Edale after a pint in the Old Nag’s Head. Some consider that it can only be done “properly” if Marsden is reached by walking from Edale and so it was that I made my way to Edale on Friday night to walk to the start of Saturday’s meet some 25 miles north. Eleven set off and of those, 2 would go only as far as Marsden – 1 by design the other by choice on Saturday morning.

The wind was going to remain a constant companion but the evening’s rain did stop at some time during the night and finally gave up just after breakfast making the return leg more pleasant than parts of the outward leg had been.

All smiles in the pub on Friday night

Alternative route required

Although there hadn’t been much rain in the previous 24 hours the ground is very wet and the rivers are very high – so high that when we reach the first crossing (Fair Brook, a tributary of the River Ashop) we are facing a raging torrent and are unable to cross it. The alternative adds 2.5 miles and several hundred feet of climbing to the original route as well as some concern about the river crossings ahead of us – river crossings were a problem last year.

Relaxing on top of Bleaklow

About four on Saturday morning – some snap before tackling Black Hill

Breakfast at Marsden in the back of Wade’s camper van

Julie with her dog, Johnny, (who, almost, “Doubled” after being thrown in a stream and swept away) as Wade looks on

Wessenden Reservoir (the black spec is Andy, our leader, who got left behind a bit here as we headed south)

Preparing for the Group Photo on Black Hill

Several Group Photos were taken before (another) Andy arrived so it all had to be done again, in fact, it had to be done several times as the first few were taken before everyone arrived.

The ‘final’ Group Photo on Black Hill

After getting there we need to get off the other side

JohnJohnny being inserted into a rucksack

Johny was carried for a bit so I am not sure if his attempt really counts – on the other hand he was swept away in a river during the night which probably more than makes up for the short carry. At the river crossing in question the river was a little too wide to jump comfortably and too deep to wade through so Julie attempted to throw Johnny to the far bank but he didn’t quite make it and was swept away before anyone could do anything. Happily he climbed out before anyone was able to attempt anything rash – like trying to rescue him.

Satellite wreckage on Sliddens Moss

I thought this was aircraft wreckage but when I looked for details of it I found it described as satellite wreckage and I can’t tell the difference.

Another river crossing

Will (in green jacket) has just jumped on to the rock in the middle of the river – I tried to snap him in mid-air but failed and then did no better when Dave repeated the feat moments later.

Sunshine on Snake Pass provides some late afternoon encouragement

19 hours in and Kinder still to cross – you can see what fun we have

With a near-complete absence of navigation errors and a complete absence of serious navigation errors we reached Marsden about an hour later than expected as a result of being unable to cross Fair Brook. Fortified by Wade’s breakfast we didn’t lose time on the return leg, the river crossing were fine and we reached Edale just after dark.

The 2012 Doublers with an interloper who stepped out of the pub just in time for the photo

This is the end of the journey but as the first meet of the year it is also an opportunity to catch up with other club members and, of course, some of the “Singlers” in the pub.

Andy Howie and Lis

Andy is the “Double” Meet leader and got us safely to Marsden and back to Edale in time for a pint.

Lis and another

Lis left Edale with us on Friday night but had enough sense to “call it a day” at Marsden so “Singled” in the other direction.

Plans being being laid by, amongst others, Dominic Oughton - current Club President (in black shirt above the menu)

Huge thanks to Andy for getting us back to the pub safely and to the other 2012 Doublers for making sure the Double happened again.

Finally, Gerrard Cudahy who provided the road support for the Winter “Tan-Cat” soloed the Double. Leaving Edale while we were still in the pub he managed to cross Fair Brook (describing it as ‘difficult’). Once over Bleaklow and remembering how difficult Fair Brook had been decided to go round rather than over Black Hill. We met him at Wessenden as he was starting back to Edale.

Healey Nab – 02 January

noreply@blogger.com (Ian W Charters) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:22:00 +0000

Our planned Trig Point ticking in Bowland was severely curtailed by high winds so after 1 low level Trig we retreated to Healey Nab to have our cobwebs blown away by a less threatening wind.

North west over Chorley

South East to Rivington Pike

South East to Winter Hill with Rivington Pike on the right

South over Anglezark Reservoirs with the lights of the Reebok stadium just visible in the distance

Occasional flash of sunshine too

The Watermans Cottage

Big sky above Anglezark Reservoir

Aspull – 01 January

noreply@blogger.com (Ian W Charters) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:51:00 +0000

A dreich windy start to the year but having watched heavy rain for a couple of hours we set out over the local fields confident we had already seen the worst of the weather for the day – wrong! Seven and a bit miles later we emerged, dripping, from Borsdane Woods very glad to be almost home. The rain was so heavy and prolonged that I was unable to get even one photo worth keeping.

I had seen something interesting so I went back out to have another look at a row of telegraph poles disappearing across the fields behind St Elizabeth’s Church in Aspull – the result is below.

Telegraph poles and St Elizabeth’s Church

December 31st, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:22:00 +0000

As 2011 scurries off………………………………..

Let 2012 produce a bright new year for all of us.

Happy New Year!

Winter “Tan-Cat” – 28 December

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:07:00 +0000

The “Tan-Cat” is the longest, highest, toughest pub crawl in England – starting at the Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in the country, the route winds south over all the summits that can be found to the Cat & Fiddle Inn, the second highest pub in the country. This is a classic Rucksack Club walk, in summer, and has been completed in winter, by the club’s exacting standards, only once – in 1980. This attempt aims to complete the walk and break the winter record of 61 hours.

First light at Langwathby where we gathered on Tuesday night

Tan Hill Inn – look at the swinging pub sign!

Closer look at the swinging pub sign – wasn’t swinging back and forth only back

Self, Mark, Geoff and Tom – ready to set off for the Cat & Fiddle

Heading south in West Stones Dale with Great Shunner Fell on the distant skyline

West Stones Dale

West Stones Dale is the very start of the route and before we had completed four miles the first of the rain showers arrived and marked the end the photographs. As the first day wore on the weather deteriorated and deteriorated further as darkness fell. The final two summits before Linton (Buckden Pike & Great Whernside) were difficult because of the 50-60mph winds and by then I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to reach the Cat & Fiddle. Rather than prolonging the agony I baled out at Linton and wished the other three the very best for the remaining 90 miles.

They carried on in conditions almost as difficult and reached the Cat & Fiddle at 17:50, in a total of 56:35, well inside the previous record of 61 hours. Chapeau!

Great Hill – 24 December

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:36:00 +0000

A gentle run out over Great Hill from White Coppice with some Preston Harriers and other fell runners in before retiring to a local hostelry – just like a year ago apart from Pauline coming along this year and the slightly different conditions.

White Coppice

Gathering (i)

Gathering (ii)

Gathering (iii)

Up through the woods

Not too fast on the short stretch of tarmac at the end of the woods

Looking south west towards Wales

South towards Winter Hill

Joe’s Cup

No crossing of Great Hill is complete with stopping to check that Joe’s cup is still concealed in the wall opposite the spring that gave Drinkwaters Farm its name.

Joe, a member of Wigan Phoenix, was one of Lancashire’s true fell running characters well known for his ultra-distance runs over these moors. The spring at Drinkwaters was used regularly by Joe and his companions on Sunday morning runs. The February 1992 Fellrunner magazine contained an obituary where it was observed

“Joe Whitter was one of those essential characters that make fell running what it is. The Anglezarke Moors will be a poorer place without him and he will be sadly missed. Typically, Joe requested his ashes be scattered on the moors he loved, and there are many fell runners who will now be unable to run past Drinkwaters on Great Hill without remembering him.”

Oak trees around another farm ruin

Stud marks in the mud above White Coppice

The Dressers Arms afterwards

Best Wishes for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 07:46:00 +0000

Sunset from Blackrod – Christmas Eve 2010

Today’s grey, damp dawn suggests today Christmas Eve might not be like last year but things will be merry nevertheless. We’ll have a run over Great Hill later today, Winter Hill tomorrow and a walk with friends to the pub on Boxing Day. Whatever you do to celebrate, enjoy it to the full – have a very merry Christmas and thanks for looking in, today and all year.

Lostock AC: Mince Pie Run – 18 Dec

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:32:00 +0000

Joined Lostock AC on Sunday morning for their annual “Mince Pie” run to the Two Lads and then over the top of Winter Hill. Very sociable morning out with mince pies and a “wee dram” at the Two Lads. Plenty of snow but not quite as dry and crisp as yesterday in the Howgills.

Meeting in Rivington

Meeting in Rivington (ii)

Meeting in Rivington (iii)

Looking over the Pigeon Tower to the snow covered Cumbrian fells

Some of the masts

Pause at the Pike

Pause at the Pike (ii)

Looking south west under a dramatic sky

South from the Two Lads to Manchester

One of the masts

Looking north from Winter Hill summit

Howgill Fells – 17 Dec

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:41:00 +0000

After considering a number of options during the week Colin and I headed north to the Howgills where we were pretty sure we would find some snow and some quiet and beautiful hills – we weren’t disappointed. Climbing out of some low cloud to enjoy warm sunshine while sheltered from the bitter wind. The weather seemed to decide to allow us a couple of hours of pure, unbeatable enjoyment before reminding us that December is winter, after all. The cloud base dropped as we approached our final summit while flurries of snow accompanied us back down to the road but none of this could take away from a wonderful winter outing.

Approaching Sedberg and the sun creeps over the horizon

Farm building below the fells

Climbing by the side of Cautley Spout

Colin

Cautley Spout

Towards The Calf

The sheep pen just visible in the photo above – the corner is a cone with quarter cut out of it to produce a corner

Yarlside and Ben End looking north east

Yarlside looking north

Fence

South west towards Barbondale

Looking north west over more snow covered fells

Yarlside catches some sunshine but when we reached the summit the cloud base dropped and it was snowing

Sun streaming into the valley

South Lancs Xmas Charity Walk – 11 Dec

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:23:00 +0000

High clouds above Aspull on Saturday afternoon

I missed much of the best of Saturday’s weather; after a frosty, pre-dawn run I managed only a stroll across the local fields as the clouds swirled high above Aspull producing dramatic skies. By Sunday, as forecast, the weather closed in and Sunday dawned dark, grey and very wet. A year ago the Sunday of the South Lancs Xmas Walk (SLXW) was cold, crisp and clear. The ground was frozen hard and the sunshine was almost warm. The SLXW is a short (12 mile) charity even we have supported and enjoyed for a number of years. In the past I have run there, run the event and run home but one look at the weather on Sunday was enough to convince me that while running there might be fine but hot soup and a lift would be much better than running home.

Haigh Hall Golf Course – “Closed”

The closed golf course gives an indication of how wet the ground is and the fact that it is still raining means it isn’t going to get any better. The route meanders around the north west corner of Wigan as seems, even on a good day, to cross some of the softest fields in the area.

One of the locks at New Springs and the Kirkless Hall Inn

Waiting for the start (1)

Waiting for the start (2)

After the start it was so wet I put my camera into a dry bag and kept it there – I should probably just have put it in the car and avoided carrying the weight. The rain was reluctant to relent but, as ever, once out, running and keeping warm it turned into an enjoyable morning. Despite the rain and the conditions underfoot we finished within 30 seconds of last year’s time and we have to be pleased with that. Warm soup, dry clothes and a chance to relive the orienteering event Albert and Mark had done the night before completed the morning.

Mark explains to Albert what he should have done and where he should have gone the previous night

Berghaus Base Layer Review

noreply@blogger.com (Ian W Charters) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Recently Go Outdoors sent me a Berghaus base layer to review. The base layer is from the Active range of technical clothing and was a new and unfamiliar shirt to me. Because it is a “next to skin” item of clothing the feel and touch of the material is very important, especially if you are going to wear it for long periods. The Berghaus Active LS Baselayer Zip Top feels great. My initial reaction was really positive, even just unwrapping it is a pleasure because it is so soft to the touch and you know immediately it is going to be comfortable to wear. It has flat seams to avoid chafing and this confirms that a great deal of attention to detail has gone into the design and manufacture of this base layer.

How do Berghaus describe it? They say –

The Berghaus Active LS Zip Top is a long sleeved baselayer designed for periods of activity or use in any conditions where you need warmth, sweat and odour resistance. Designed with Berghaus's own Argentium fabric which is quick wicking and breathable, the Berghaus Active LS is supremely easy to care for and will also keep you dry and cool, making it perfect for backpacking, or those who work out daily and need gear that can dry off quickly.

Baselayers are critical pieces of clothing because you wear them next to your skin to help keep you warm and dry or cool and dry and they do this by wicking away moisture instead of retaining it the way some tradition materials may do. They may be worn on their own or, more likely in the UK in winter, under a fleece or other mid-layer but they still have to do the same job and work in the same way.

I found this to be a comfortable, close fitting base layer that wicked away moisture easily when I wore it under a fleece inside a waterproof shell when fell running in the Lake District the other weekend. I don’t have any doubt about its ability to work as an effective base layer because we encountered quite difficult conditions – fierce hail, sleet and rain storms when keeping warm was difficult and climbing steep slopes in sunshine when keeping cool was a challenge. After a couple of hours running it was almost completely dry, having wicked away all my perspiration, and I was dry when I took it off.

Thermal Underwear will do the same job, in the same way, but when the weather is a bit warmer this base layer will really come into its own – not just a base layer, this a long sleeved technical t-shirt with big wicking panels to keep you cool. Just in case they can’t provide enough cooling the zipped neck, which helps keep you warm in winter, will open to increase the cooling even more. Beyond that, long sleeves with thumb loops help keep your hands warm and the discrete, secure key pocket at the back will keep your house or car key safe – as I said at the start, the attention to detail is obvious and these are further examples of the thought that has gone into this shirt. I haven’t been able to test its odour resistance but it does everything so well I don’t doubt it will do that too.

Finally, this shirt looks good too – so wearing down to the pub won’t be a problem either.

Dunnerdale Fells – 03 Dec

noreply@blogger.com (Ian W Charters) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The first Saturday in the month didn’t look like it was going to bring good or even fair weather but it did bring the chance of a run on the Lakeland fells with Colin, something we haven’t done for too many months. The Dunnerdale fell race is one, of the many, short races I haven’t done – mainly because they are too fast and furious – despite it being one of the most highly recommended of races. This omission provided an excuse for a run round the route and a way to avoid the worst of the weather on the high fells.

From Broughton Mills the 5 mile route climbs north east over The Knott and Ravens Crag before dropping to the hause at the end of Park Head Road. Up and over Stickle Pike and the Dunnerdale Fells before dropping back into Broughton Mills. The first half of the route was mainly unfamiliar although I realised afterwards that Pauline and I have wandered about on that ridge on an orienteering event but The Knott was new to me.

Looking back down from the Knott

Over the Dunnerdale Fells to Black Combe

South west from Ravens Crag to a patch of sunshine

Stickle Pike

As a particularly fierce hail storm passed off to the east a break in the clouds brought a welcome burst of sunshine, seen here on Stickle Pike. There was no warmth and no mistaking it for summer sunshine in the strong, cold wind but it was very welcome nevertheless. These are small, tiny fells and not all are listed by Wainwright, even in his “Outlying Fells”, but they are no less worthwhile because of this omission.

Looking south west from Stickle Pike

Stickle Tarn with former mine workings beyond

The sun broke through the heavy clouds occasionally as we made our way south over the familiar Dunnerdale fells, producing bright sun beams but usually to briefly to capture. The would be a perfect summer’s evening run, perhaps on the way home from work. Ah well, you have to have dreams – don’t you?

Phone Box at Broughton Mills “returning to nature”

Entrance porch on church near Broughton Mills

Herdwicks near Cockley Beck

Fell Foot farm in Little Langdale

Winter Hill – 26 November

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:49:00 +0000

Another ‘sensible’ week and my knee seems ready for something a bit more testing which is fortunate because out of the mists of autumn some winter adventures are emerging. Some are old standards – Anglezark Amble / Winter Hill fell race on the same weekend in February and the Marsden-Edale or “The Double” early in January but there are others too. “Xmas on the Fells” is a FRA Forum inspired gathering which we have always looked at but never been able to get to. This year may be the same but having had an email invite we’ll try a bit harder. There is mid-winter Bob Graham Round planned and I have had to decline the chance to support a leg because of an existing commitment. There is plenty to be ready for this winter and as if this list wasn’t enough there is the prospect of a winter “Tan-Cat” – the longest, highest pub crawl in England. This is a simple Rucksack Club idea – a walk between the two highest pubs (Tan Hill Inn and the Cat & Fiddle) in England, that there is almost 120 miles of high, difficult ground between them is neither here nor there and, really, if you want to make it worthwhile – do it in winter. The last successful winter “Tan-Cat” took place in 1979 and needed about 61 hours but there is some optimism that this could be beaten this year.

So with plenty to look forward to before the clocks change I set out on Saturday for a long run over Winter Hill and the surrounding moorland to find out how much my knee has improved.

The Mast

The summit kissing gate and the (newly painted) trig point

Lower Whittacre Farm

Favourite Oak Trees on Great Hill

Winter Hill from Great Hill

Coppice at Drinkwaters Farm on Great Hill

Darwen Tower

Underground stone byre near Brinscall

White Coppice

Fungi on tall tree stump

About four and half hours later with just over 20 miles run my knee had barely murmured – a couple times awkward twists produced painful reminders that it isn’t yet perfect. I am very encouraged and while I won’t be aiming to get over 50 miles this week I should get over 40 for the first time in too long.

Winter Hill – 19 November

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 09:40:00 +0000

After an easy week, in terms of running, my knee is showing signs of recovery despite the occasional painful twinge. A golden start to Saturday made the early start worthwhile. Running somewhat gently, especially to begin with, helps and allows the day to be fully savoured. My target of twelve miles was easily exceeded and by the end I was beginning to wonder if my knee has sorted itself already but a final twinge reminded me that another easy week will help.

Looking south on the M61

Sun about to shine on Georges Lane on Winter Hill

The trees between the quarries

Looking over Bolton

Looking south towards Manchester

Bracken catching the sun

Freshly painted Trig Point

The masts from Counting Hill

Balloon drifting east

This was a glorious morning, one that was over too quickly, one that reminded me why I run in the hills and, more importantly, one that reminded me I need to continue allowing time for my knee to recover. Half-formed plans for next year are already beginning to look doubtful and while a plan B is lurking even it will need two sound knees so another gentle week beckons.

Bomber Memorial – 13 November

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:22:00 +0000

With no ill effects from yesterday I decided a few more miles today would probably do no harm either so a short run to the Bomber Memorial for the Remembrance Sunday service seemed just right. Over Spittler’s Edge to Great Hill and back to the memorial in Lead Mines Clough over Round Loaf was fine.

Spittler’s Edge

Great Hill

Drinkwaters Farm (in the furthest clump of trees) below Great Hill

Operational Training Units, or OTUs as they were often called, were a vital cog in the running of RAF Bomber and Fighter Command. Their aim, as the title suggests, was to train pilots, navigators, wireless operators and air gunners in the art of Operational flying. This meant carrying oxygen for high altitudes and live rounds of ammunition for gunnery exercises. Bad weather was also something the crews had to get used to.

On a cold clear moonlit night the crew of Wellington Z8799 boarded their bomber at RAF Wymswold (Leicestershire) for a night training flight in almost perfect conditions, apart from the sub-zero temperatures. Almost four hours later with ice on the wings and ailerons adding weight and causing stability problems the aircraft went into a steep, uncontrollable dive causing structural failure and eventual impact with high ground three miles north of Horwich, Lancashire. The Australian crew of six, skipper F/Sgt Joe Timperton, Sgt ER Barnes, Sgt, JB Hayton, Sgt RS Jackson, SG GE Murray and Sgt M Mouncey were killed instantly as the impact spread the wreckage over several hundred yards on Anglezark Moor above Yarrow Reservoir.

In June 1955, in remembrance of the crew, The Rotary Club of Horwich erected a memorial in the form of a stone pillar and a brass plaque which bears the names of the crew. Unfortunately the stated date of November 12^th, 1943 isn’t correct – the crash occurred on at 02:40 on November 16^th, 1943. For a number of years local hill walkers, fell runners, cyclists, the Mountain Rescue Team and others have gathered to remember these young men, and others, who gave their lives for the rest of us.

The Bomber Memorial

Harrock Hill sunset – 12 November

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 15:47:00 +0000

After running inside a cloud this morning on Winter Hill we were happy to go and try to see the sunset from somewhere else late in the day. Harrock Hill has some attractions although convenient parking isn’t one of them. This meant that we had less time than planned but it also meant that we arrived while the security guard’s supervisor was still on site at the reservoir. This may all seem somewhat oblique but there is some maintenance work being carried out on the covered reservoir and that seems to warrant a night watchman – normally the site is all fenced off with no public access to the Trig Point but Pauline asked nicely if we could photograph the sunset. Not quite sure why anyone would want to, the supervisor allowed us on to the site, to the Trig Point and to enjoy the sunset.

Something of a contrast with the almost entirely grey morning on Winter Hill which was clearly visible behind us but too far to photograph in the failing light.

Winter Hill – 12 November

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 15:25:00 +0000

After being stuck indoors (almost like being on the “naughty step”) all week with an unhappy knee I set out for a steady 10 miles to see how much the rest had improved things. Despite the very wet ground and the low clouds it was great to be out again and my knee was tolerably happy – and so am I.

The Shooting Hut

Inflow at Smithills Reservoir

Below the Shooting Hut

Looking towards Barrow Bridge

Dropping out of the clouds at Montcliffe Stone Quarries

Trees between Montcliffe Stone Quarries

All being well with my knee I might manage a few more gentle miles on Sunday to get to the Remembrance Day service at the Bomber Memorial.

Parlick Fell Sunset – 06 November

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:05:00 +0000

Sometimes it just isn’t possible to spend all day on the hills and so it was last Sunday, despite the glorious weather. A sunrise run, a day of chores and then off to Parlick Fell late in the afternoon to watch the sun setting over the Irish Sea. We weren’t the only ones on Parlick Fell late in the day, many were going down but a discerning few were heading up.

Must be good, whatever it is they are looking at

From Parlick Fell looking to Fair Snape Fell

Descending to the south west

Another photographer waiting on the last of the light

Windsock

Finger Post and Stile

Rucksack Club: West Pennines Walk – 05 November

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:47:00 +0000

Pauline’s second Meet as Leader and for the second time it is a November walk which means all planning can be wrecked by bad weather – it also means a week of forecast watching, trying to decide what might be realistic on the day. Having decided, last weekend, that the original first half was too ambitious was a good decision except that it might mean a sheltered spot for lunch could be difficult. Despite all the forecasts the day started a bit damp and gloomy but improved throughout and ended in golden sunshine.

Felled tree at Rivington

Road from the Upper Barn car park

Bathing Pool in the Chinese Gardens below the Pigeon Tower

Winter Hill masts from the Two Lads

Rivington Pike with the Lancashire Plain beyond

The party at the Trig Point on Winter Hill

Winter Hill above Belmont Reservoir

Dennis with Murphy who seems awfully interested in the piece of Parkin

The Holy Well at Hollinshead Hall

According to Wikipedia a Holly Well or Sacred Spring is a small body of water emerging from an underground source and revered in either a Pagan or Christian context although it may often refer to a water source of some significance in local folklore. While Hollinshead Hall probably takes its name from the family name there is evidence of settlement of Saxon/Viking origin and it may be that Hollinshead is a corruption of Holy Well instead.

On Great Hill summit

Winter Hill from Great Hill

White Coppice

Fungi on a tree near White Coppice

Late afternoon sunshine across a reservoir

Winter Hill in sunshine

Winter Hill under the moon with the masts, Pigeon Tower and Rivington Pike all visible on the skyline

Winter Hill – 29 October

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:47:00 +0000

At the end of an odd October Half Term week which we spent at home rather than in the sunshine of Mallorca we still had a few things left to do before our “9 day weekend” was done. A year ago we were on Sa Gubia in sunshine, this year it was Winter Hill, Darwen Tower and Spittlers Edge. Next weekend will be much the same as this was a recce for a Rucksack Club Meet which Pauline is leading.

Rivington Pike from just above Pike Cottage

The Mast

Cyclist

Dropping down into Belmont from Winter Hill it began to look as though the weather might get worse – it did and much of the rest of the run was in low clouds and blustery showers.

Lower Whittacre Farm with Winter Hill beyond

Below Darwen Moor looking back to Winter Hill

By Darwen Tower we knew a right good soaking was more than likely and that the route was over optimistic. Omitting Darwen Tower will produce a realistic route but one almost completely devoid of any shelter for a lunchtime buttie – so we will be hoping for decent weather. The cold rain easily persuaded us to find lower easier routes back to Horwich but it also managed to be at its very worst when we were crossing the last high ground before Rivington. How does it do that?

After the rain, nearing the car park below the Pigeon Tower

Fingers-crossed for better weather next Saturday!

Winter Hill – 22 October

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:04:00 +0000

With a day slaving over a hot stove planned for Saturday and some gentle recovery likely to be needed on Sunday this didn’t ever look like being a weekend of vast landscapes and sweeping panoramas. I set out early intending to meet the sun on the summit of Winter Hill and while I was there the sun wasn’t; it remained hidden behind a bank of heavy cloud.

Winter Hill mast

After our badly needed gentle recovery on Sunday we were content to wait on the late afternoon sunshine for a stroll on Winter Hill. For the second time this weekend the sun failed to materialise and we were left under dull grey skies.

Another way to spend a Sunday afternoon

One of the walls of the quarry that could be extended into an adjacent one, closing a significant footpath in between them – look for the local “Stop The Quarry” posters for more information

Moss and more on one of the stone walls

Stone cottages dating from 1801

Middle Fell with Joss – 16 October

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:24:00 +0000

As is the tradition, Joss led the Sunday morning walk from Greendale. Unlike Saturday, the weather was cloudy, claggy, sunny and rainy so the views weren’t extensive and non existent from the summit of Middle Fell.

Wast Water and the head of Wasdale

The Screes

Joss with his walking poles

With his dogs on his seat

Looking back down to Greendale Bridge

The summit of Middle Fell

Just below the cloud base on our way back down

Greendale Bridge, Wast Water and the Screes

Joss Naylor Dinner – 15 October

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Charters) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:10:00 +0000

Twenty years ago, on the 6th September, Don Talbot became the first to complete the Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge and he was “invited” to say a few words at Saturday’s Dinner.

Don Talbot (Clayton-le-Moors Harriers / Rucksack Club)

David Powell-Thompson officiating for the final time

Joss’s Challenge is a great day out has provided hundreds of great days out on the fells and gave me one of my best days on the hills on 18th April 2009 for my own successful crossing. One way or another it seemed like a good time to say “thanks” to Joss and a framed copy of a photo of him with dogs seemed appropriate.