Today

Today the team was NLN, Nic’O, TF, EtU and me. As NLN was with us it was not surprising that we went, initially, to the trespass stone. We went, as usual via the ornamental gardens, over Two Lads then along the edge of the quarries and skirting Holden’s Farm. We amazed TF by pointing out to her the two benchmarks on the way. From the stone it was to Winter Hill and then dropping off to Hordern Stoops. At this point a conference was held in order to decide upon the rest of the route, Nic’O saying that pain from the after effects of falling down stairs was causing her some difficulty in breathing properly and that she felt it unwise to go much further. We all carried on towards NLN’s route to Spitlers Edge, Nic’O turning for home at a point near to the ruins of Holden’s Farm. The rest of us carried on to Spitlers Edge and there turning towards Great Hill. It was noted that, unusually, EtU was running on the flags rather than on rough ground. When this was mentioned he asked us not to let his brother know what he had been doing and we all agreed not to. At the base of Great Hill EtU turned for home via Round Loaf and TF, mindful of his poor navigational skills, kept her eye on him until, indeed, he crossed the summit of Round Loaf. NLN and I carried on over the summit of Great Hill but TF, who was feeling a bit leg weary, skirted the hill and met us on the  White Coppice side. It was then to White Coppice and via the new bridleway to Waterman’s Cottage and back to the Lower Barn via the reservoirs as usual. NLN spotted a new benchmark on the wall at the bottom of the cascades.

The weather throughout was broken cloud and a lightish breeze. On our return to the Lower Barn we found a note left by Nic’O saying that she hoped that we had had a good run. Thanks Nic’O. Here’s hoping that the pain goes away soon and that you will be in full flight again by next Saturday.

The full round gave 15.53 miles with 2641 feet ascent / 2618 descent.