How(gills) Wet Was That!

The rolling assembly for Sunday's outing worked to schedule and the four of us (TF [instigator and driver], SN, YJ and self) left Bamber Bridge for the Howgills bob on time at 08:00 hours. A brief comfort break part way had been programmed in and we reached our launch point near Fairmile Bridge, betwixt the M6 and the Howgill massif, well before our target 'feet on fell' time of 10:00 hours and we actually set off 15 minutes early at 09:45.

The forecast had been for heavy  rain from the outset, but initially we were only faced with fine drizzle. The first stiff climb affected a number of calves but we persevered and were soon rewarded with a fine view of Black Force, a feature not typical of the main rolling contours of most of the Howgills:-

We skirted the top of the Force and swung south to Breaks Head. By then both the wind and the rain had become more severe and despite us all being well clothed we opted for discretion and veered south west back to our starting point, passing over Fell Head, the highest point on our route at a little over 2,000ft:-

We were out for just about two and a half hours and covered a little over 5 miles, so not a mega outing, but a challenging and exhilarating one nevertheless.

Many thanks to all my companions, especially TF for playing the part of mover and shaker (is that what they say?). I think our appetites have been whetted and we will be back as soon as we can expect some better weather.

For those that haven't already guessed, the above photos were not taken on this outing!

Saturday 7th January

A few pics from this morning's outing - atmospheric conditions, good craic, coffee and chocs at the end - what's not to like :)

 

Howgills - Sunday 15th January

For our delectation, TF is mustering an assault on the west flank of the Howgills massif, on Sunday 15th January.

This is just an early warning, I'm hoping TF will provide further information.

Essentially, troops are to muster at SD 630 980, just north of Fairmile Gate, in time to hit the fell at 10:00 a.m sharp. The route is 11.5  km, which can be shortened to 8 km, so not an overlong day. We climb to over 2,000 ft (nice mix of metric and imperial here), so if we get a clear day expect some good views.

 We already have one car nearly full, are we to expect one from Settle? 

For further details, comment on this post.

Stan Bradshaw recce

The Stan Bradshaw round is on Saturday March 4th. Does anyone fancy a recce before then?

Giant's Tooth Fell Race Sun 1st Jan 2017

It's been a while since I've done a race report, so I'd thought I would set the ball rolling with the first one of the year.

This race had been recommended to me a number of years ago, but have only just now got round to giving it a go. A 3m race sort of suited my current level of fitness. I'm not sure my fitness will improve much if I keep managing to get the car parked virtually on the start line like I did for this race though!

The route is essentially one lap through the woods that surrounds the Ogden Reservoir (between Halifax and Keighley)

The Giant's Tooth is reach at the top right corner and looks like this

The least 'tooth-like' structure that I've ever seen and I've seen a few!!

It's a pretty runnable route except for the bits I walked (told you I was unfit), but managed in under 40mins, didn't fall over and wasn't last. 

Results are here http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/results.php?id=3834

Not much else to say other than I enjoyed it and would do it again.

TF

New Year Celebrations

Happy 2017 to you all.
A few of us will be repeating the Christmas festivities this Saturday - 7th January 2017- by welcoming the New Year and celebrating a few birthdays at the Bowling Green cafe, Rivington at 11am. Everyone welcome and those wishing to walk, jog, run, skip or hop beforehand should meet either at 9am in the car park opposite the cafe, or at 8.30am at the bottom barn.
Hope to see you there.