Sunday on Great Hill and in Dean Black Brook

Cloudless skies as we set off from White Coppice this morning, but by the time we got back the cloud cover was complete.  Lovely time in wellies messing about in the Brook, as were lots of others : )

More here if it’s of interest.

Here’s one for you EtU – I would have myself, but not with the camera lol

 

 

 

Earlier on the approach to Great Hill – this shows the furrows where the land was once farmed on the side of Great Hill

Summit cloud formations

 

Surprisingly Dry

Having driven through rain to get to UTUP this morning the forecast looked spot on - ‘awful’– no point taking the camera then.  Surprisingly dry ‘though and taking some new paths gave a good outing with new perspectives.  Well couldn’t go entirely without the ability to get a snap – the boys would be so disappointed if they didn’t get on the blog, so here they are courtesy of my ‘phone.  Sorry for the poor quality : )

On Round Loaf

Looking across to Great Hill in sunshine

 

 

Fairing up nicely on the run in

Tuesday on Winter Hill

Managed to catch the golden hour tonight on Winter Hill – a few more here too : )

LDMT Sunday 15th Sept 2013

Well I asked for a late start time so I can't really grumble - 10:14am with only one runner on the short course behind me!

Looking on the bright side I'm 67th out of 68 starters so the worse I can do is drop one place and there's time for it to warm up and the clag to lift.

9m and 4920ft. Wonder if booking on the speed session on Scout Moor (Turbine Tangle Fell Race) the day before was such a good idea!!

TF

Worth Sharing?

Sunset over Lower Adlington on the evening of 1st September 2013.

More on the Capricorn

You will probably have read that Saturday marked one of my very rare forays into the world of orienteering. However, this one was to be a little different in that instead of wandering around the moors on a route that mirrored my chess playing - i.e. make each individual move without any idea of what the next one was to be, I was being coached by TF, who is a bit of an orienteering wiz.

First step, plot an outline route that has at its furthest point a high scoring control (this was a 'score' event). Aim to be there just inside half the total time available, which in our case was 3 hours, hence be there inside 1 and a half hours. Then plot your outbound route picking up points as you go, but keeping your eye on the clock to achieve your high scorer by half time.

We set off using this method and picked up points steadily, whilst TF continued coaching me in her best school ma'am manner. Our 'half way' was achieved in one hour 18 minutes, a bit on the early side, but we stuck to our (TF's) plan, picking up further points steadily on the return.

Our caution and determination not to incur penalty points meant that we finished in 2:43, meaning that we could have probably picked up another control with a bit of a sidestep in those spare 17 minutes.

However, examination of how the scores of positions 16, 17 and 19 in the 3 hour class were made up shows the wisdom of our (TF's) approach:-

http://www.pfo.org.uk/results-archive/2013-08-31-Capricorn2013-Results.html

KLM did the 4 hour event and scored 107.5 per hour to our 70.

An interesting and educational morning out.

Exterminator Fell Race Sunday 1st Sept (25.7k/1290m)

 

Checkpoints

Start	SK 303800	Cricket Inn
1	SK 285788	Totley Moor Trig	There will be a marshal to ensure that you run around the Trig, there will be no clip at this point
2	SK 291 808	Stepping Stones	marshalled
3	SK 257822	Higger Tor, stile	marshalled, water available at this checkpoint
4	SK 243839	Stanage Edge	marshalled
5	SK 235819	Near Hathersage Church, where the footpath exits the field & joins the track	marshalled, water available at this checkpoint
6	SK 251817	Bend in Road	Marshalled, where the path across Mitchell’s Field exits on to the road
7	SK 247801	Millstone Edge Road Crossing	marshalled with water. This is a few yards after crossing the road
8	SK 251791	Padley Gorge - pump house	Self Clip
9	SK 285788	Totley Moor Trig	Self Clip, no marshal
10	SK 304800	Cricket Inn

Five years since I'd last done this one. A lot of water under the bridge, hills climbed etc etc since then, so curious to see how my time would compare. I've raced quite extensively in the area that the race covers, but there were still sections of the route untouched since 2008. Having spent the previous day with EtU on his first Capricorn, I was going to put myself to the test.

Well first shock of the day, route choice in the first mile! That didn't happen in 2008. Obviously the rules had been relaxed somewhat. Three Totley ladies ahead (it's their clubs race)  were discussing the relative merits of the XC route vs the track. Trouble was, I was that intent on the result of their deliberations that I'd missed the style on the left that would have given me the XC option.

As we rounded the bend, horror of horrors, you could see two lines of runners and the XC route was an obviously more direct route up the hill. Mental note to self to check the exit route at the top for the return leg.

Second shock occured after CP2. I followed the 2008 route up through the woods to cross the main road to access Houndkirk Moor. No other runners in sight at this point and as I crossed the road a car pulled up next to me and the driver wound down the window and yelled 'you're going the wrong way, the others have crossed further down the road'. I assured him I was fine and choosing my own route, and 'no I didn't need a lift'.

All a bit disconcerting though. I could only assume that the 'Locals' had been out timing the various sections and had in the process 'worn' a new route across the moor. Getting well annoyed now! By CP5 I had the three Totley ladies back in sight, so back to where I was prior to CP2.

By CP8 it was decision time again. Route choice to CP9, via White Edge Moor or the Longshaw Estate. Now this is the point where I have to take issue with the RO. The 'Locals' obviously take the route throught the Estate. Part of it is not on access land and there is no direct ROW marked to the access land on the far side. Paths and ROWs do 'criss-cross' but don't go straight across.

My more southerly route across White Edge Moor is more pleasing to run, all on ROWs, but in the end it cost me 3 minutes on my race time compared to the three Totley ladies. Well you win some, you lose some.

I had to console myself with the 18min improvement on 2008, finishing with a time of 3:48:28. A lot of hard graft in 5 years to achieve that result, but well worth it!

Results http://www.totleyac.org.uk/2013Series/exterminator_r.htm

TF

More on (in?) the Stocks

Further to my post on this subject dated 19th August, neither are the Thursday night stocks these:-

...which were specially constructed for the Mojo Trust team building day. The guy in the stocks was being punished for continuing to use the company's old name of Bolton WISE. The activity was used to raise funds for Derian House.

Butterfly Blip - Day 6

NLN, your timing is immaculate!

When I started this short lived series there were more peacocks at Grimeford Grange than you could shake a stick at - not, of course, that I go round shaking sticks at butterflies. So my plan was that when I ran out of new species I would snap one of these beautiful, but then very numerous, little beaties. However on day six (Saturday 31st Aug) having unsuccessfully scoured the garden for a debutante, I then looked for my 'cert'. But there was none! Perhaps they had all gone to Rivington Church.

My rule had been that the blip would run only as long as I could snap a fresh species, so at that point the blip finished.

Once again, thank you, NLN, for showing us what should have been.

We get a lot of slugs in the garden, perhaps my next project will be a slug blip.

Butterfly Blip - Peacock

Don’t think we’ve had one of these

One of many in Rivington Church yard last Sunday

Healey Nab Great Hill Winter Hill and Noon Hill

Enjoyed this morning’s run out to Healey Nab, been wanting to do it this way for a while as I couldn’t quire remember the route in the direction from Rivington.  A new path to me, out to Brinscall, which JtE navigated perfectly (!) from White Coppice to the Goyt and then up onto the moor and Great Hill.  A couple more shots in the usual place.

Down the ramp – guess who?

and another one!

On the way to Healey Nab

Mormon Temple from Healey Nab

Chorley from Healey Nab

The track over Brinscall Moor towards Great Hill

Shelter at Great Hill

Darwen Tower from Great Hill

Winter Hill from Noon Hill

After lunch FSS and I had a stroll round Barrow Bridge and its environs before stopping off to visit a trigpoint

Stream through Barrow Bridge

Back up on t’moor

Name this trigpoint?

Here it is again?

Great morning on the hills – looking forward to hearing how our Capricorners got on

Capricorn 2013
Holcombe Moor

The event map. Not quite got all the controls on as the map was on A3 size paper, so missed off 3 controls in the top left corner. (Not ones EtU took a gamble on, but KLM might have)

EtU and I were entered on the 3hr time limit, KLM on the 4hr. Numbers in brackets are the score for each control. The results will be on the following website fairly soon www.pfo.org.uk

 

 

TF



Butterfly Blip Day 5

Obviously it's a cabbage white:-

but it doesn't work like that. According to my butterfly book, "Six different types of butterfly look almost identical..."

So which was this? My bet's on it being a small white. Any suggestions?

Saturday run

I shall be UTUPping tomorrow (Aug 31st)

Flutterbies

I reckon that butterfly blip day 2 shows a small tortoise shell butterfly. It does seem to have been a fantastic year for butterflies.

Butterfly Blip Day 4

They just keep coming!

Having mentined this little beauty in an earlier blip, I was delighted to spot one on the remains of our decaying patio table. She's (must be a she!) a painted lady.

Apparently, they are properly resident on the continent and fly over here in large numbers in May and June. Some breed successfully, but neither the parents nor the offspring make it back to the continong for the winter and they all die over here. Makes you wonder why they bother. Presumably they hope that global warming will one day make it all worthwhile.

Butterfly Blip Day 3

Pleased to spot this red admiral today, but disappointed that he (sounds right that an admiral will be male, but then, I always was an MCP) wouldn't pose for his photo:-

Not a good shot, but adequate to identify him with.

Although posted on day 4 (29th Aug), I did take the photo on day three, but had difficulty in uploading it.

Capricorn Exterminating Recce Devils

As I'm not doing the Capricorn on Saturday, (though EtU, I'm reliably informed that Mr Varley is, no pressure) and I'm on leg two of the Ian Hodgson relay this year, I'm thinking of going up on Saturday morning and doing a relaxed recce out from Hartsop to the Kirkstone Pass Inn should anyone fancy joining me. It's only 7.5 miles with 2600 ft but thought it best to know the route before the day and any excuse for a trip to the Lakes is always welcome!

Also considering heading over to Totley for the Exterminator on Sunday with TF. While it's not as big as Borrowdale, it's only a mile and 2000 ft off it. Think I'll ponder that some more first!

Also considering the Devil's Beeftub Race in Scotland while I'm up there with work, it's the same day as Nevis but I didn't enter that so a 2 mile, 750 ft loop may be the way to go instead!

Butterfly Blip Day 2

Today was dull early on and the Lepidoptera were reluctant to come out to play. However, by early afternoon things were looking up and I managed this shot:-

This is the small tortoiseshell, quite similar to the painted lady, but distinguishable by the sky blue spangles along its trailing wing margins.

Butterfly Blip

Isn't a wonderful world! Let me start at the beginning - often a sensible approach. A week or two ago I was talking to NLN and mentioned the number of butterflies that had been congregating on my budlea bushes - planted for that very purpose. She suggested that I post some pictures. This develpoed into the concept of a butterfly blip - I would post a picture of a different butterfly species, every day, taken on that day in my garden. Given that I had only ever seen a small number of different species at chez nous, this would obviously be a short lived project. However today, luck was on my side. I went out with my camera and the first little beast I saw was this:-

This is a comma. I'd never seen one before, hence 'deep joy' - as Stanley Unwin used to say. Watch for tomorrow's exciting installment.

Like grandfather....

As so often happens in running many unusual challenges are fermented over a pint in a pub.  It was just so during a visit to the family in Brighton (well Hove, actually) when three males and two women were having an early evening drink.

The ladies had some shopping to do so the youngest of the males suggested the three of us race back home and leave the shoppers to the shopping.  The distance wasn't far  -- about half a mile all on grass -- and without any ceremony the race began.  At this point I should explain that the challenger was my five-year-old grandson who was confident in taking on myself and his father, obviously hyped up by the caffeine in his coke.  

He had us working hard all the way and even fell down and got up again, continually trying to change the finish line to suit his own advantage.

Not only does he show promise but is ultra competitive. And no, I didn't let him win!

Chipping Show and Fell Race

One of the best local shows in my opinion – a real sense of ownership by the local farming community.  Preston Harriers do a great job in organising the Fell Race from the show field and up to Paddy’s Pole – 12k.  A few more here if it’s of interest

Always good to see the heavy horses

Hilarious commentary on the sheep ra

Danny takes an early lead and holds on to it to break the course record with the two Bowland runners on the left and right came 2nd an 3rd also inside the course record

Golf Ball Fell Race (8.8k/244m)

A 3rd attempt at this race (previously '07 & '11) and things not looking good from the off, having looked behind at the first bend to see no one behind me. 

A bit of effort up the first field to the kissing gate and I'd gained 4 followers. Thereafter some jostling for positions on the flatter sections so that by the time we'd reached the quarries at the far end of the course I was down to just 2.

There they remained until the finish. Disappointed with this as I don't appear to be doing much better on the shorter races as well as the longs. Not quite my slowest time yet, but nearly. My gut feeling tonight is that I 'ran' more of the hilly sections, so the stamina's there just not the speed. 

A reduced turn out tonight (a good 30-40 short compared with '07 & '11). Not sure of the reason, as the weather was OK and no other local races clashed. 

Results http://www.rossendaleharriers.co.uk/Documents/Golf%20BallResults.pdf

On my walk back to the car I got to have a good natter with 2 other runners who'd done Howtown on Saturday. Transpires that one of the faster lads managed to miss the 3rd CP as well as the 2nd and his name still appeared in the results. Now that is taking the Micky!

Both of these runners are on the FRA committee and have helped draw up the new guidelines for race safety. Loved the route, but they weren't desperately impressed with the way things were handled. Methinks we haven't heard the last of this yet. Watch this space.

TF

Capricorn

Well we're in.

I'm delegating navigating decisions to EtU. He passed the first navigating test by getting through the website (www.fabian4.co.uk) and doing the online entry. Needs the practice for when he gets to be a full time athlete and all the races he'll be doing.

So is it uphill or downhill from here onwards? If things go to plan you won't see us at UTUP on the 31st Aug.

But then again we're entry no 13!

TF

Thursday's UP - Taking Stock

There seems to be some confusion regarding the location of Horwich stocks. To be clear ~ they are not on Rivington Green:-

Neither are they on Anderton Green:-

...near Headless Cross.

They are (would you believe) in Horwich, on Chorley Old Road GR 642 115:-

Occupied by two passing residents of Stocks Park, who probably wish to remain anonymous.

Missing in inaction

I was never going to get far on last Saturday's outing as  training during the week had been hampered by a thigh strain which only started to disappear on Friday  -- not much time to prepare for Saturday.

 Having previously agreed to rendezvous with EtU  on Georges lane  I stuck with the plan and met as arranged.  It was encouraging to see a good turnout  at the Lower Barn and  I was pleased to reach the Pike in as fast a time as I have done all year.

From there it was downhill all the way. After the pack split into two for the trek to Two Lads, I followed the regular route down to George's Lane and on the descent the thigh injury began to manifest itself and  I decided an early finish was the wisest  strategy,  Unfortunately  I had been left behind on the descent and had no one to advise that I was retiring.

Back at the barn I tried phoning the two who I thought most likely to be carrying mobiles --  no reply so wrong numbers or both switched off.  So I drove off home hoping my disappearance  had not been noticed.

Howtown Fell Race Sat 17th Aug (20.6k/1415m)

What a race! I thought this would give me a challenge and it certainly lived up to expectations.

My only previous excursion into this area was on the 2010 Rab MM when the midway camp was in the Martindale valley.

The route starts at the Outwardbound Centre and visits check points on Loadpot, High Raise, Place Fell and Hallin.

The weather forecast was spot on - grim! So much so I opted to run in my heavier jacket usually used for walking. And that's what I was doing for most of the way to High Raise, tracked by the sweeper. Those in the know will be aware that the main path skirts some 100m to the west of the summit cairn. Fortunately I was going slow enough to spot it, some of the faster boys (and ? girls) didn't. For some the error only came to light once they'd reached Thornthwaite Beacon. At the time I'd reached the Marshall, 26/56 runners had failed to come and say 'hello'!

My sweeper who had by this point kept a 'gentlemanly' 20m distance to my rear decided to join forces for the trek over Rampsgill Head and finally to the relief of having the wind for the most part behind us. Visibility was still poor and we stuck to the main paths on the stretch to Place Fell. I'm sure there must be better lines but that'll do for a recce on a better day.

By Place Fell energy levels were low. I hadn't been diligent in taking much food on board so quickly chomped some dates whilst my companion filled the Marshall in on the state of play so far. My companion, although living locally had thus far been unable to locate the trod dropping off to the east below High Dodd. So I can at least say that I proved useful in some respect, although I did slightly overshoot the turn off for the footpath to climb up to the road.

It was a struggle up Hallin Fell, but the usual one foot in front of the other got me there in the end.

Before the race I'd estimated a time of somewhere between 4-4.5hrs, but given the conditions I'll settle for 4.40. The winner managed 2.15.

I can't praise the RO, Marshalls and 'Mr Sweeper' enough. Those were truly atrocious conditions for hanging about on top of a hill. There's a bit of a discussion on the Fellrunner forum regarding the missed cp. Results are on the home page.

I'll be back to do it again, that's for sure. £3's a bargain.

TF
ps Mr Sweeper cycled home!!

Eccles; but not the place or cake.

Off for my second attempt at Eccles Pike this evening. Last time I didn't have a club but just looking back through the results on the Goyt Valley site it seems that just two Horwich runners have taken part since 1995;

2005, P Leighton, 65th of 119 in 29:24

1995, R Jackson, 2nd of 32 in 20:46

Place your bets on where I'll be... Managed a 32:57 (59th of 91) last year though the course changed in 2009, I'm certain I've read somewhere it went from a BS to an AS at that time so it's my excuse for being slow; extra climb!