The weather forecast for today was for wet and windy weather but we set off in bright conditions with a following wind as we climbed steadily up to Laddow Rocks, The view looking back was magnificent in the splendour of the autumn colours.
We stopped for lunch part 1 as it was still dry and we were informed by Ray that we could have lunch part 2 on the coach in a couple of hours time as he was anticipating rain! After a quick snack we were soon on our way
following the stream and eventually the stone slabs to the summit of Black Hill. One or two people lost their footing crossing the stream and ended up with soggy sleeves and pockets full of water but nothing much dampens the spirits of this group. At this point we left Derbyshire behind and crossed the border into Yorkshire. By now the weather was closing in and we had several heavy showers and blustery conditions as we climbed higher. The moor top was very wet and boggy and would have been very unpleasant without the slabs.
following the stream and eventually the stone slabs to the summit of Black Hill. One or two people lost their footing crossing the stream and ended up with soggy sleeves and pockets full of water but nothing much dampens the spirits of this group. At this point we left Derbyshire behind and crossed the border into Yorkshire. By now the weather was closing in and we had several heavy showers and blustery conditions as we climbed higher. The moor top was very wet and boggy and would have been very unpleasant without the slabs.Soon after leaving the summit we could see the coach in the distance and made our way to lunch part 2. Of course the 'A' party and the 'B' party were doing the same walk bu
t not together and it did get a bit confusing at times as some of the B's passed the A's and arrived at the coach first. After another quick snack the advance A's and B's decided that it would be prudent to set off on the final stage without delay as the weather was deteriorating and we didn't want to end up in the dark. It was still only showery with dry spells and it was very pleasant walking along above the reservoirs and then climbing steeply up to Wessenden Head where we paused briefly to have a quick drink.
t not together and it did get a bit confusing at times as some of the B's passed the A's and arrived at the coach first. After another quick snack the advance A's and B's decided that it would be prudent to set off on the final stage without delay as the weather was deteriorating and we didn't want to end up in the dark. It was still only showery with dry spells and it was very pleasant walking along above the reservoirs and then climbing steeply up to Wessenden Head where we paused briefly to have a quick drink.From this point on the weather took a turn for the worse and the walk turned into a hard slog as the wind blew in our faces and the rain came down. There were white horses on the reservoir the wind was so strong. The light began to fade and it was with much relief that we saw the lights of the pub shining out across the moor. Nearly there, thank goodness ....... only to find that the path turned to the left away from the pub and it was another 15 minutes before we saw it again! Just time for a quick drink or chance to dry off before we left for home.
Unfortunately we hadn't realised that another group had set off after us and were going to find it rather difficult finishing in the dark. A timely reminder that you should always carry a torch with you especially when walking in the winter months. They were wet and cold and rather late but everyone arrived back safely to the coach.
My book says 'this section is a modest 11 miles, one of the shortest days on the trail, and fairly undemanding....'! Well I think the writer must have done it on a nice summer day. At least we experienced it in wind and rain and maybe that made it a more memorable experience. We certainly won't forget that one in a hurry!
