Wednesday 13 June 2007

Day 3: 27 May, Crowden to Standedge


Following a good breakfast at Crowden YHA, we left in the rain. A staggered group of about 8 walkers, about 250 yards apart, made their way up the steep sided, craggy, Black Tor. A narrow, but not too dangerous pathway with steep drops to the east…fortunately, we had an easterly wind blowing us onto the valley side rather than into the gulf below! Still, with squally and heavy showers of both rain and sleet, it was hard going and took nearly an hour to Laddow Rocks, about 1.5 miles. Another mile or so and the pathway levelled off, running on flagstones on deep, peat bog. Today however, despite the rain, the bog had almost dried out…perhaps a sign of the dry winter.

After this it was a steady, shallow climb again in hail and rain towards the A62 road. Let no-one tell you good, waterproof gloves are not essential in England in early summer! A small caravan selling hot drinks and bacon rolls was a welcome sight in the layby. All the group who had left Crowden were gathered there, cheerful but very cold and wet, even with expensive array of Berghaus, Helly Hansen and Sprayaway equipment on display! To be fair, this was largely because we had stopped wal;king and not adjusted our layers accordingly.

In passing, this is also the area where the Moors Murderers reportedly buried their victims. A few thoughts for those children was in order.

A surfaced path, then, along Wessenden Moor with a simple descent but steep ascent across a small valley towards Black Moss and a long, steady plod – again in hail and rain – to the reservoir. Water levels again very low and we sheltered for some tea in the lee of the dam abutments.

Then a quick jaunt up to our overnight accommodation at Eric & Sue Landon’s B&B at Bleak Hay Nook. A bit difficult to find, but – this year at least – look out for the burnt-out pub on the A62…their house is just behind it. They were very welcoming, prepared to provide a meal if required but we decided to eat out. You see, it was a special occasion as Margarette and I had met 41 years ago on 28 May so we decided to treat ourselves. Eric kindly drove us into the local village (Small Mills?) where we dined at the “Dinnerstore”. Food and service were excellent.
This morning, after breakfast cooked by Eric and with sandwiches prepared by Sue (…by the way, just found out Margarette doesn’t like cheese and pickle sandwiches…ah well, even after 41 years there’s obviously still some exploring to be done…) we set off in only light rain .

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