October Outings


Sheltering at Stoodley Pike Wandering in the rain
'Mick's Hole' Meander. Sun Oct 3rd. 20 miles from Hebden Bridge.



A total of sixteen walkers set off in heavy rain that soon became a deluge. After seven miles and two re-routes only six completed the walk with ten walkers deciding to return to Hebden Bridge.

This first seven miles took us over Erringden Moor up to Stoodley Pike. The visibility was so poor I re-routed to avoid walking over to Gaddings Dam in the deteriorating weather. We diverted to Mankinholes and picked up my original route but we were soon diverting again after we tried and failed to cross a normally placid stream that had turned into a torrent.

Once at the canal I asked if everyone wanted to continue as the rain was getting worse. If everyone had decided to pack in, then so would I, but five people wanted to carry on. We continued up into Jumble Hole and in the worst weather of the day made our way up the valley on footpaths running ankle deep in water. None of the route for the next five miles was along the planned route. It was safer to keep on the tarmaced roads.



We lunched at Jack Bridge; watching Colden Water backing up behind the bridge and forming a lake in the field behind. The rain eased as we headed over towards Widdop and when we were walking above Hardcastle Crags the weather was lovely!



Surprisingly we managed a 20 mile walk and were back for 4pm. I put this down to the small group walking along tarmaced roads and tracks instead of picking our way through fields etc. Also we didn't stop to look at the views as there were none!!! I am also in the market for decent waterproofs, suggestions anyone?

Andy



Weds October 6th. Not Norman's Xmas Cracker but Kath's. 10.00am from Blue Lagoon. 14ml.



25 people & 4 dogs turned up at the Blue Lagoon. We welcomed Mike, a new member from Oswaldtwistle, does he know what he's let himself in for??



Dark skies, overcast & a light shower set us on our way. We followed the Longworth Clough valley, through the golf course & along to Barrow Bridge for lunch. The sun came out & soon layers were removed to enjoy the lunch break. Bernard departed gracefully now.



We then headed for High Rid resevoir & over to Rivington. "Where's Bernard" Norman says, have you only just noticed!! "Is this the right way for the Xmas Cracker?" No, we`re turning left here Norman!!

The conditions worsened under foot, but the sun was shining so who cared, & the Rivi Barn pit stop was coming up.



After a nice cuppa & a sloppy cream kiss(!!) off we set. Then an unfortunate tumble over a stile worried us all for a while, Allan went flying; an ambulance was called but luckily wasn`t needed in the end. See Johns letter below.



Allan then waited to be picked up & many thanks to Dave, Bill & John for staying with Allan, I`m sure their company was very comforting for him!



Up & over the Winter Hill for fantastic panoramic views to finish off the walk.



Well done to Mike for completing the 16 miles, the most he's done for a while. Everyone enjoyed the day & thankfully Allan is OK, but he gave us all a scare.

Kath Page

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Dear All from today’s walk



I have just phoned Allan to see how he is. His wife has cleaned up his facial wounds and administered plasters and all that is OK. His chest and ribs are very sore but he feels now he’s had a bath that it is more bruising than anything more sinister. He has asked me to pass on to you all his gratitude for how well he was looked after.



As we waited with him for his wife to pick him up we tried to cheer him up by pointing out to him how well set up we are as group to cater for emergencies such as this. We had two fully trained nurses on hand, two firemen with full first aid certificates and experience, a lay preacher in case things took a turn for the worse and the last rites had to be read; and I could have done him ever such a nice obituary for the Bolton Evening News. You could see before we had finished that he began to feel he had missed out somehow and that he almost wished it had been worse!



Well done everyone, particularly Kathy and Liz.



We had a problem where Bill’s dog went missing so Bill went to look for it and he too went missing. Obviously we were worried about the dog!

John Bullen
Alongside High Rid Crossing the golf course Down we go John enjoys lunch, not sure about the others! Lovely smiles Mud, glorious mud! Munch munch Sloppy Cream Kiss The Start at Blue Lagoon Up we go