We had arranged with Phil Walker last nigh to pick him up at Noon for a trip in Poulnagollum and after collecting him, we set off to find the stile behind the electricity pole leading to the large open pot of Poulelva.
Leaving my car parked on the verge up the road, Keith, Karen, Phil and I walked the short distance to Poulelva and Keith, who had changed into caving gear, tied an SRT rope to the P bolts near the lip of the shaft, in a “Y” hang and then set up the rebelay a few metres down.
Having rigged the rope, we set off back to the car to find Boyd walking towards us. He had left Jenny in their van and confirmed that Simon and Shari were also coming but the three of them planned on descending Poulelva and exiting via Poulnagollum, so we had and exchanged trip set up.
Keith removed his wellies and oversuit and we all got back into my car and drove the few hundred metres further up the road to park at the small parking place by Pollnagollum where we found Simon and Shari already waiting.
Having changed into caving gear we crossed the drystone wall using the stile made of rock slabs and then Keith tied off a 15 metre rope which we would use as an aid to descend into the pot. As the rock was damp and slippery, we all chose to simply abseil in using Italian Hitches or descenders.
Soon we were on our way at around 13:15 making rapid progress in the tall and meandering passages which were usually at least a meters wide if not much wider passing a waterfall with much fluted rock en route.
We reached the junction of the Main Stream with a tributary and took a diversion to the left finding the floor quite slippery with some sort of organic material which was washed in by the stream.
We passed a small waterfall and after a few places blocked by large blocks of limestone where we had to crawl on one side or the other in the shallow stream, we soon heard the thundering of a larger waterfall ahead.
We crossed the pool at the foot of the waterfall getting a bit wet in the process as we slid on the slippery rock and had a look at the passage which goes off beyond which is a bit dirtier but wasn't the way we wanted to go.
So, we returned back along the tributary to the junction with the Main Streamway and then onwards following the Main Streamway beyond.
Soon we reached Boyd, Simon and Shari with Simon taking photos. This was at the section where the roof was starting to lower and we stopped for a while to have a Mars Bar or whatever.
Afterwards we continued on with wide but stooping passages until we eventually arrived at a hands and knees passage going off to the right with “PE” and an arrow which was pointing down this passage.
The cave was now very different with sections of hands and knees crawling, a couple of awkward obstructions and a short traverse requiring a couple of steps across. There was also a short flat-out section where the leg-loop of my harness got caught on a knobbly bit on the floor, but I soon freed it. There was also a section of meandering passage much smaller than the main part of the cave.
Soon, following Karen who never went wrong once, we were at the final low section of flat-out crawling to arrive by the waterfall in Poulelva pot.
We all prusiked up the rope we had rigged earlier at around 15:30, so we had only been underground for about two hours.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Monday, 30 May 2011
Poll Dubh
As there had been heavy rain during the night and the day was forecast to be showery, rather than risk a trip in Doolin River Cave, we decided to visit Poll Dubh and probably Poll na Gree as well as neither are as serious a proposition in showery weather and are also located close to each other.
So a larger party of myself, Karen, Keith, Elaine, Simon, Shari, Boyd plus Robert Protheroe-Jones and his two lads headed for the area where the caves are located and parked in a hard-standing by a junction nearer to Poll Dubh.
While Boyd set off for a short walk, we all headed for the main entrance, Poll Dubh South, located a short distance away by walking into the clearing in the forest made for a set of electricity poles and then after a narrow clearing in the trees, followed a vague path for two of the poles and then into the trees on a narrow path which is quite boggy but has some wooden pallets, mostly now rotting away, to assist in avoiding the squelchier bits.
Soon we were at the entrance and once all had arrived, I went I a short way into the low initial section of the cave in order to avoid the midges which were gathering.
Once all were ready we continued on our way into the cave, first following the Poll Dubh South section which is initially a hands and knees crawl but soon enlarges into walking passage, passing a waterfall and easy climb up into the passage above where the water for the fall was flowing from, the waterfall being simply a hole in the wall of the passage above.
We continued following the easy passage passing the odd pretty formation on the way, passing a pool of water with a large block in it. I heard a splash behind me as apparently one of Robert's lads tried to avoid getting his feet we in the pool but slipped and fell in only to get more than just his feet wet!
We the came to a deeper pool and Karen paused there in order to avoid a wetting while the rest of us followed the passage which continued until the ceiling gradually lowered. At a convenient ledge on one side of the passage I sat and wait for the others to arrive and explained that the passage continued but got lower and lower eventually ending in a sump.
The others, except for myself and Keith who had been to the sump on a previous trip, went on for a short way while we waited.
Soon the others returned and we headed back to the climb by the waterfall. I climbed up first and waited while the others arrived and joined me except for Simon and Shari who were taking photos.
We waited a few minutes for them but as they still hadn't arrived and as Simon definitely knew the way into Poll Dubh North via this climb up, we headed off.
At a junction a bit further along, we paused while most had a look at a small well-decorated grotto straight ahead and then followed a passage leading to the left which was partly blocked by a flowstone formation but easily passed by crawling beneath.
Soon we arrived at on of the other entrances to the cave (B3a) but continued onwards into the main part of the cave of Poll Dubh North.
The passage was again easily followed with the odd short crab-walking or crawling until the passage narrowed and further progress is made easier by climbing up a couple of metres and then traversing on ledges leading to yet another entrance.
I helped Robert's two lads to climb up while they were joined by Keith and Robert to follow the shortish route to the exit.
Meanwhile I set off back intending to exit via the main entrance and found Karen and Elaine also heading back out. Soon we bumped into Simon and Shari heading for the same route as Keith, Robert and sons and after a quick chat, continued on our ways.
Arriving at the B3a entrance, Elaine and Karen exited the cave and I continued to head for the main entrance pausing to pick up Robert's BDH which he had left near the waterfall earlier.
Soon I was back on the surface in the conifer forest and after following the path back to the electricity poles, I caught up with Karen and Elaine who were waiting for me to arrive and then met Simon and Shari walking down the road heading towards where we had parked, where I could see the rest of the party nearly at the cars.
Keith, Karen Elaine and I decided to not bother with the second planned trip in Poll na Gree as it was past 16:00 (having gone underground at 13:15 or so) and we headed back to Doolin also bringing Robert's lad Rhodri with us, while the rest were joined by Boyd for a trip into Poll na Gree.
In the evening again Karen, Keith and myself returned to McDermott's for food joined later joined by Phil Walker who was also in Doolin with his family staying at “Atlantic View” holiday cottages up the hill towards the main road to Lisdoonvarna. Elaine and Mike plus later on Boyd also joined us and we were entertained greatly by the musicians “Foolin' in Doolin” (Michael “Blackie” O'Donnel playing Uielann Pipes, Karol Lynch on Tenor Banjo and Cyril O'Donaghue on Bazouki) who are without a doubt the best musicians to be seen at the pubs in Doolin.
So a larger party of myself, Karen, Keith, Elaine, Simon, Shari, Boyd plus Robert Protheroe-Jones and his two lads headed for the area where the caves are located and parked in a hard-standing by a junction nearer to Poll Dubh.
While Boyd set off for a short walk, we all headed for the main entrance, Poll Dubh South, located a short distance away by walking into the clearing in the forest made for a set of electricity poles and then after a narrow clearing in the trees, followed a vague path for two of the poles and then into the trees on a narrow path which is quite boggy but has some wooden pallets, mostly now rotting away, to assist in avoiding the squelchier bits.
Soon we were at the entrance and once all had arrived, I went I a short way into the low initial section of the cave in order to avoid the midges which were gathering.
Once all were ready we continued on our way into the cave, first following the Poll Dubh South section which is initially a hands and knees crawl but soon enlarges into walking passage, passing a waterfall and easy climb up into the passage above where the water for the fall was flowing from, the waterfall being simply a hole in the wall of the passage above.
We continued following the easy passage passing the odd pretty formation on the way, passing a pool of water with a large block in it. I heard a splash behind me as apparently one of Robert's lads tried to avoid getting his feet we in the pool but slipped and fell in only to get more than just his feet wet!
We the came to a deeper pool and Karen paused there in order to avoid a wetting while the rest of us followed the passage which continued until the ceiling gradually lowered. At a convenient ledge on one side of the passage I sat and wait for the others to arrive and explained that the passage continued but got lower and lower eventually ending in a sump.
The others, except for myself and Keith who had been to the sump on a previous trip, went on for a short way while we waited.
Soon the others returned and we headed back to the climb by the waterfall. I climbed up first and waited while the others arrived and joined me except for Simon and Shari who were taking photos.
We waited a few minutes for them but as they still hadn't arrived and as Simon definitely knew the way into Poll Dubh North via this climb up, we headed off.
At a junction a bit further along, we paused while most had a look at a small well-decorated grotto straight ahead and then followed a passage leading to the left which was partly blocked by a flowstone formation but easily passed by crawling beneath.
Soon we arrived at on of the other entrances to the cave (B3a) but continued onwards into the main part of the cave of Poll Dubh North.
The passage was again easily followed with the odd short crab-walking or crawling until the passage narrowed and further progress is made easier by climbing up a couple of metres and then traversing on ledges leading to yet another entrance.
I helped Robert's two lads to climb up while they were joined by Keith and Robert to follow the shortish route to the exit.
Meanwhile I set off back intending to exit via the main entrance and found Karen and Elaine also heading back out. Soon we bumped into Simon and Shari heading for the same route as Keith, Robert and sons and after a quick chat, continued on our ways.
Arriving at the B3a entrance, Elaine and Karen exited the cave and I continued to head for the main entrance pausing to pick up Robert's BDH which he had left near the waterfall earlier.
Soon I was back on the surface in the conifer forest and after following the path back to the electricity poles, I caught up with Karen and Elaine who were waiting for me to arrive and then met Simon and Shari walking down the road heading towards where we had parked, where I could see the rest of the party nearly at the cars.
Keith, Karen Elaine and I decided to not bother with the second planned trip in Poll na Gree as it was past 16:00 (having gone underground at 13:15 or so) and we headed back to Doolin also bringing Robert's lad Rhodri with us, while the rest were joined by Boyd for a trip into Poll na Gree.
In the evening again Karen, Keith and myself returned to McDermott's for food joined later joined by Phil Walker who was also in Doolin with his family staying at “Atlantic View” holiday cottages up the hill towards the main road to Lisdoonvarna. Elaine and Mike plus later on Boyd also joined us and we were entertained greatly by the musicians “Foolin' in Doolin” (Michael “Blackie” O'Donnel playing Uielann Pipes, Karol Lynch on Tenor Banjo and Cyril O'Donaghue on Bazouki) who are without a doubt the best musicians to be seen at the pubs in Doolin.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Cullaun 2
All the others were taking advantage of the opportunity to visit Ailwee Cave and its extra attractions for free as part of an offer for this weekend, while Karen, Keith and I decided on a trip to Cullaun 2.
I think this is the first occasion for quite a few tripe to County Clare that our first trip underground wasn't Pollnagollum, which always seemed to be the first cave to visit for some reason.
The weather was still windy and somewhat cooler as we first made a quick trip to the newish grocery shop next door to Maganns, which is quite handy, to get some bread and milk, also having a look at water levels in the river. The water had dropped significantly overnight, and it hadn't been particularly high yesterday anyway. So with a dry forecast, we wouldn't have to worry about water levels anyway.
We parked on the small hard-standing area about 200 metres from the path leading by the edge of the forest to Cullan 2.
We had noticed a significant part of the cave upstream of the main entrance when looking on the survey earlier and as we hadn't visited this section of the cave before, we decided to have a look there first.
Just inside the entrance we found a tightish constriction leading up stream and as I followed the other two I got a little stuck because my belt buckle was catching on the rock I was laying on, but I soon was through.
After a short hand and knees crawl, there was another blockage which could be bypassed low on the side and after that it got a bit bigger.
I decided to leave the other two to continue on and investigate while I returned to the surface to see if I could find the other nearby entrance and hence miss out this smaller section altogether.
There was an obvious linear feature leading in the correct direction with a couple of openins which contained local blockages of the rifty passage below.
I dropped down onto the pile of soil and debris at one of these collapses and could neither see nor hear the other two so presumably, this section of the cave was separate from where they had gone.
I returned to the Main Entrance and after a few minuted, Karen and Keith had returned saying it had got lower further on and they had decided to give up in visiting that section of the cave.
We continued downstream into the usual section of the cave and at a small climb up into a side passage we took the detour to see a couple of sections of well decorated sections of the cave before retracing our steps back to the main route.
There was also a short oxbow which had a laminated paper sign at each end warning of a dangerous loose flake and to avoid passing through this short oxbow.
We continued onwards, pausing to clamber up to have a better view of a small well-decorated grotto.
We continued onwards clambering down a small waterfall and eventually arrived at the feature known as the “Bloody Guts” which is a boulder partly blocking the passage with a red-stained flowstone formation. Once there used to be a grill of flowstone blocking the route over the boulder which forced the caver to pass underneath in the water, sadly now gone. Still, to prevent further damage, we passed underneath the boulder.
The passage continued with sections of chert sticking out of the walls and forming small holes on the floor beneath the water.
We passed along the top of a section of narrow slabs partly blocking the passage (but passed beneath them on the way out) and then a short climb up, crawl along more flat slabs then a short climb down to arrive at another small waterfall.
Keith had clambered down this and been to the final climb down to where there is a sump, but founf there was too much water to attempt this climb and had returned, so we didn't bother clambering down to join him.
All that remained was to turn around and start off back to the entrance, which didn't take long.
Altogether we we underground about two and a half hours.
Again it was McDermotts for an evening meal with the same musicians as yesterday. Matt and Nikki Adlam-Styles arrived later on as they are also in Doolin this week with a group for thr Forest of Dean along with Andy and Lin from the Alternative Tuesday caving group.
I think this is the first occasion for quite a few tripe to County Clare that our first trip underground wasn't Pollnagollum, which always seemed to be the first cave to visit for some reason.
The weather was still windy and somewhat cooler as we first made a quick trip to the newish grocery shop next door to Maganns, which is quite handy, to get some bread and milk, also having a look at water levels in the river. The water had dropped significantly overnight, and it hadn't been particularly high yesterday anyway. So with a dry forecast, we wouldn't have to worry about water levels anyway.
We parked on the small hard-standing area about 200 metres from the path leading by the edge of the forest to Cullan 2.
We had noticed a significant part of the cave upstream of the main entrance when looking on the survey earlier and as we hadn't visited this section of the cave before, we decided to have a look there first.
Just inside the entrance we found a tightish constriction leading up stream and as I followed the other two I got a little stuck because my belt buckle was catching on the rock I was laying on, but I soon was through.
After a short hand and knees crawl, there was another blockage which could be bypassed low on the side and after that it got a bit bigger.
I decided to leave the other two to continue on and investigate while I returned to the surface to see if I could find the other nearby entrance and hence miss out this smaller section altogether.
There was an obvious linear feature leading in the correct direction with a couple of openins which contained local blockages of the rifty passage below.
I dropped down onto the pile of soil and debris at one of these collapses and could neither see nor hear the other two so presumably, this section of the cave was separate from where they had gone.
I returned to the Main Entrance and after a few minuted, Karen and Keith had returned saying it had got lower further on and they had decided to give up in visiting that section of the cave.
We continued downstream into the usual section of the cave and at a small climb up into a side passage we took the detour to see a couple of sections of well decorated sections of the cave before retracing our steps back to the main route.
There was also a short oxbow which had a laminated paper sign at each end warning of a dangerous loose flake and to avoid passing through this short oxbow.
We continued onwards, pausing to clamber up to have a better view of a small well-decorated grotto.
We continued onwards clambering down a small waterfall and eventually arrived at the feature known as the “Bloody Guts” which is a boulder partly blocking the passage with a red-stained flowstone formation. Once there used to be a grill of flowstone blocking the route over the boulder which forced the caver to pass underneath in the water, sadly now gone. Still, to prevent further damage, we passed underneath the boulder.
The passage continued with sections of chert sticking out of the walls and forming small holes on the floor beneath the water.
We passed along the top of a section of narrow slabs partly blocking the passage (but passed beneath them on the way out) and then a short climb up, crawl along more flat slabs then a short climb down to arrive at another small waterfall.
Keith had clambered down this and been to the final climb down to where there is a sump, but founf there was too much water to attempt this climb and had returned, so we didn't bother clambering down to join him.
All that remained was to turn around and start off back to the entrance, which didn't take long.
Altogether we we underground about two and a half hours.
Again it was McDermotts for an evening meal with the same musicians as yesterday. Matt and Nikki Adlam-Styles arrived later on as they are also in Doolin this week with a group for thr Forest of Dean along with Andy and Lin from the Alternative Tuesday caving group.
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Orpheus Caving Trip to County Clare
Last night Keith, who was travelling with us, set off from his home in Rugby and got as far as the A50 when he realised he had left his passport at home!
After turning around and collecting it, he appeared in Winster at 22:20 and after a coffee, we went to bed for the early start.
Up at 05:00 and a snatched bowl of cereal (coffee and fag for Keith), then packing the car and setting off at 05:35 via Buxton, Macclesfield and Knutsford to join the M6 for one junction then the M56 and A55 to arrive in Holyhead 08:40 in plenty of time for the 10:00 sailing to Dun Laouighre.
After a bit of a wallowing crossing for two hours, we arrived at Dun Laoghrie at midday and a rapid exit from the ferry, no passport control or custom straight onto the road to then take the M50 ring road around Dublin onto the N4 heading towards Galway.
The N4 became the M4, then onto the M6 with a toll of 2.70 Euros and later a second of 1.80 Euros.
Much more rapid progress to the West coast when compared to twenty-five years ago!
At the turning for Athenry, we left the motorway and as we were now correctly located on roads according to the 'satnav': the poor thing's map didn't know about all the recent road building so had us travelling across fields for a lot of the time!
Following the 'satnav' we headed towards Lisdoonvarna and after taking the winding Corkscrew Hill arrived at around 15:30.
We stopped for some quick food shopping and then continued onwards to Dollin to arrive at 'Doolin Cottages some time after 16:00 to see Boyd and Jenny's van and a second vehicle in the car park.
We soon found Boyd in the right-hand cottage (as you look at them) and he explained that they had arrived only half an hour earlier (coming via Belfast as they had been in Scotland the week before) and that the car belong to Robert Protheroe-Jones and family who had arrived earlier and were in the cottage next door but had popped out for a while and locked up.
We moved our stuff in to occupy the bedroom with a double bed and single, Keith and the two of us.
Sometime later Simon Brooks and Sharri arrived and moved in with Robert next door.
Later, Keith, myself and Karen walked down to Magnetic Music for a coffee and chocolate cake as we found it was luckily still open even though after 18:00.
Arriving back at Doolin Cottages, we found Elaine and Mike had also arrived and they were taking the remaining bedroom in our cottage.
A short time later, the three of us wandered over to McDernott's Pub to have Guinness and an Irish Stew (at 12 Euros with Guinness 3.90 a pint), shortly afterwards joined by Elaine and Mike then even later on, Simon.
Unfortunately there was the Manchester United v. Barcelona European Cup Final on the TVs but after that, the 'session' started with a group of mainly young musicians we hadn't seen before.
We lasted until after 23:00 before walking back to the, luckily, very close cottages in light drizzle before going to bed.
After turning around and collecting it, he appeared in Winster at 22:20 and after a coffee, we went to bed for the early start.
Up at 05:00 and a snatched bowl of cereal (coffee and fag for Keith), then packing the car and setting off at 05:35 via Buxton, Macclesfield and Knutsford to join the M6 for one junction then the M56 and A55 to arrive in Holyhead 08:40 in plenty of time for the 10:00 sailing to Dun Laouighre.
After a bit of a wallowing crossing for two hours, we arrived at Dun Laoghrie at midday and a rapid exit from the ferry, no passport control or custom straight onto the road to then take the M50 ring road around Dublin onto the N4 heading towards Galway.
The N4 became the M4, then onto the M6 with a toll of 2.70 Euros and later a second of 1.80 Euros.
Much more rapid progress to the West coast when compared to twenty-five years ago!
At the turning for Athenry, we left the motorway and as we were now correctly located on roads according to the 'satnav': the poor thing's map didn't know about all the recent road building so had us travelling across fields for a lot of the time!
Following the 'satnav' we headed towards Lisdoonvarna and after taking the winding Corkscrew Hill arrived at around 15:30.
We stopped for some quick food shopping and then continued onwards to Dollin to arrive at 'Doolin Cottages some time after 16:00 to see Boyd and Jenny's van and a second vehicle in the car park.
We soon found Boyd in the right-hand cottage (as you look at them) and he explained that they had arrived only half an hour earlier (coming via Belfast as they had been in Scotland the week before) and that the car belong to Robert Protheroe-Jones and family who had arrived earlier and were in the cottage next door but had popped out for a while and locked up.
We moved our stuff in to occupy the bedroom with a double bed and single, Keith and the two of us.
Sometime later Simon Brooks and Sharri arrived and moved in with Robert next door.
Later, Keith, myself and Karen walked down to Magnetic Music for a coffee and chocolate cake as we found it was luckily still open even though after 18:00.
Arriving back at Doolin Cottages, we found Elaine and Mike had also arrived and they were taking the remaining bedroom in our cottage.
A short time later, the three of us wandered over to McDernott's Pub to have Guinness and an Irish Stew (at 12 Euros with Guinness 3.90 a pint), shortly afterwards joined by Elaine and Mike then even later on, Simon.
Unfortunately there was the Manchester United v. Barcelona European Cup Final on the TVs but after that, the 'session' started with a group of mainly young musicians we hadn't seen before.
We lasted until after 23:00 before walking back to the, luckily, very close cottages in light drizzle before going to bed.
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| Our accommodation |
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| Less than 100 metres away.. McDermott's Pub |
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| In case you get lost |
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| Magnetic Music shop |
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| O'Connor's Pub |
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Cressbrook Dale, Millers Dale and Tideswell Dale from Litton
After breakfast at the Outside café at Calver crossroads, Karen and I drove to the village of Litton and parked near the Red Lion pub.
As we were getting our boots on, I realised I had brought a pair of Karen's socks instead of mine! D'oh! So it was a quick return to Outside to buy another pair of socks. Luckily it wasn't very far to go!
A return to Litton and again parking at the same place. A quick visit to the village shop and Post Office to get snacks for later then along the main road until we spotted the stile and footpath we wanted. Oddly the Public Footpath sign was on the other side of the road.
We followed a well-worn grassy route across several fields connected by stiles on their surrounding drystone walls until we arrived at the small but quite picturesque Tansley Dale. There was an abundance of various wild flowers including Early Purple Orchids and also a large collection of Lead Wort on the spoil heap of old lead mining workings.
Tansley Dale led to the much larger Cressbrook Dale.
Here was a set of stepping stones to allow you to cross to the opposite side of the dale but today they were high and dry as water levels were very low as expected at this time of the year.
We began to follow the dale Northwards towards Wardlow Mires but as we would have to return the same way and also it was very windy, we decided to just turn around and continue as we planned and follow Cressbrook Dale Southwards partly along the wide and grassy dale bottom and partly in small wooded areas until we arrived at the old mill buildings, now converted to flats and Water-cum-Jolly Dale where there were various climbers mainly bouldering with a collection of large crash pads lying around. As seems to be often the case, they appeared to be spending more time sitting around on he mats rather than actually bouldering!
Continuing onwards, passing a mother duck and her brood of ducklings and families of coots and a pair of swans swimming on the wide section of River Wye running through the dale as it became Millers Dale.
At Litton Mill, another set of old mill buildings converted to flats, we followed a minor road uphill to reach the beginning (or end) of Tideswell Dale.
Tideswell Dale leads Northwards towards the village of Tideswell and before we reached Tideswell, we reached a minor road leading back to Litton after a kilometre or so.
As we were getting our boots on, I realised I had brought a pair of Karen's socks instead of mine! D'oh! So it was a quick return to Outside to buy another pair of socks. Luckily it wasn't very far to go!
A return to Litton and again parking at the same place. A quick visit to the village shop and Post Office to get snacks for later then along the main road until we spotted the stile and footpath we wanted. Oddly the Public Footpath sign was on the other side of the road.
We followed a well-worn grassy route across several fields connected by stiles on their surrounding drystone walls until we arrived at the small but quite picturesque Tansley Dale. There was an abundance of various wild flowers including Early Purple Orchids and also a large collection of Lead Wort on the spoil heap of old lead mining workings.
Tansley Dale led to the much larger Cressbrook Dale.
Here was a set of stepping stones to allow you to cross to the opposite side of the dale but today they were high and dry as water levels were very low as expected at this time of the year.
We began to follow the dale Northwards towards Wardlow Mires but as we would have to return the same way and also it was very windy, we decided to just turn around and continue as we planned and follow Cressbrook Dale Southwards partly along the wide and grassy dale bottom and partly in small wooded areas until we arrived at the old mill buildings, now converted to flats and Water-cum-Jolly Dale where there were various climbers mainly bouldering with a collection of large crash pads lying around. As seems to be often the case, they appeared to be spending more time sitting around on he mats rather than actually bouldering!
Continuing onwards, passing a mother duck and her brood of ducklings and families of coots and a pair of swans swimming on the wide section of River Wye running through the dale as it became Millers Dale.
At Litton Mill, another set of old mill buildings converted to flats, we followed a minor road uphill to reach the beginning (or end) of Tideswell Dale.
Tideswell Dale leads Northwards towards the village of Tideswell and before we reached Tideswell, we reached a minor road leading back to Litton after a kilometre or so.
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Seal Edge, Kinder Scout via Fair Brook
Leaving the car parked in a small layby near the Snake Inn in the Woodlands Valley, we walked across the road and then over a stile onto a path leading through the woods.
In a short distance, we crossed the River Ashop on a wooden footbridge and then followed a narrow path along the Fair Brook valley.
Unlike most of the other access routes to the plateau of Kinder Scout, especially those on the other side, in the Edale Valley, this route is very pleasant and practically empty.
It was quite a windy day and as we scrambled over the large boulders at the head of the valley, we were exposed to the full force of the wind so we found a sheltered spot in the lee of a gritstone tor to have a short break and a drink.
We continued on the route following the path skirting the edge of the valley we had just ascended along Seal Edge and passed our intended descent route after a while. As we continued, we saw ahead of us a group of walkers, two of who were moving along with a stretcher with what seemed to be two beer barrels – I wasn't sure because they were quite far ahead. God knows what they had in mind!
Anyway, after a wander around another outcropping of gritstone boulders looking at the various eroded hemispheres all caused by wind and time, we retraced our steps back along the edge until we arrived above Gate Side Clough.
We followed down the path which was quite steep, passing yet more rocky outcropping and then a track on the side of the Clough which was obviously used by off-road vehicles to reach the nearby line of shooting butts (for the grouse shooting). It was surprisingly narrow though with not much space to spare either side so the vehicles must have to go very slowly.
The path down Gate Side Clough led around to a sloping continuation which brought us to small sheep enclosure and then back to the footbridge Karen and I had crossed earlier and soon back to where we had started.
Not a very long walk, but quite a good one.
In a short distance, we crossed the River Ashop on a wooden footbridge and then followed a narrow path along the Fair Brook valley.
Unlike most of the other access routes to the plateau of Kinder Scout, especially those on the other side, in the Edale Valley, this route is very pleasant and practically empty.
It was quite a windy day and as we scrambled over the large boulders at the head of the valley, we were exposed to the full force of the wind so we found a sheltered spot in the lee of a gritstone tor to have a short break and a drink.
We continued on the route following the path skirting the edge of the valley we had just ascended along Seal Edge and passed our intended descent route after a while. As we continued, we saw ahead of us a group of walkers, two of who were moving along with a stretcher with what seemed to be two beer barrels – I wasn't sure because they were quite far ahead. God knows what they had in mind!
Anyway, after a wander around another outcropping of gritstone boulders looking at the various eroded hemispheres all caused by wind and time, we retraced our steps back along the edge until we arrived above Gate Side Clough.
We followed down the path which was quite steep, passing yet more rocky outcropping and then a track on the side of the Clough which was obviously used by off-road vehicles to reach the nearby line of shooting butts (for the grouse shooting). It was surprisingly narrow though with not much space to spare either side so the vehicles must have to go very slowly.
The path down Gate Side Clough led around to a sloping continuation which brought us to small sheep enclosure and then back to the footbridge Karen and I had crossed earlier and soon back to where we had started.
Not a very long walk, but quite a good one.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Biggin Dale, Wolfescote Dale from Hartington
Karen decided on a rest day at home so I had a walk on my own from Hartington village following the route up the hill past the impressive Youth Hostel at Hartington Hall then across a couple of fields and onto a walled lane called Highfield Lane leading to the top of Biggin Dale.
Luckily the day was drier than yesterday with just a few spots of rain as I continued following Biggin Dale with a carpet of cowslips with a few purple orchids among them on the grassy sides of the dale.
This led me to the junction of Biggin Dale and Wolfescote Dale where I followed the broad path along the River Dove Northwards then across a large meadow and across a narrow wooden footbridge into Beresford Dale.
Soon I was back on grassy fields and a back where I started in Hartington.
Luckily the day was drier than yesterday with just a few spots of rain as I continued following Biggin Dale with a carpet of cowslips with a few purple orchids among them on the grassy sides of the dale.
This led me to the junction of Biggin Dale and Wolfescote Dale where I followed the broad path along the River Dove Northwards then across a large meadow and across a narrow wooden footbridge into Beresford Dale.
Soon I was back on grassy fields and a back where I started in Hartington.
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Kinder Scout
Karen was away for the day on a “Bird Race” in Northhamptonshire and I went for a walk on Kinder Scout.
Since there was a strongish Westerly or South-Westerly wind, I decided to start via Jacob's Ladder then follow the path along the edge and drop down again below Ringing Roger so that the wind would be behind me most of the time.
I parked at the layby near Barber Booth and set off with the temperature quite cool and just after the old packhorse bridge, to avoid a large group starting up the stepped section, I followed the dog-leg alternative to the left.
As I was getting quite warm, I unzipped the hood and sleeves section of the Third Element Jacket and continued.
Along the path below Edale Rocks, I took advantage of the shelter offered by a boulder to replace the hood and sleeves section as it was now noticeably cooler with the gain in height.
When I reached the large area large area of gritstone boulders known as “The Woolpacks” I followed a path wending its way among them until I arrived at the rocky tor of Crowden Tower. There was a rainy squall blowing so I took advantage of the shelter offered by the boulder to sit for a while and have lunch.
As it seemed that the rain wasn't going to stop any time soon, I got my waterproof overtrousers on and was about to continue on my way when a couple approached and the man asked about the way to Kinder Downfall. I pointed out that it was on the opposite side of the Kinder plateau and there isn't really a path and they would have to navigate across the peat bog to reach it. They seemed happier to just return to Edale and I suggested they follow the route down via Grindslow Knoll as they had come up the Grindsbrook Clough route.
I continued on my way following the path along the edge passing quite a lot of walkers going in the opposite direction head down into the wind.
I dropped down the path below Ringing Roger to soon reach Edale village (Grindsbrook Booth) and as I started on the Pennine Way route near the Old Nags Head pub, I met the couple I had met earlier just arriving after their trip via Grindslow Knoll.
Continuing on the Pennine Way route as far as Barber Booth farm, I left the route back at the road where I had started earlier in the day.
Since there was a strongish Westerly or South-Westerly wind, I decided to start via Jacob's Ladder then follow the path along the edge and drop down again below Ringing Roger so that the wind would be behind me most of the time.
I parked at the layby near Barber Booth and set off with the temperature quite cool and just after the old packhorse bridge, to avoid a large group starting up the stepped section, I followed the dog-leg alternative to the left.
As I was getting quite warm, I unzipped the hood and sleeves section of the Third Element Jacket and continued.
Along the path below Edale Rocks, I took advantage of the shelter offered by a boulder to replace the hood and sleeves section as it was now noticeably cooler with the gain in height.
When I reached the large area large area of gritstone boulders known as “The Woolpacks” I followed a path wending its way among them until I arrived at the rocky tor of Crowden Tower. There was a rainy squall blowing so I took advantage of the shelter offered by the boulder to sit for a while and have lunch.
As it seemed that the rain wasn't going to stop any time soon, I got my waterproof overtrousers on and was about to continue on my way when a couple approached and the man asked about the way to Kinder Downfall. I pointed out that it was on the opposite side of the Kinder plateau and there isn't really a path and they would have to navigate across the peat bog to reach it. They seemed happier to just return to Edale and I suggested they follow the route down via Grindslow Knoll as they had come up the Grindsbrook Clough route.
I continued on my way following the path along the edge passing quite a lot of walkers going in the opposite direction head down into the wind.
I dropped down the path below Ringing Roger to soon reach Edale village (Grindsbrook Booth) and as I started on the Pennine Way route near the Old Nags Head pub, I met the couple I had met earlier just arriving after their trip via Grindslow Knoll.
Continuing on the Pennine Way route as far as Barber Booth farm, I left the route back at the road where I had started earlier in the day.
Photos of some of "The Woolpacks"
Sunday, 8 May 2011
A Walk in Clough Wood
Luckily today seemed to be an improvement weather-wise on yesterday and Karen and I decided to have a short walk without having to travel.
We walked to the other end of Main Street in Winster and then followed the footpath leaving at Painters Way which soon led to a stile crossing the fence at the lower end of a field above the stream flowing in the bottom at Clough Wood.
Saw a deer and loads of bluebells.
Walked through a section of the woods then onto the track leading back to near Birchover and from there across to the Limestone Way, the tarmac lane near Robin Hood's Stride. We followed the remaining section of the Limestone Way then back home via Oddo.
We walked to the other end of Main Street in Winster and then followed the footpath leaving at Painters Way which soon led to a stile crossing the fence at the lower end of a field above the stream flowing in the bottom at Clough Wood.
Saw a deer and loads of bluebells.
Walked through a section of the woods then onto the track leading back to near Birchover and from there across to the Limestone Way, the tarmac lane near Robin Hood's Stride. We followed the remaining section of the Limestone Way then back home via Oddo.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
DCRO Street Collection, Matlock
I joined Andy Beardmore, Dan Murray, Mick Earle and Lisa on a street collection for DCRO in Matlock. Karen was at home as we had friends (Jill and Bruno) visiting.
The morning started with light rain as we met up near Crown Square at 10:00 and didn't improve as we took up positions at various points in and near Crown Square.
Things were very quiet due to the we weather so we decided to call it a day just after Noon.
The morning started with light rain as we met up near Crown Square at 10:00 and didn't improve as we took up positions at various points in and near Crown Square.
Things were very quiet due to the we weather so we decided to call it a day just after Noon.
Monday, 2 May 2011
Old A5 from Capel Curig
After parking in the free car park behind Joe Brown's shop we walked along the rough track which is the old A5 as far as Gwern Gof Isaf camp site.
We noticed that there was a “rush hour” for this car park with it becoming full at around 09:00 as some probably parked there to have breakfast in the nearby Pinnacle Cafe (which was also busy at that time) before heading off elsewhere for the day.
Arriving after 09:30, the car park had quite a few empty spaces and there was also plenty of room in the café.
We noticed that there was a “rush hour” for this car park with it becoming full at around 09:00 as some probably parked there to have breakfast in the nearby Pinnacle Cafe (which was also busy at that time) before heading off elsewhere for the day.
Arriving after 09:30, the car park had quite a few empty spaces and there was also plenty of room in the café.
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| Some of the locals |
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| On the old Hollyhead Road looking towards Gallt yr Ogof |
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| The unmistakable profile of Tryfan |
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Glyder Fach via the Miners Track
Again a lovely sunny but cool day but even more windy than yesterday. After parking near the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel opposite Llyn Lockwood, we followed the Miners Track as it gradually rose up the side of Glyder Fach after we had altered our course from an initially chosen wrong path. Our route lay further to the East within a walled field but we were able to easily reach the continuation above the walled field.
The path gradually rose until we reached a large open moorland area between Glyder Fach and Drws Nodded with the lake Llyn Caseg-fraith nearby looking a very dark blue.
From here we continued along the path leading Westwards gradually up the broad ridge leading up one side of Glyder Fach with and excellent view of the side of Bristly Ridge also heading for the summit. After a short section of boulders, we reached a flatter section strewn with large, flat rocks which characterises this part of the Glyders.
We soon spotted the nearby “honey pot” the Cantilever Stone, which is a large wide but relatively thin slab of rock looking like a giant's see-saw but which is so massive, a large number of people can stand on the suspended section with no fear of any movement.
We joined the others in clambering on the Stone to pose for a photo but it was tricky standing there in the very string and gusty wind.
Continuing onwards on the rocky summit to pause for a quick rest sitting in the shelter of a large rock not far from the group of rocks called the Castell y Gwynt (Castle of the Wind) appropriately enough on a blustery day like today.
We returned via the same route back to where we started after a very nice walk which was relatively quiet when compared to the more popular routes.
The path gradually rose until we reached a large open moorland area between Glyder Fach and Drws Nodded with the lake Llyn Caseg-fraith nearby looking a very dark blue.
From here we continued along the path leading Westwards gradually up the broad ridge leading up one side of Glyder Fach with and excellent view of the side of Bristly Ridge also heading for the summit. After a short section of boulders, we reached a flatter section strewn with large, flat rocks which characterises this part of the Glyders.
We soon spotted the nearby “honey pot” the Cantilever Stone, which is a large wide but relatively thin slab of rock looking like a giant's see-saw but which is so massive, a large number of people can stand on the suspended section with no fear of any movement.
We joined the others in clambering on the Stone to pose for a photo but it was tricky standing there in the very string and gusty wind.
Continuing onwards on the rocky summit to pause for a quick rest sitting in the shelter of a large rock not far from the group of rocks called the Castell y Gwynt (Castle of the Wind) appropriately enough on a blustery day like today.
We returned via the same route back to where we started after a very nice walk which was relatively quiet when compared to the more popular routes.
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| The Snowdon Horseshoe from Capel Curig |
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| Beginning of The Miners Track |
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| Bristly Ridge |
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| South Ridge of Tryfan |
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| Karen on the Cantilever Stone, Glyder Fach |
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| The Snodwon Horseshoe from Glyder Fach |
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