Geocaches - 6
Walk From - Trail Magazine June 2013
Bleaklow Head
A promise was made to help a student avoid a long train journey after work. I don't mind... I have the chance for further exploration of the Peak District. I have had my eye on this walk for a while - a new mountain summit with the added frisson of an air crash site. And a drive up the Snake Pass.
One of the exciting things about planning a walk is getting the stuff together for lunch. Yesterday, I headed down to the co-op and bought a large cob. I took it to the deli and asked for enough chicken to fill her up. I got home and whilst preparing for a shopping trip, Sonia kindly made me a bacon sandwich on crusty bread. I then saw the crusty loaf and used it for evening beans on toast. Even later in the evening, Sonia asked me where my walking loaf had gone and I said that I hadn't bought a loaf, just a large bap. It took here about 20 minutes for her to stop laughing as "I had eaten my own lunch". Turns out there is a fine line between a small loaf and a large bap.
The other thing to consider is what to wear. Having checked the forecasts, it promises Glossop based sunshine. On parking up on Snake Pass, I can only say I am glad I have thrown my micro fleece into the car. The wind and cloud are a bit of a surprise. Also leads to disappointing views at the start of the walk.
Nothing to see really |
The ascent is as gentle as it gets. In fact, you only know that you have reached the top of Bleaklow when you reach a pile of stones with a pole in it.
I have arrived |
I am off there myself.
From an angle, they look like two faces kissing. Mountain romantics. |
I am not on real paths but every so often, you see a boot print that gives you the confidence that you are heading in the right direction.
I have marked on the map the exact location of the crash site. This was a B29 Superfortress - named the overexposed - that came down in 1948, with a loss of 13 lives. The wreckage is spread over a wide field and instantly, the engines and wheels are recognisable. Its in quite amazing condition - I am staggered that the peat hasn't sucked into the bowels of the earth. In the fog, with overhead aircraft coming into or out of Manchester Airport, its all rather eerie.
Crash Site |
Memorial |
Move on from the wreckage to the next high point - the Higher Shelf Stones. And as if by magic, the clouds start to lift and the sun comes out. My god, what a vitsa I would have missed.
First I admire the chiseled graffiti - the oldest I spot is 1871.
Kids today just draw knobs |
Another Cache in the Bag |
With no crusty bap, hovis had to suffice. |
There is one cache left at Urchin Clough. I have 2.5 hours before Ellie needs to be picked up. I go for it.
This was one of my better choices. The views are superb.
Having a cloudy start makes you appreciate the views even more when they come |
Back at the beginning |
Warning sign against bad 1980's albums |
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