Fun Running in the Rain

Rain really doesn't bother me, if you've got the right gear on then all is good. Thankfully rain didn't bother today's runner who I was guiding around the hills up onto Bleaklow. Both well equipped for off-road running, and with a 10km/6mile route planned, we set off. As we climbed higher the drizzle got heavier, and visibility remained fairly good so we could see most of our route at various points. When running in a new area it's good to do a route where you can look back and see where you've been.

Looking down Dowstone Clough with Yellowslacks Brook in the bottom

Along the way we saw three herons flying above Shelf Brook, then curlews with their distinctive call singing out. Once up on Shelf Moor and skipping across the peat groughs and through the heather there were plenty of mountain hares to be seen...too quick for the camera though.

Shelf Moor

Shelf Moor

View back to the Pike and Shelf Benches where we've run from

Just before we got to Dowstone Clough there was a patch of fungi, most unusual looking with frilly edges.

Although it looked quite distinctive I've now flicked through my Mushroom and Toadstools of Britain & Europe book and am baffled by the array of options it could be. If you can identify this one please let me know! The largest ones in the pictures above are about 2-3cm across.

The path near Dog Rock, on the way to Yellowslacks

Guided runs on a one-to-one basis or for groups can be organised. Contact me for more information, and have a read on the Guided Running page. Organised Running Delights sessions will be posted on the facebook page.

My Top 10 places to visit

I've been living in Glossop for three years now and I've had plenty of time to get out running, walking and exploring the hills nearby. It's great because there are so many beautiful places that are really close by. Often I'll visit a place and say to myself that I'll go back there really soon, only to find I'm off exploring elsewhere and don't get back for ages. Here's my Top 10 places and a few thoughts on each:

1. James Thorn

This is probably one place that I visit the most. The hill just appeals to me, it calls me to get to the top, even if it is a challenge sometimes. I've been up in all weathers and never tire of climbing up and pausing at the top to catch my breath while taking in the glorious view.

2. Chunal Cabin

Chunal Cabin is nestled on the moorland here on Chunal Moor. It's often included as the far point on a run, or a place to past on a longer loop up to the Pennine Way or onto the Kinder Plateau. If it's on the return section of a run it signifies that I'm nearly home.

Chunal Cabin

3. Swineshaw Reservoir

A lovely reservoir with great views. The surrounding fields always provide plenty of mud, and I love seeing the peacocks on the nearby farm. It's always invigorating to run up the side of the waterfall just below the reservoir.

4. Mossy Lea & Shire Hill

A well trodden track up to Mossy Lea Farm and forms part of a lovely 5km loop or the starting point of longer runs. Shire Hill is also a great place for doing hill reps and getting some technical footwork practice without needing to go very far.

5. Brae Clough

A location seldom visited, but one that is very beautiful and tranquil. It can be a real heather bash to get to the waterfall, but it is well worth the effort. There's a few ways to approach the waterfall, my favorite is to drop down to it from the North.

6. Brown Hill & Jumble

Lovely paths through fields, lots of brambles in autumn and a good place to spot buzzards. On early morning runs (our Dawn Patrols) we often see and hear the owls. Pictured here on a sunset run.

7. The Pike

This is one of those places that's easily missed on runs because it's a bit of hill sticking out over Dowstone Clough. It isn't on the way to anywhere, unless you're going for the steep down and up over to Dog Rock. I like the dramatic nature of the view here - the steep banks, the crags and Yellowslacks brook flowing far below.
The Pike is viewed here from near Dog Rock.

8. Shelf Benches

Close enough to incorporate on a run of an hour or so, yet you feel miles from anywhere. The only visible sign of civilisation is the farm and sheep in the fields below. At this time of year it is great to see the lapwings returning to their breeding sites.

9. Cock Hill

Easily reached from Old Glossop this is another of my favorite spots. I'm still finding new parts to the quarry to explore and different ways to approach the trig point. The views from the summit are delightful.

10. Wormstones

The closest crag to Glossop and comes with a beautiful vista over Chunal Moor. It's also a useful place if you need a bit of shelter on a windy day.  The crag here is catching the early morning sun, photo taken from near Chunal Cabin.

Closer view of Wormstones

Want to explore these locations? Unsure how to find them? Then let me help you. I will gladly include one of these locations on a Running Delights Guided Run, or a private one-to-one hill session. Just send me an email to get a date sorted ltaylor.srmt@gmail.com

You can also find me on twitter @RunningDelights and facebook.

Benches, Boulders & Brooks

With the Sahara desert and European pollution seemingly making an appearance up on Bleaklow I planned today's run so that I would hopefully avoid being in the mirky smog. My plan was to stay off the higher parts of Bleaklow, as I didn't fancy breathing in whatever was up there. It appeared like cloud base was at around 450-500m, who knows if it was just clag or not-so-good-stuff, but my run kept me below 400m and thankfully my breathing didn't seem to be affected. Here's some rather mirky photos for you to enjoy:

Bunnies and Birds

Had such a glorious run today. Looking out of the window it seemed like the top of James Thorn was in clag but that was my chosen destination for a guided run. We were visiting a few lesser known paths (trods known to fell runners), and taking in the memorial at the top of James Thorn, dedicated to those lost in a Lancaster which crashed there (see this website for info on wrecks). Luckily the clag lifted, and the sun came out to take the chill off the easterly wind.

Path heading up to Doctors Gate

Memorial at the top of James Thorn, Lower Shelf Stones emerging from the clag in the background

Spot the mountain hare; Yellowslacks in the distance

Running on Doctors Gate path

Returning to Mossy Lea

Spot the kestrel

We saw several mountain hares whilst out, their coats are gradually turning back to summer colours so they'll get less easy to spot as the next month or so passes. Lapwings were in flight as well, singing their strange and haunting song. Alas they fly too quick to capture with my phone camera, but the kestrel was hunting so we paused to watch a moment.

Fog to Blue Sky

My plans to lead a run over in the Derwent Valley this morning changed and I found out I'd be heading up to Bleaklow at the last minute. Glossop was shrouded in thick fog which meant the chances of getting on the tops for a cloud inversion were high. We weren't disappointed. The cold fog was soon left behind as height was gained and just twenty minutes from the edge of town we were in glorious sunshine; jackets packed in the bag and running in t-shirts. It was delightful to have the warmth of the sunshine on us.

Heading towards Doctors Gate in the fog

fog slowly showing it will be clearing

gaining height and blue skies

Glossop is down there....somewhere

looking towards Kinder Scout

heading back to Glossop and into the fog again

Guided runs on a one-to-one basis or for groups can be organised...contact me for more information or have a read on the Running page. 

Bog Trotting

Lovely run up onto Bleaklow today, quite windy blowing in from the west but beautifully clear. Here's a few photos to give you an idea of the terrain I was on...

Looking towards Grinah Stones from Higher Shelf trig

Higher Shelf trig point, and the highest point on today's run

New-ish mudclaw 300s enjoying the boggyness of the run and performing very well

Near Dog Rock, looking over to The Pike, with Shelf Benches and James Thorn behind

Looking up Dowstone Clough

I was nicely surprised to reach the trig point via Doctors Gate in just under an hour, I reckon that is my quickest time up that route to date. Here's my strava log:

Sunshine

Beautiful weather for fell running.  Today's route from home took us up the start of Doctors Gate then sharp left up to the top of James Thorn, to the pond and onto the top of Shelf Benches. The sunshine was accompanied by a stiff breeze on top that kept us moving.

Lou, Brae and Andrea heading up the path to James Thorn, Glossop in the right/background

My shadow...looking back down Doctors Gate, towards Mossy Lea

Lou summits James Thorn

Andrea using Brae as a wind break on the summit of James Thorn

Brae having a dip in the pond under James Thorn

Lou, Andrea and Brae heading off James Thorn towards Shelf Benches

Brae with Dog Rock in the background

Andrea and Lou enjoying easy running along the top of Shelf Benches