Snow, Sledging and Skiing

What an absolutely cracking wander up onto Bleaklow. Today was guaranteed to be blue skies, low wind and stunning views with the blanket of snow that is laying over the hills, all the way down to Glossop town. Utterly irresistible to get out there, yet for the majority of our walk/ski/sledge on Bleaklow we had the hillsides to ourselves. Bliss.

Myself, Tim and Dave wandered over to Mossy Lea together, then they put on skis+skins and headed over to James Thorn via Doctors Gate. Me and my walking boots (sledge in bag for the downhills) headed up to the pond at the back of Shelf Benches. None of us found the going easy with snow drifts ankle, knee and even thigh deep in places. The guys on their skis had to contend with tufty grass and uneven surfaces - it looked easier on the way up than down! Massive fun though, well worth the effort. I took lots of photos, this is just a small selection (possibly not in order), though still numerous....enjoy!

Recce of Shelf Moor Fell Race

What glorious weather we had for our run around the Shelf Moor fell race route this morning - sunshine, slight breeze on the tops to keep us cool, and some welcome cloud cover to reduce the risk of sunburn! The race is advertised as 9.1km / 5.7m with 457m / 1499ft of ascent (most of which is in the first climb up James Thorn). Here's a few photographs to give you a taste of the route:

The steep climb up James Thorn from Doctors Gate 

James Thorn looming up ahead

At Lower Shelf Stones, with Higher Shelf Stones behind

At Lower Shelf Stones, looking back towards Glossop

Carved rocks at Higher Shelf Stones

Higher Shelf Stones trig point (621m)

Running across Shelf Moor, Bleaklow

Heading towards Dog Rock and the delightful descent down Lightside

Today's run was at a leisurely pace, plenty of stops to admire the superb views and we took about 1hr50 (though strava moving time is logged at 1hr 25). Amazingly the course records on the race are held by Colin Donnelly from 1989 in a staggering 39:45 and Carol Greenwood from 1986 in 47:17.

If you are interested in running on race day then keep 7th September free, its a 11am start from Old Glossop - details over on the Glossopdale Harriers website or on the FRA race calendar.  I'm available for recces of the route beforehand - just contact me to set up a date. 

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.

Early walk

A few photos from my early walk today (set off at 7am):

Taken at Spring Cabin at the end of Shelf Benches - clag is lurking on Dog Rock

Looking back from the same spot towards Glossop - Shire Hill the one with trees

Near Ferny Hole, The Pike in the clag

Looking down Wigan Clough....Dog Rock is over there somewhere

Taking shelter from the claggy rain at Dog Rock, looking east towards Dowstone Clough

Another view from my shelter spot...everything wet

New boots seem to be wearing in nicely. 4hrs yesterday, 4.5hrs today and no issues.