Backpack refuelled with drink and gels and off i went. From my house in Uppermill straight up and over Pots & Pans to the Holmfirth road, coming out near Crowthers Farm. Then it was a good couple of miles on the side of the road dodging the traffic over to the Meltham turn off. The fluorescent jacket wouldn't really protect me against the high speed cars but at least when they drag me out from underneath there'd be no denying that they hadn't seen me - all be it at the last minute!
Off the road (& off with the 'high viz') and through the gate down towards Wessenden reservoir. Past the res and continued all the way down to Marsden. Left turn down the 200 slippery steps (not sure how many steps there are?) and then back up the 300 equally slippery steps (there were definitely more going up!) that bring you out at the side of Marsden Golf Club.
Up through the golf course (lost the track - oops) and back out onto the tops and into the low cloud, where i felt surprisingly vulnerable and wondered how long it would be before anyone found me if i had a fall. I was then shortly passed by at least 30 ramblers off in the other direction, all very chipper they were too ( i guess i wouldn't have waited long for a rescue!).
Off the tops at Stanedge cutting and down boat lane to the Diggle Hotel. Resisted the urge, and then over the back roads to the St. Chads church and back down the hill to Uppermill.
Just a little over 2.5 hours but not a pace i could have continued at for much longer. I clocked it at just shy of 15 miles and have to admit that the prospect of going back to the start, and then back to the finish again, and then adding on another 5 miles to make up the 50 is a slight concern!
Felt great the day after, no aches or pains, well maybe just a bit of back ache and the knees were a bit creaky. Hey but if it were easy everyone would be doing it!
Cheers
Mick
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