The four season's run 17/03/2012

It was just me and Frank who ventured out into the spring afternoon of Saturday. We left Uppermill just after 2pm and headed off down the bridal path towards Greenfield. We didn't really know where we were going so we decided to recreate the Higher Swineshaw Reservoir run which i did in January: http://mickslakeland50.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/sunday-22012012.html

By the time we got to Mossley and turned off the canal to Millbrook the sun was beating down on us and it was time to strip off the outer layers and pretend it was summer, which turned out to be a good move because we were both sweating buckets by the time we'd made it up to the highest point, pictured below, number 1 on the map:

This is the path that i should have taken last time, when i went the wrong way.

As Frank pointed out it'd be pretty good for the mountain bikes!

Those of you with a keen eye may notice the subtle change in background between the 2 shots above. Frank is running up the hill in the wrong direction (Mossley/Greenfield in the background) but I thought the scenery was worth the cheat for a photo.

The quarry and next photo site is arrowed in red (top right).

When we'd dropped back down off the top, to the back of the housing estate at Carrbrook, instead of going left, like the previous route, we went right with a view to going up and around the right hand side of the Buckton Vale Quarry. The road we took that said 'private' was in fact private (shocker!) so after we sneaked past the footballers style, detached property and through the garden we scaled the six foot rusty and disused gate and jumped over the other side onto the proper track. Then it started to rain, never mind, we stopped and donned waterproof jackets and carried on regardless. Up the hill we went and to the right of the quarry. When we got right up onto the top, it really started to rain and got a fair bit colder. Then, when we realised that there is no proper way around or through the quarry, it started to really come down and hail and turned into winter! A photo at this point would have been good but not having a waterproof camera i had to wait until it stopped, number 2 on the map:

Frank, drying his glasses and checking that I'm having as much fun as he is?

Oh yes! I reply

From here it was back down off the hill, over 2 barbed wire fences, through the very wet, thick heather and newly formed mountain streams (God bless Sealskin waterproof socks) and a steady run home. We had discussed continuing on around Dovestones previous to our soaking and then surprisingly lost the urge. On arrival home the day had taken on a grey, autumnal feel and a hot bath was very welcome.

13.6 miles in a little over 2.5 hours. Top tip: stick to the left hand side of the quarry :o)

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=210653186902825491076.0004bb953784e5ce7ce01&msa=0

Cheers

Mick