Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019

Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
On the Archduke's Path in Mallorca

Friday 15 January 2010

Friday 15 January 2010 – Shutlingsloe in Winter

Trees on Nessit Hill, in Macclesfield Forest

I think the only thing that got me out of bed on this rainy (the first for ages) morning was the fact that two rendezvous had been arranged.  It’s probably also the same reason that both John and Graham were on time, and cheerily set off with me from beside Ridgegate Reservoir, and along the snowy track that rises gently up Nessit Hill in Macclesfield Forest.

Don’t they look cheerful, despite the dark morning in wind and rain?  Even with the brightness of the snow, the automatic flash kicked in a lot today.

Graham and John on the path through the woods

After we had passed through the trees and on to the open moor, we found ourselves in cloud, of varying density, almost all the way back to the cars.

Crampon prints looked incongruous in the now very soft snow.  We would have preferred it to be firmer, but the thaw had to start sometime.

Here (below), Graham and John pause briefly on the summit of Shutlingsloe, which had an Arctic Feel to it today, before slithering down its eastern flank towards Wildboarclough, where we met a 4 x 4 progressing slowly up a snow laden farm track.  On seeing us emerge from the cloud the driver shrugged, placed his vehicle into reverse, and drove backwards for half a mile down the difficult track…

…another failed postal delivery.  But we can vouch that he tried!

Shutlingsloe summit - 506 metres

Certain readers will not appreciate this, but due to afternoon commitments we were forced to pass by the Crag Inn, in favour of a stop for tea and sandwiches in the snow, which had drifted.

On the path beyond the Crag Inn

Eventually we started a descent down an ancient ‘holloway’, where John paused thoughtfully before negotiating some cornices.

The snowdrifted holloway to the Hanging Gate

The Hanging Gate Inn, which sadly we had to pass due to pressing engagements, was surprisingly busy this Friday lunch time.

The Hanging Gate Inn

But we had to continue through deep snow, along a section of the Gritstone Trail, eventually emerging at the Leather’s Smithy (sadly no time to visit it) and Kate’s ponies.

A short stroll along the road concluded this excellent work out, albeit the 11 km with 500 metres ascent took half an hour longer than the customary 3 hours, due to having to battle our way through the snow.

Today's route - 11 km, 500 metres ascent, 3.5 hours in the snow

John has just delivered his pictures, so I may add more, but having already pressed the ‘publish’ button by mistake, I’d better press it again now.  Apologies to ‘Google readers’ who may also have seen the incomplete (now deleted) version of this posting.

6 comments:

Alan Sloman said...

"Shutlingsloe in Winter" should have been titled "Three hardened Challengers go for a walk and pass an open busy pub on a Friday Lunchtime".

Shocking stuff........

I was shocked.

Right down to my shreddies, I was ... shocked.

Phreerunner said...

Hmmm

I predicted this comment...

A very mild rebuke, though, as we actually passed three pubs...

...the shame of it!

Elpus said...

Three!!!!

*lapses into stunned silence*

Phreerunner said...

We had commitments. I expect JJ had to get back in time to shed his ounces - have just seen him running around Timperley in the shortest shorts imaginable!
We'll hire a driver and try harder next time....

Anonymous said...

I can see Shutlingsloe from my window. Was desperate to get up it in the snow but never made it out.

Thanks for the pics and report

Phreerunner said...

A missed opportunity I fear, anon.