After the Dovedale Dipper the previous weekend, and 9 Welsh summits midweek, I thought I'd be giving my legs a rest by tackling the shorter, 19-mile version of Moors The Merrier. Hmmm. Since when has the Calderdale Valley been anything but steeply-sided? When have the moors been anything but squelchy and tricky to navigate?
The rain kept the mist low on the moors in the early stages, and it was just a case of plodding on through some interesting heritage scenery Jumble Hole Clough was especially interesting. Around lunchtime the mist lifted, the sun peeked through the clouds and it became warm and pleasant. Gorple was magnificent in its isolation, Walshaw is always a lovely spot, and the waterfalls in Lumb Hole were full of the recent rain. Even the final section of moorland to Sheep Stones didn't seem that bad, but I mucked-up the navigation on the final descent.
The venue, St Michael's in Mytholmroyd, was ideal and the end-of-walk food was excellent. Funny how jelly and ice-cream can still seem like a real treat! I also enjoyed the chats with the checkpoint staff - friendly and helpful.
Thanks Carole and Alan, and the rest of the team for a great event. I'll be back next year to do the full version.
Some photos ...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=253384&id=726015791&l=6d16af6c4a
(Garfield)
