Owls Night Navigation

At spot height 429 - Lurden Top
 

 

With the wind howling across the moors, I arrived at the Rams Head Inn, Denshaw, to find my fellow owls still sheltering from the wild weather, in the protective cocoon of their cars. Wrapped in layers of warm clothing, we took shelter behind my van for the first lesson in night navigation.

With the first checkpoint identified, Anita Copplestone successfully took the group to our intended destination using handrail features and catchment points. As we arrived, the silent ghostly figure of a barn owl swept down in front of us and stealthily soared across the moor, in search of its prey.

Hunkered down in the protection of the small quarry, we discussed measuring distance and the use of 'pacing'. With a new checkpoint identified, Mark Bowden, jumped at the opportunity of trying out the pacing system and led the group to a footbridge at the northern end of Crook Gate Reservoir.After discussing more principles of navigation, it was the turn of Nicky Torr to lead the way. Always full of enthusiasm, Nicky relished the opportunity to test her skills and successfully navigated the group to a small re-entrant on the eastern shores of a prominent water feature.

With everyone now gaining in confidence, it was Gareth Evans' turn to lead the group. Now using a combination of techniques, such as handrailing, tick-off features, pacing and catchment points Gareth easily led us to a small track junction at Dowry Green.

After more discussion, it was time for James Black to jump into the hot seat. Tasked with taking us to a small water feature on the moor, we passed the old remains of Dowry Castle, where we explored this once former Victorian dwelling. Whilst checking our maps for the next leg of the journey, a small bat rose from the old cellar to investigate our intentions.

The next part of the evening was spent looking at taking both grid and magnetic bearings, route planning and how to effectively 'march on a bearing', using a variety of tried and tested techniques. Spot height 429 (Lurden Top) was our next destination. Using the principles discussed, the whole group individually navigated themselves to the right point.

With the icy wind increasing its speed, we took in one more checkpoint en route back to the Rams Head. Whilst tonight we didn't cover a great distance on our Owls Run, it was a great opportunity for people to learn new skills or improve on their existing knowledge. We have more Night Navigation sessions planned for the near future, to which people are welcome.

Owl Run - 21.01.2014

Twas a dark, wet and blustery evening last night when the Owls ventured out onto the high moors.

Setting out from Dovestone Sailing Club, a hardy dedicated group set out up the Chew Valley, along the old tramway. Heading directly into a strong icy wind and driving rain, cags and hoods were zipped up tight to keep out the body chilling elements.

 

Reaching the end of the Tramway, and shrouded in ebony black darkness, we ascended the boulder strewn flanks of Charnel Clough to a...ttain Dish Stone Brow. Emerging from the protective shelter of the clough, we once again advanced headlong into the wind and rain. The route to Chew Reservoir was very wet and boggy, and feet and legs soon became caked in Saddleworth's ancient peat soil.

Reaching Chew Reservoir, we sheltered on the leeward side of the dam to regroup and gorge on the fell-runners best friend - jelly babies.

 

Finding a high line, we managed to avoid the worst of the normal quagmire that is encountered en route to Chew Hurdles. With the wind now at our backs, cags could be unfastened a little to allow our warming bodies to cool. Approaching Stable Stones Brow, and after many hours of use over the past months, my new Nao headtorch began to die and it was time to change to my trusted Alpkit which I carry as a backup.

With the driving rain effecting visibility, I selected a poor line off Wimberry Rocks which resulted in a much slower than usual descent. Much to the relief of Ian, who was out on his first Owls Run. Ian had done really well but I think he was somewhat relieved at the more controlled descent. Returning to the sailing club with a relieved but beaming smile on his face, I think we will be seeing Ian on more of our nocturnal wanderings.

A great outing in bracing weather was followed by drinks and laughter in the bar.

A Nocturnal Christmas Eve Outing

Chief Lampost Chaser Howard H holding official mascot Ollie

With Christmas Day looming, and following a month of exciting and successful Christmas themed runs - The annual Santa Run and the Christmas Handicap - followed by Howard's Christmas Eve morning, Ho Bloody Ho Run, the Owls held their own nocturnal Christmas Eve Dash.

With most SRC members busy making last minute Christmas preparations, myself and fellow owl Jo C, met at the Cross Keys, where we were joined by chief Lamp Post Chaser Howard C.

The planned route of running Hill Pits, Sykes Pillar, Alderman and Pots & Pans was shortened due to myself feeling under the weather and also as a result of having to get back home for my son. It was a cold night when we left the 'Keys' and made our way onto the hill via Pobgreen. Ascending the outgoing route of the Cross Keys Fell Rac...e, we were met with a strong icy wind as we made our way to Shaw Rocks. Heading south, the gale force winds threatened to stop us dead in our tracks as Howards head-torch dimmed to nothing more than the wattage of a candles flicker. However, with a clear sky above and a scattering of fresh snow on the ground, visibility was clear throughout the whole route. Passing the Oven Stones, our words were lost on the racing wind as we huddled close in conversation, on route to Alderman Hill.

Attaining the summit, we huddled behind rocks on Alderman to protect ourselves from the freezing wind as we enjoyed the view across the Chew Valley, which was covered under a blanket of stars.

Breaking cover, we made the short crossing of Board Hill Brow to reach the Saddleworth War Memorial at Pots & Pans. Taking shelter on the leeward side of the cenotaph, we enjoyed a wee dram and took a few photo's. Whilst others were busy preparing for Christmas amongst the twinkling lights of Sadleworth's Villages, we hardy few continued our nocturnal foray on the quiet windswept hills and made our descent of Primrose Hill to return to the Cross Keys, via Pobgreen.

Whilst the outing had been short, we had enjoyed a bracing run on the tops and what better way to see in Christmas than with good friends, enjoying a few laughs and doing what we love. We finished the evening off with a quick a pint in the Cross Keys, where we were met by Tim L.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Night Running Around the Chew Valley - 12.11.13

This week, eight Owl's set out from Bin Green for a night run above the Chew Valley. Arriving at our start point we watched the police (and possibly some Mountain Rescue?) searching the slopes of Alderman in the dark. Their torches scanning the rocky hillside as they ascended, with a search-dog out in front.

Dropping down through the woods we came across another empty Police vehicle parked on the track by the reservoir. Whilst the night sky was clear and a frosty chill hung in the air, we had to remove our cags and some warm layers of clothing, as we made way along the shores of Yeoman Hey Reservoir. Hand-railing Greenfield Brook, the cathedral-like ebony black walls of Ravenstones Brow towered high above our heads, with a bright moon seemingly perched on the rim of Raven Stones Rocks.

Heading up Birchen Clough, we enjoyed a nocturnal scramble on the rocks that have to be traversed when following this narrow path above the stream. Caught in the beams of our head-torches the fast flowing river and dramatic waterfalls were a spectacular sight.

Upon reaching calmer waters, we crossed the stream and turned north-west to make our way to the three-pinnacled tower of rock, known as the Trinacle. Now on the open moor we became exposed to a bitter cold wind and made the sensible decision to don cags. Earlier in the run I had swapped head-torches with Bruce, to try out his new Petzl Nao. Flitting along the precipitous edges, the beam clearly illuminated the route far better than my other torch. When glancing down into the vast open space of the valley below, the 'Intelligent Reactive Lighting Technology' instantly switched to full beam and I could clearly identify objects in the far distance. So far I was impressed but the real test would come when we made the rough steep descent of Ashway Gap.

With the banter free-flowing, throughout the whole group, we continued to Ashway Rocks, from where we could still see the blue lights of emergency vehicles flashing on the Holmfirth Road. The night-time search was clearly still underway upon Alderman Hill, and in the valley bottom below.

Dropping off from the rocks, we descended Ashway Gap. Finding a narrow trod, we made good progress over the rough ground and soon picked up the main path. Being a natural down-hiller I'm always looking for the thrill of a rapid descent. However, in recent years I've noticed that my eyesight no longer seems to be at its optimum operating level and, on night runs, I have become more cautious when in descent. However, with the new Nao strapped to my head my foot placement had become more precise again and I once again had the confidence to let go and move up through the gear ratio. Halfway down I again swapped torches with Bruce. Going back to my old trusty companion would be the real test. Within only a few metres, I had discovered the answer to my quest. Running with my old head-torch again was like having tunnel vision, and the ground wasn't illuminated as clearly as with the Nao. Try descending Ashway Gap at speed with one eye shut and the other looking through a Smarty tube and you will get the idea. I made my mind up there and then that I was having one of the Petzl Nao's. They're not cheap but if you're really into your night running these seem a great piece of kit. Anyway, I've already ordered one from Mountainfeet, in Marsden. Si, the shop's owner, has promised to bring it over for me next week, to the Janapar film night.

After reaching the valley floor we made our way back along Dove Stone Reservoir to return to Bin Green. Returning to the club, we enjoyed a few beers and plenty more banter and laughs, with the rest of the club.

Castleshaw Skyline - 23.10.2013

Nine Owls took flight tonight on what was a very pleasant and warm evening. Setting out from the Castleshaw Outdoor Education Centre we made our way along a narrow, sunken track which, after the recent d...eluge of rain, was more like a stream than a footpath. This ancient highway is aptly called, Waters Lane.

Upon reaching Huddersfield Road, we turned left and passed the Saddleworth Hotel on route to Bleak Hey Nook, where we had to stop and remove some layers as we began to feel the effects of such a warm, still night. Following the Standedge Trail we climbed onto Millstone Edge, via Rock Farm B & B. As we attained the trig point a wonderful vista unfolded, and to the East a large orange moon hung high in the clear sky above the twinkling lights of Huddersfield.

Moving on, we skipped from rock to rock as we traversed the gritstone edge. Our head-torches penetrating the darkness and illuminating the way, as a welcome breeze drifted up from the Castleshaw Valley, below.

Following the Oldham Way we crossed Castleshaw Moor, Hind Hill and then the upper slopes of Dowry Castle Hill. With our feet now truly wet and with legs caked in ivory black peat we found firmer ground as we headed along Moor Lane to the four lane ends junction, beyond Broadhead Noddle. Turning south-east we made for lower ground along Low Gate Lane and once again soon felt the effects of the balmy night as we left the cooling breeze upon the higher slopes of the valley rim.

Crossing the dam wall, between the upper and lower reservoirs, the Harvest Moon sat proudly just above the dark skyline of Millstone Edge, casting its bright lunar rays across the still waters of the upper reservoir. Content with the evenings run we skirted below the ancient Roman Fort, along Dirty Lane, to return to our cars for the short drive back to the nest, for a couple of pints with the rest of the club.

Sykes Pillar and Pot's & Pan's

Setting out from the Cross Keys, a smaller group than usual headed up past Running Hill Pits to the old ruin at... the end of the Cotton Famine Road, where a strong wind was blowing. As we turned south a shooting star shot across a black clear sky, disappearing above the summit of Pule Hill.

Reaching Sykes Pillar we paused for a while to marvel at the thin wisps of cloud that cruised past a bright and almost full moon. Continuing south our little parliament headed past Shaw Rocks before descending the obvious track to the Pot's & Pan's War Memorial, where we paused once again to admire the beautiful patterns of street lighting in the villages below.

With only a short distance remaining we headed down to Pobgreen on return to the Cross Keys.

The conditions for tonight's Owl Run had been perfect and it was a joy to be out in the hills on such a clear moonlit night.

Chew Valley Edges - 01.10.13

We band of few set out tonight from Dove Stone Sailing Club on what was a mild but very windy evening. Initially making our way thorough the Piece Plantation we then headed along the old tramway before ascending the reservoir access road. Climbing up to Chew Reservoir the wind howled down the valley making forward progress a chore. With the wind channelled between the towering cathedral-like walls of the gorge it was like running through a wind tunnel.

Upon reaching the reservoir we broke tracks and headed across the moor above Robs Rocks and round to Fox Stone Cairn. Even though the clouds overhead were dark and moody, the sky was clear enough to allow us to see the whole valley rim clearly, which stood jet black against the night sky.

After grabbing a quick photo we set off once again heading along the lip of Dean Rocks and round onto the upper reaches of Ashway Gap. Just before Ashway Cross we took the steep and well trodden path down to the shores Of Dove Stone Resevoir, along which we returned to the sailing club.

Thanks Andy for posting tonight's Owl Run photo's.