A Stormy Night Around the Castleshaw Skyline

What a stormy night it was tonight. Only three owls braved the elements tonight as we endured (enjoyed ) a battering around the Castleshaw Skyline.

Setting out from the layby on Huddersfield Road, we ascended the fields to reach Harrop Edge, where my headtorch instantly died. With two new owlets in tow, I couldn't turn them round and spoil their outing, so on we pressed towards Standedge.

Climbing onto Millstone edge we were subjected to the full onslaught of the gale force ...winds. With low cloud and driving rain, visibility was reduced to only a few metres, which evened my hand, in the visibility stakes. With Des and Bruce, tucked in behind me, their headtorches afforded me no light as I searched out the route across Millstone Edge and Castleshaw Moor. Like a hound on the scent of a fox, we successfully followed the indistinct trail across tracts of wet boggy ground and glutinous peat to eventually arrive onto firmer footings along the Pennine Bridleway.

Heading along Broad Lane towards Heights, we descended Hey Flake Lane and crossed the stream at the ford, which was thigh deep and in spate. Returning to our start point, thoroughly soaked to the skin, we'd enjoyed a fantastic outing on the hills. "Bloody brilliant that!", was one of the lads comments.

To answer to your comment on the hill lads, carrots! Eat plenty of carrots.

PS, Sorry no photo tonight ...

Alphin and Back

On what was a clear starlit night, 7 owls set off from the cricket club to ascend Alphin Pike. Before we had even left the tarmac Mark B and Dom F, became separated from the group and a search was put out to relocate our lost brethren. After an extensive search of the cricket club grounds, we remaining five resigned ourselves to the fact that they must have fallen prey to those highly-tuned athletes who had set off to run on the roads. Perhaps they had had their cags and headtorches stolen from them and now they were aimlessly wandering the streets in a distressed state of sprints, stop watch adjusting and fartleks.

After a brisk but pleasant ascent of Alphin, we settled down on the summit under the light of a thousand stars to gaze across the twinkling lights of the city. Content that we were viewing the urban sprawl from our silent lofty position, and not amongst the crowds of people smothered in the toxic fumes of urban life, we discussed at length the fate of our lost party. The general consensus was that this inexperienced pair, not recognising that the creatures of the road differed in looks and attire to us owls, had somehow got swept along in an athletic stampeed and would not have realised that they were not with their own kind for quite some time.

Having to be back at the club for an 8.30pm meeting, myself and Bruce left the party, who were pressing on to Buckton Castle. Descending the hill, Bruce and I bumped into Mark and Dom, who we found wandering around the hillside in a state of shock. As originally thought, the pair had indeed unknowingly joined the wrong group and hadn't realised their mistake until they had completed the first 6 minute mile of what was to be a punishing speed session. Managing to escape the clutches of these lycra-clad lunatics, they had made a bid for freedom to be successfully reunited with their own kind.

I'm pleased to say that due to their error, both Mark and Dom have now risen to the top of the 2014 Wooden Spoon Nomination Charts. The final results of which will be announced at January's Annual Presentation Do.

Black Hill

Our start point at Wessenden Head

Setting out from Wessenden Head, under a crystal clear sky, tonight's band of few set out along the Kirklees way to the sound of an owl calling. Crossing Black Pool Bridge, we made our way across Good Bent Moor and ascended Issues Clough to attain the summit of Black Hill.

Enveloped in a blanket of stars the summit was still, but for a slight breeze. With Orions Belt to our backs, we headed north along the Pennine Way to return to our vehicles on the Isle of Skye Road.

On the summit of Black Hill with the owls mascot, Ollie

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.