Monday, April 05, 2010

A peak performance - Sun 4 April 2010


View Larger Map

Nigel's tour of the peak lead us over four consecutive crossings of the Pennines. At times it felt like we were going round in circles - see the map for details! Starting from Lud Foot we had a welcome visit from Pete Whiteley who, feeling sprightly and full of the joys of spring, led the pace up Cragg Vale to within sight of the top, but it was hard work for me all the way. We managed to split up on the descent but regrouped at Hollingworth Lake after only a few minutes faffing about. Next up came the "alpine climb" that apparently was a Condor favourite on the summer route in times past - "Buckstones Road" out of New Hey. I liked this one so much that I might be willing to go up it again some pleasant summer evening.
An early pit stop in Greenfield meant we were well fuelled for Isle of Sky - with a tailwind - over Wessenden Head. Skirting Slathwaite we headed back up the old main road of the A62 which now had a rather stiff breeze to contend with as we crossed back to the other side and saw the delights of Delph for a second time. That just left two big hills between here and home - first over Buckstones (with wind assist again), then up from Sowerby Bridge to Wainstalls.
As you can see I've found a "Link" option in Google maps. You can, if you were so inclined and didn't have anything better to do, follow the whole route round on StreetView - or you'd be welcome to join us on yer bike next time to see the fun for real. Well, I enjoyed it ...
Ian