Day 2 - Crowden to Standedge (11 miles)...Cliff edges, wet feet, hail storm and icy rain!

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Monday 28 April - After a massive English breakfast (which following closely on the heels of last nights enormous dinner, was not strictly needed), we headed off along Torside reservoir, crossed the dam and then along a tree-lined path up the far side of the reservoir as the rain steadily fell. Shortly we turned left and climbed through the rain back into the hills up an impressive valley. Eventually we reached the Laddow rocks, where we clambered along the top of the rocky cliff edge, hoping the wind and rain would abate! The views behind to the South gave us grey glimpses of yesterday's accomplishments...the desolate Bleakflow and even further behind that Kinder Scout...and the view to the north was towards Black Hill, which at this point was apparently innocent looking, even in the rain.

We reached Dun Hill (with not a cigarette in sight), and then ascended Black Hill. The path crossed several mountain streams, swollen with the recent rainfall...and there was nothing for it but to get our feet wet. Even Steve was ankle deep in water on several occasions (this is a regular occurrence for Lav) but there's nothing like icy cold wet feet to urge you onwards towards your destination. On reaching the summit of Black Hill, we were extremely grateful for the flagstones that provided a clear and dry path across this high and barren wasteland. It's a depressing place to say the least, and with the rain drumming down we turned to Wainwright's guide to lighten the mood and brighten our spirits: "Black Hill is well named...It is not the only fell with a summit of peat, but no other shows such a desolate and hopeless quagmire to the sky...Nothing can grow in this acid waste. There is no root-hold in this sea of ooze. In the flutings and ripplings of the surface of the dunes , caused by the action of rain and wind, a certain strange beauty...must however be conceded . It is not a place to visit unaccompanied...because of the risk of becoming trapped or even entombed in the seepage hollows, where the wet peat closes over and grips submerged legs like a vice." Feeling mightily encouraged, we pressed on...

The afternoon involved more reservoirs, and initially walking through hail and sleet into the wind, which was somewhat less than pleasant. But on reaching a bridge over a stream, the sun suddenly came out...ideal photo opportunity!

It was then up Blakeley Clough, past Black Moss reservoir, an then down to Standedge where the landlady from our B&B kindly picked us up to take us into the B&B in Marsden (this is not part of the Pennine Way, so we're allowed to get into a car at this point!!) We were very relieved to take off our soaking boots, and after a shower we enjoyed a fantastic dinner at The Riverhead Inn in Marsden - the restaurant upstairs overlooks the river than runs through this pretty town, and is highy recommended! Then early to bed with only 241 miles to go! (More videos to follow shortly)

If you would like to donate towards our fundraising effort, please go to www.ectopic.org.uk/fundraising/?p=46. Thank you very much for your support. Lavinia and Steve

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Photos

Views from Laddow Rocks, Cheshire
The Laddow Rocks are among the best known of the gritstone climbing areas

Oh dear - the stream is swollen, so it's time to get our feet wet!
Usually there are strategically placed stones to hop over the stream, but with the stream being swollen we had no option but to wade through the water as quickly as possible. The water was icy cold! Having cold soaking wet socks and boots so early into the walk was not good!

Steve presses on through icy rain to reach the summit of Black Hill, Cheshire
Travellers in years gone by would not have had the luxury of the flagstones to walk upon, being forced to wade waist deep through the peat bogs.

Lav attempts to be a budding photographer...Blakeley Clough, Yorkshire
This may look like an awkward position, but the photograph was worth it!

Tranquility on the banks of Blakeley Clough, Yorkshire
...Lav's awkward position paid off. Here's the shot.

The Riverhead Inn, Marsden, Yorkshire
Time for a well deserved dinner and a pint (or a glass of white wine if you're Lav)!

The Riverhead Inn, Marsden, Yorkshire
A great way to finish a day's walking! Lav insists that this photo makes her wine glass look bigger than it actually was...hmmm

Comments

[Diana]

Enough of the icy rain already!
Hello there! Well, you seem to have made a very impressive start. Glad to see the last picture of Lav sitting in front of a MASSIVE glass of wine - that is surely the right way to deal with a big physical challenge! Anyway, selfishly hoping the weather cheers up before Sunday (and selflessly hoping it cheers up well before that!) - really looking forward to seeing you guys then! D xx