Walking Forum
Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Peak District => Topic started by: C2C09 Shaun on 12:48:32, 30/05/13
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Well its finally here, its a bit overdue but, I'm a very busy man, honest ;D ......but its here now O0
Kinder Scout via Grindsbrook Clough and Jacobs Ladder 07/05/2013
Woke up bright and early and first thought of the day was, wondering how Ruth was, hoping that she'd had a good night, due to having "Face Ache" her words not mine, the day before and there was a chance that she would have had to pull out at the last minute. Which would have put a downer on the day as Andy, Ruth and I have become a formidable walking trio and it just would not have felt right without Ruth scurrying along with us? Her rapturous laughter and sense of humour would have been missed. However, I received a reply to my text at 06:11 hrs saying she was feeling Ok and would be setting off soon. So that was good news, my only concern was from where Ruth lives to where I live is about a 50 minute drive on a good day...........(quick check in at work to find out where the speed cameras would be operating)!! If there is one thing we love about Ruth, it's her consistency.........consistently late!!! But I suppose it's her prerogative seeing as how she had kindly offered to drive and she had not being feeling well the day before :(
However, shock horror!!! Ruth arrived at my house at 07:27 hrs, (I'll see if I can sort out your speeding tickets Ruth) 3 minutes before we had to pick Andy up. A quick stop to put some GoGo juice into Ruths automobile....petrol is far to expensive in the UK!! :(
At 07:45 hrs and we were on our way, fastest route set in my Satnav, should be in Edale in time for a 10:00hrs start....happy days. A180 / M180 no problems, M18 traffic came to a grinding halt, but not to worry because the SATNAV will get us there via the best route avoiding traffic...........how wrong could we be, for some reason it took us via the most indirect route you could imagine. We hit bottle neck after bottle neck, but Ruth did us proud and eventually got us into Edale train station car park, some three hours after we set off......... however we were all still in high spirits (No Ruth had not been drinking Vodka, lime and lemonade on route) and looking forward to starting the walk, but not before the obligatory team photo prior to setting off, courtesy of Ruth.......(note to self Ruth, don't forget to press the shutter release), but after 4 attempts our first photographic record of the day was taken. O0
The sun was out, we had clear blue skies, and white clouds with no threat of rain whatsoever. So at 11:16hrs we put our best feet forward and left the train station car park, turning left, for a short stroll along the road, past a church sitting proudly on a small hill, the first land mark along the route.
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030369_zps1cb23f47.jpg) (http://)
Soon followed by the second land mark "The Ramblers Inn", possibly our watering hole on our return. A short distance along the road we turned right onto the track taking us downhill slightly to cross a wooden bridge over a small stream and straight onto the steep but gradual ascent at the start of Grindsbrook Clough.
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030371_zps1fbd606b.jpg) (http://)
The start of the walk provides the opportunity to get the legs stretched and warmed up; we took a steady walk along the top of the valley, on an easy underfoot paved track. Taking every opportunity to take photographs for our records of the day.........that was our excuse and we're sticking to it!!
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030374_zps252615df.jpg) (http://)
As we continued our ascent it got gradually steeper but still not causing any problems or concerns, then as we went round a small bend on the track, the real challenge reared its head in front of us and it was just as I remember it from when I took the challenge on a few years ago (a lot younger but not as fit back then). The following hour or so was good fun and although not as tough as I remember, it made the walk even more interesting.
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030403_zpsf8599af3.jpg) (http://)
Looking back at the start of Grindsbrook Clough
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030419_zpsd325e785.jpg) (http://)
Still got a fair way to go
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030422_zps9eb785ec.jpg) (http://)
Andy taking in the view of where we had just come from
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030425_zpsce138039.jpg) (http://)
Ruth in her element of a bit of a scramble
Hands on and a bit of dodging around small streams and after a bit of a scramble at times, we made it to the Kinder Plateau. The views had been stunning all the way up the ascent and now we just had an equally stunning mass of open land in front of us. Some easy walking ahead of us, we carried on towards Kinder Downfall. But before reaching that mile stone we had the masses of Peat Bog to contend with. Fortunately the weather over the previous few days had not been too bad, so we were hoping the bog would be reasonably good and passable. In bad conditions gaiters are an absolute must in this area, and more importantly your navigational skills need to be quite good, especially in poor visibility conditions as the track through the bog is not very well defined and you often need to snake your way around the worse parts which will take you off track and will / can add a fair bit of distance to your route.
Anyway, we started to snake our way through the bog trying to keep to the track as best we could, with my Satmap keeping us in the right direction (best bit of kit I've ever purchased, but still carry map & compass). I wasn't too concerned about getting too far off track, because I knew Ruth had her compass with her....eh Ruth!! We were doing reasonably well working our way through the Peat bog, I seemed to be at the front most of the time for some reason (method in their madness) I took what appeared to be a good route at one point and came across a rather boggy looking area, but it didn't look to bad, a small leap and we would be over it. So poised like a coiled spring I went for it........left foot landed on solid ground, right foot landed a good 10 inches into the bog :( fortunately it was quite dry compared to what it normally is and just filled my boot with damp peat. We finally found our way back onto the track and followed the well defined dried out stream leading to Kinder Downfall. It was at this point, Ruth came down with a bit of a fever........Disco Fever (video to follow) after a bit of feet shuffling and bum wiggling we rounded a corner and reached the Kinder Gate and shortly after that arrived at our mile stone Kinder Downfall. Presenting us with an absolute stunning view over towards Kinder reservoir, when the conditions are wetter and the waterfall is in full flow it presents quite an amazing view, but alas, conditions were dry and not a single drop of water to be seen going over the edge. We stayed at this location for a fair amount of time, while Ruth and I captured the moments on film (SD cards) and Andy found himself a nice little snug, now aptly named Andy's chair.
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030478_zps1e680f7c.jpg) (http://)
Andy in his chair at Kinder Down Falls
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030480_zps58bc3414.jpg) (http://)
Ruth at the edge of Kinder Down Fall
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030485_zps30403efc.jpg) (http://)
Me at the edge of Kinder Down Falls
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030499_zpse5bc11d8.jpg) (http://)
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030498_zpsdfd9d092.jpg) (http://)
At the Kinder Scout Trig point
Our trek continued, along a very well defined track and good ground underfoot, until we reached the Camel back rocks, where we stopped for a bite to eat and a well deserved break. Thirty minutes or so and we were back on our feet and on track towards Jacobs Ladder. Passing the infamous Pigs Head rock and probably the most photographed rock in the country, it would be rude of us to break with tradition, so after a couple of snaps we were on our way again.
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030458_zps1b7c675d.jpg) (http://)
The infamous Pigs Head Rock
Not much further along the route and we turned the corner and had Jacobs Ladder beckoning us, we all agreed that we were pleased that we were going down it and not up it. I've done it before and it's a long hard slog up hill.
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a521/ShinysheffD80/Kider%20Scout/P1030512_zpscc6fc36a.jpg) (http://)
Jacobs Ladder
We ploughed on and after long descent and painful knees; we finally made it the bridge at the foot of Jacobs Ladder, where I asked a burly, sweaty bloke to take a photograph of the three of us to prove that we had achieved our goal (note to self, check the photos before letting the guy go) heads down, funny faces, eyes closed and finger over the lens, but we were there. A simple stroll back to the train station (he says) still a good way to go and as we walked through a small farm area past a couple of cottages we were presented with a rather daunting looking hill!!!! it was at this point that I truly thought Ruth and Andy were going to beat me up, to answer your questions, YES we do have to go up it, but not right to the top!!!! Tired legs and few descriptive words later we could see the final leg of our route back. Andy obviously got the sniff of the beer as he all of a sudden got his second wind and was off like lighting, leaving Ruth and me behind, while Ruth photographed some lambs that were only probably a few days old. We caught up to Andy and the three of us strolled through a bit of woodland and as we came to the end were welcomed by the grand site of The Hikers bar, we agreed that it was probably the most apt and best choice to go for our celebration beverage..........however, decided to go back to the car first, and rightly so as we still had not completed the walk until we got back to the car. Back at the car and after the customary handshakes hugs and kisses (Andy you must stop doing that to me, you're married) we donned our normal footwear and swiftly (but not too swiftly eh Ruth) made our way back to the Hikers Bar. After a well deserved alcoholic beverage and a couple of bags of nuts, we wended our way home. Which I'm pleased to say was a lot quicker than our journey to the start of our trek. Excellent day, superb walk and even better company. If you ever want a couple of good walking partners, you want go far wrong by walking with Ruth and Andy.......... the three of us make a fearsome team, happy days.
Follow this link to see more photographs
http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/ShinysheffD80/library/Kider%20Scout
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Ooh, you've made me homesick for the peaks - thanks for a great TR. Kinder's one of my fave places, can't wait for the opportunity to get back up there :)
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Nice trip report Shaun, oh and I'm never following your satnav again. It was a great day from start to finish and the weather was good too. Thanks to you and Andy for the walk and the pleasant company too.
I've some photos too so I'll,post the, once I get round to it.
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Ooh, you've made me homesick for the peaks - thanks for a great TR. Kinder's one of my fave places, can't wait for the opportunity to get back up there :)
Next to the Lake District, the Peak District is my favorite place for walking. need to get myself back there on a more regular basis :)
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Nice trip report Shaun, oh and I'm never following your satnav again. It was a great day from start to finish and the weather was good too. Thanks to you and Andy for the walk and the pleasant company too.
I've some photos too so I'll,post the, once I get round to it.
It was our pleasure, as always ;D ;D Looking forward to seeing your photos, I'll get your strictly come dancing audition sorted out and get it posted on here. ;D ;D ;D O0
haha the SATNAV was OK it was all the traffic jams it was trying to avoid for us...........The long way round!!!
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Wonderful trip report, it looks like you had great weather, t-shirts all round. The 3 of you are made for each other O0
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Don't know what's happening but photographs are going missing from the TR :o >:(
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Huh, how can that be possible ??? technology, don't you just love it and hate it
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Huh, how can that be possible ??? technology, don't you just love it and hate it
:crazy2: Don't know how!!!! But its only one photo and the links at the bottom of the TR also keep dissappearing I've put them all back on four times now :tickedoff: :tickedoff: maybe I've over loaded the WF allowance with text and Pics :(
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Wonderful trip report, it looks like you had great weather, t-shirts all round. The 3 of you are made for each other O0
Cathy, we couldn't have wished for better weather and yes we do make a good threesome :D :D when out walking O0
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Sounds you three, had a lovely time and good weather. Good write-up and photos too, Shaun. Will have a good read later, when I've drank 5 cans of Budweiser. Yes, back on the good old binge drinking :( , blaming work for that.
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great read and great pics..looks like you all had a good day :)
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Nice trip report mate, My wifey looks good in short shorts lol.
Thanks for taking the time to post all that mate I understand the effort you had O0
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Nice trip report mate, My wifey looks good in short shorts lol.
Thanks for taking the time to post all that mate I understand the effort you had O0
Haha, Andy and me threatened to get our legs out but she said she would do a runner, we didn't want her to get lost in the peat bogs even though she had her compass lol.......
Just took a bit longer than planned mate, I had half of it written within 24 hours of doing the walk but as you are aware there are various things taking control of my life a bit at the min.....but not for much longer hopefully :)
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great read and great pics..looks like you all had a good day :)
It was a great day, I love walking in the Peak District and it makes it even more enjoyable when you are with great walking partners :) :)
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Sounds you three, had a lovely time and good weather. Good write-up and photos too, Shaun. Will have a good read later, when I've drank 5 cans of Budweiser. Yes, back on the good old binge drinking :( , blaming work for that.
Hiya matey, how you doing?? You got your next LDW sorted out yet??
We ahd a great day, it was good to get back into the PD area :) :) You'll need 5 cans to understand my jibberish ;D ;D
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Ended up having 8 cans, very enjoyable, but not good for my health. So on the waggon for the next week.
Keeping fine, as I do. Got a couple of cycling trips next month, so that should be nice and looking forward to Hawes, Kendal, Kirkstone Pass, Patterdale, Tan Hill and Reeth. I'll write that cycling trip report + photos on my blog.
Yes, Peak District is one of my favourite areas for walking and about time, I did some walking down there, many moons ago. I'm ditching the idea of the Viking Way and now looking at walking "The Inn Way to the Peak District", that I've done the Dales walk.
Cleveland Way in reverse is scrapped and I'm going to complete my second half of the Coast to Coast walk in October, instead as from Reeth to St. Bees, that will tally my C2C log to eight. Then next year, I'm going to do the Coast to Coast as a whole walk, so that's in the pipeline. It would be nice if you and Andy could join up. The plan is camp, but get the kit carried by the transfer service van. Early doors as yet, but one has to plan ahead.
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A great trip report and pics there. It looks like a good day was had by all O0
Thank you for posting it/them O0
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Forgot about the PB link :-[ . Hey, Shaun, lovely set of photos there O0 . Did you ever fancy walking the Pennine Way sometime ??? .
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Ended up having 8 cans, very enjoyable, but not good for my health. So on the waggon for the next week.
Keeping fine, as I do. Got a couple of cycling trips next month, so that should be nice and looking forward to Hawes, Kendal, Kirkstone Pass, Patterdale, Tan Hill and Reeth. I'll write that cycling trip report + photos on my blog.
Yes, Peak District is one of my favourite areas for walking and about time, I did some walking down there, many moons ago. I'm ditching the idea of the Viking Way and now looking at walking "The Inn Way to the Peak District", that I've done the Dales walk.
Cleveland Way in reverse is scrapped and I'm going to complete my second half of the Coast to Coast walk in October, instead as from Reeth to St. Bees, that will tally my C2C log to eight. Then next year, I'm going to do the Coast to Coast as a whole walk, so that's in the pipeline. It would be nice if you and Andy could join up. The plan is camp, but get the kit carried by the transfer service van. Early doors as yet, but one has to plan ahead.
I'm planning on doing the C2C again in September, when all the RugRats have gone back to school. I did it from the 18th Sept last time and the weather was superb. I don't mind camping but don't want to carry all my gear, so yeah, I'm up for using Sherpa or pack Horse. Not to early to plan IMHO I like to have things well sorted then if something crops up there is time to sort it out. O0
Planning on doing it over 12 days again, but want to spend a bit longer in the Lake District area so it will mean a couple of longer days once I hit the Yorkshire area and to honest once you get that far all the big hills are behind you
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A great trip report and pics there. It looks like a good day was had by all O0
Thank you for posting it/them O0
It was a great day Mel, you must come and join Ruth, Andy and me sometime. Ruth doesn't bite to hard and will make you laugh all day :crazy2: , Andy will swamp you with interesting world facts (jokes not so good tho ;D ) and I'm just the quiet, shy, reserved type still trying to break out of my shell ??? ;)
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Forgot about the PB link :-[ . Hey, Shaun, lovely set of photos there O0 . Did you ever fancy walking the Pennine Way sometime ??? .
Yes definatly mate, I am hoping to do the Viking Way early next year and then C2C in September as already mentioned. Have you got plans to do it?
Ruth has got more photos, I normally take her SD card and load them all together but didn't do it this time for some reason. I'm sure she will get them uploaded ASAP around her busy schedule lol eh Ruth!!! If not I'll borrow her card again and get some posted :)
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It was a great day Mel, you must come and join Ruth, Andy and me sometime. Ruth doesn't bite to hard and will make you laugh all day :crazy2: , Andy will swamp you with interesting world facts (jokes not so good tho ;D ) and I'm just the quiet, shy, reserved type still trying to break out of my shell ??? ;)
Lol, aye, one day. When I'm 'eck of a lot fitter than I am now. Not quite up to Helvelyn standards just yet. Heavens - by the looks of it I'm not even up to Kinder Scout standards yet and I had designs on giving that a go later this year ;D
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Lol, aye, one day. When I'm 'eck of a lot fitter than I am now. Not quite up to Helvelyn standards just yet. Heavens - by the looks of it I'm not even up to Kinder Scout standards yet and I had designs on giving that a go later this year ;D
I don't think there is any "even" about it really, steep way up and down! Down is the worst, I was limping next day. Still think they photoshopped themselves onto the pictures.... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I don't think there is any "even" about it really, steep way up and down! Down is the worst, I was limping next day. Still think they photoshopped themselves onto the pictures.... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I agree it is a difficult walk, I remember only too well when I did it the first time. My lungs were burning, my heart was beating that hard it could be heard right across Kinder Plateau. However, although not easy.....I found it a lot easier is time round, but I have been doing a lot of training ready for doing the Clevelend Way.
Photoshop...............its an amazing bit of software ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Mel, whenever you're ready I'll be more that happy to meet up and walk with you and do Kinder Scout again, I love walking in the Peak District.
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Lol, aye, one day. When I'm 'eck of a lot fitter than I am now. Not quite up to Helvelyn standards just yet. Heavens - by the looks of it I'm not even up to Kinder Scout standards yet and I had designs on giving that a go later this year ;D
Trust me Mel. I've been out with you. You could do Kinder. Just take your time. We did. It's a walk you'd love
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Great TR Shaun. Great pics as well O0
A great day, and finally bagged Kinder :)
Glad we went the way we did. Going up Jacobs ladder woulda been hard going, and down Grindsbrook just as hard. So much better the way we went.
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Nice report and piccies O0 glad it all came off and you had a good 'un. O0
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good report O0
attempted the very same route around a month ago, unfortunately it was after a week of heavy rain so the bog was impossible to pass so had to backtrack and go via the woolpacks >:(
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good report O0
attempted the very same route around a month ago, unfortunately it was after a week of heavy rain so the bog was impossible to pass so had to backtrack and go via the woolpacks >:(
Nice report and piccies O0 glad it all came off and you had a good 'un. O0
Great TR Shaun. Great pics as well O0
A great day, and finally bagged Kinder :)
Glad we went the way we did. Going up Jacobs ladder woulda been hard going, and down Grindsbrook just as hard. So much better the way we went.
There appears o be a lot of interest in this route, may have to arrange a meet later in the year. It is officially classed as a difficult route BUT IMHO it is achievable no matter what your level of fitness is, there is no rush and if we do it again during long daylight hours we can take as long as we need to, to get everyone round. :) :) O0
Anyone up for it???
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No rush? Took me 7h 30 and I was jiggered....though you could shorten the wondering about on top.
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There appears o be a lot of interest in this route, may have to arrange a meet later in the year. It is officially classed as a difficult route BUT IMHO it is achievable no matter what your level of fitness is, there is no rush and if we do it again during long daylight hours we can take as long as we need to, to get everyone round. :) :) O0
Anyone up for it???
I'd be up for it if we can just move Kinder Scout to the Arctic Circle in Summer or tilt the earth's axis so we have 24 hours of daylight.... one of the two, I don't mind ;D ;D ;D
PS. Shaun, I meant to say, your TR starts out sounding like our reports and log books at work .... "at zero six eleven hours...." ;D
It wasn't until I was looking back through the TR to see if it said how long the walk was that I realised that normal people would say "just after six" or "about ten past six"... and I remembered something Andy said .... ;D
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There appears o be a lot of interest in this route, may have to arrange a meet later in the year. It is officially classed as a difficult route BUT IMHO it is achievable no matter what your level of fitness is, there is no rush and if we do it again during long daylight hours we can take as long as we need to, to get everyone round. :) :) O0
Anyone up for it???
Yep I would be, it's a good route and very achievable, it's one of my favourite areas.... O0
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I'd be up for it if we can just move Kinder Scout to the Arctic Circle in Summer or tilt the earth's axis so we have 24 hours of daylight.... one of the two, I don't mind ;D ;D ;D
PS. Shaun, I meant to say, your TR starts out sounding like our reports and log books at work .... "at zero six eleven hours...." ;D
It wasn't until I was looking back through the TR to see if it said how long the walk was that I realised that normal people would say "just after six" or "about ten past six"... and I remembered something Andy said .... ;D
Mel, there will be more than enough daylight for you to complete the walk without having to break into a sweat, you will enjoy every minute of the walk when we do it :) :)
Haha.........I think I got straight into statement taking mode, a combination of 10 years in the Royal Navy and now 7 years in the police you become brain washed, I use it all t time lol :D :D Mmmm Something Andy said!!!!! will need to put my interviewers head on
"OK Mel......Andy has told us everything about you and your part in the incident...........So what is it that Andy said? You may as well tell us, because he hasn't been very loyal to you has he, so its your choice........spill the beans or you will cop for the lot and he'll get off Scot free, SO C'MON MEL START TALKING!!!!" :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :police:
or something like that lol guilty until proved innocent ;D ;D
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Umm, if my memory serves me correctly, he was impersonating a Police Officer ;D ;D ;D
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Anyone up for it???
Yep, I would be too. This is my favourite way up Kinder, although I often take the 'right fork' at the top of Grindsbrook. It's much the same, only different as the rocks are a bit bigger! ;)
I usually take a slight detour on the way back to Edale too, which means you get to dip hot tired feet into the cool babbling waters of Crowden Brook! (at the bottom of Crowden Clough, obviously! :D )
It's a nicer finish, I think.
Tracey :)
Great report and photos, BTW! O0
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Umm, if my memory serves me correctly, he was impersonating a Police Officer ;D ;D ;D
Hmmm, our Andy seems to have many guises that he slips into ;D ;D
This is the offence (Section 90 Police Act 1996) (Archbold 22-62) creates several offences relating to the impersonation of police officers or the possession of articles of police uniform, namely:
* impersonating a police officer (including a special constable);
* making a statement or doing any act calculated falsely to suggest membership of a police force;
* wearing a police uniform calculated to deceive;
* possessing an article of police uniform.
:knuppel2: :knuppel2: :police: :knuppel2: :knuppel2:
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Yep, I would be too. This is my favourite way up Kinder, although I often take the 'right fork' at the top of Grindsbrook. It's much the same, only different as the rocks are a bit bigger! ;)
I usually take a slight detour on the way back to Edale too, which means you get to dip hot tired feet into the cool babbling waters of Crowden Brook! (at the bottom of Crowden Clough, obviously! :D )
It's a nicer finish, I think.
Tracey :)
Great report and photos, BTW! O0
I think the route you mention Tracey, is the route that I did the first time I did Kinder Scout and if I remember right its more hands on and a bit steeper. Sounds like a good idea to me, I'll put it up as a meet, probably be looking at th weekend of the 24th August, could make it a two day meet (camping) for a cheap weekend..........I'm pretty busy before then and doing the Cleveland Way in September O0 O0
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If we go the same route and direction, then count me in...if I'm off work that is.
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If we go the same route and direction, then count me in...if I'm off work that is.
Even if we change the route slightly it'll be a good walk ad still just as achievable, its good to make a couple of changes and the route that Tracey is talking about is not a massive difference from what we did. Saturday 24th August is th date that I will be looking at mate O0