Walk 29/2009 – Barlow

Sunday 29th November 2009

A very diminished number of us today – only 6 in total which included new walker Deborah (from Vancouver Island). As we arrived at Linacre Wood car park, the rain duly began to pour on us, so it was wet weather gear on before we set off. Linda and Pat wore their new army camouflage jackets, so we hoped we wouldn’t lose them as they would blend into the surroundings too well! We walked along a section of the North Chesterfield Way – apparently the complete walk is 34 miles in total and has been completed in 14 hours 30 minutes in perfect weather – neither of which was happening today!

The overflowing streams, some seeping through the walls, and deep water filled fords made it easy to see how places like Cockermouth had become devastated by the recent floods. We passed Cutthorpe – a small, sleepy village just north of Chesterfield and whose former industries include coal mining, besom (a country tradesman who makes brooms from bundles of birch twigs) and basket making. The old custom of well dressing has been revived and is held annually in July.

The weather improved and lunch was taken with a blue sky above. The conversation being mainly about the SAS – perhaps it was the jackets! It was nice to see the holly bushes laden with red berries near to where we sat, which created a small debate about them.(Each individual plant has either female or male flowers, but never both. If female plants are to produce berries, they should be planted within 30 feet of a male plant) Linda informed us that its OK to kiss under the mistletoe or holly whilst it has berries, but when all the berries are gone, the kissing must stop!

There were many stiles to negotiate, some of which were so narrow you could barely get your boot toe on the wood or stone to climb up and over it, but Alan – always the gentleman [Ed – hey, steady on. I think you might be exagerating a bit here] was there to lend his shoulder for us to lean on as we attempted to climb over and down. Linda stated “it was all down to technique” to which a reply came from a certain corner “most things are” with a wry smile on his face! But where was he when Deborah got stuck in the mud? Good job the ladies were on hand to pull her out! [Ed – I have never been much good at pulling young ladies!]

The walk was quite slow and the decision was taken to shorten the route or we would not complete the walk in daylight. The sight of the car park brought quite a bit of relief for some as we were somewhat caked in mud. We decided to frequent The Gate Inn with its welcoming warm open fire.

As earl grey tea was not on offer Deborah settled for real ale – still trying to work out the connection!

Report – Sue

Pictures – Alan

Walk rating – Good

The path was on the other side of this wall, but the depth of water was rather excessive.

We came across this pleasant little lake, which was brim full because of the rain.

There were some decent views when the weather lifted a bit.

There was rather a lot of water rushing over this ford. Fortunately there was a footbridge.

Hello, is this another impassable ford we see before us? Fortunately just out of picture there is a footbridge. Our luck was in again.