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.