Sunny Manchester, well apart from the rain.

 I try and have a mooch around Manchester Centre outdoor shops about once a month just to see what's new or if i can pick up a bargain piece of gear.
 I also take my camera just in case i spot something worth snapping. Most times i come home without taking any photo's and without any gear but today i saw one view worth taking.

 Coming out of The Cotswold Shop after a chat with the staff, i was just heading for a coffee shop when i noticed the low sun penetrating between the new tall buildings behind Spinnigfields. I wondered if i could get a photograph of some long shadows but as i crossed the bridge over the Irwell at the bottom of Quay Street, i was almost blinded by the suns reflection on the angled glass off The Lowry Hotel.

 Going back to my visit to Cotswold Shop, i was interested to have a look at the Jack Wolfskin trouser range ,  in particular the Wolfskin Vertec trousers that Andy Howell had reviewed a little while ago HERE. Unfortunately, Andy (Cotswold Staff) told me that the Vertec and all the other trousers in the range were not going to be stocked but could be ordered etc etc.
 He kindly checked the computer and told me that the only place in the North West who were stocking the trousers was in Liverpool where the Cotswold Shop actually had a Wolfskin shop too.
 I was a little disappointed but i still took the opportunity to look at the Wolfskin Jackets and was impressed with the Resolution which is selling for £150.00. It's a heavy weight, full winter jacket. Good protection from the elements.

 My favorite trousers by far are the Montane Terra's but because they have a crap belt and no wallet pocket i tend to pick my Columbia Silver Ridge more often than not or my Rohan Ether’s which i must do a review on soon. Not that the Columbia's are better for backpacking but they are comfy, lightweight, have pockets in the right place, dry quick and take any belt you desire to use. I notice that the Montane 2012 versions here, at Craigdon Mountain Sports, have now changed the belt to a std replacement one but i don’t think they have put a wallet pocket in. They are obviously watching the overall weight.

 Wolfskin are about to release a lightweight range of gear but guess what! Cotswolds are not going to stock it. Andy said he had seen some of it from the rep but that was about as far as the info went. I feel it's about time one of the big retailers stuck there neck out and started stocking some gear that is not in every other gear shop in town. I remember not that long ago i was in Cotswolds and chatting to them about Inov-8 shoes and waterproof socks and i was told that they were not stocking them because they were a niche market. How things have changed since then.

 Did i find a bargain? Not in Cotswold, but i did pick up a couple of Airtex military T shirts from Military Kit on Tib Street for £14 each.  These will be good for spring.  Quite light weight and very well made. This shop is a real Aladdin’s cave and it’s surprising how much gear and how many well know outdoor brands they stock. It’s worth a look if you are every in this neck of the woods.

 Oh yes and i did have a couple of pints of Joseph Holts bitter which cost £2.35 a pint. A bargain at any price.

New camp site in South Lakes

 During our weekend at the Walna Scar Shepherds Meet i spoke to local hill farmer Stephen Gorst. He farms at Hoses which is near to the summit of the road over Kiln Bank Cross. He was telling me about his plans for the campsite he is just opening up.
OS Grid ref SD216927.

 The camping ground looks good but the facilities are very basic at this time. 

 Ideal for the backpacker who isn’t too fussy.

 Stephen tells me that plans to build shower and toilet block will be carried out over the winter months and hopefully will be ready for spring 2013. The views from the site are very nice with an open southerly aspect. West and East the views are of the fell sides.

 It’s a good spot for winter walking as the tops of Stickle Pike 375m, Fox Haw 385m and Caw 529m  are within easy reach as well as many low level footpaths such as the Park Head Road to Seathwaite. 
 It's also a handy spot for people who travel many hours to get to the Lakes, as its only 30 minutes from a motorway exit. 

 If you would like to stay there over the weeks/months ahead then it wouldn’t be a problem just to turn up. But if you want to let Stephen or Wendy know of your intention to arrive then the phone number is 01229 716213

Site fee will probably be in the region of £5 per head. TBA.

A Huge Milestone

Wow. He stands back in amazement.
My scribblings have just clocked up over 100,000 hits.
It's been a really good journey. One i never thought it would ever achieve.
Thanks to everyone who has kept me going, made fantastic comments and passed on support and advice.
It's made good friends and i've learnt a hell of a lot. Even though i have years of experience your never too old to learn.
Thanks again to all who contributed and to those who have read it and passed anonymously.

Super Delios water filter. UPDATE Nov 2012

This is an update for all who may want to buy new filters or to replace the existing filter head.

 Overall it's good news.

As readers will be aware,  the company was badly effected by the earthquake and resulting tsunami which devastated Japan in 2011. Production and facilities were lost.

The good news is that production has now started again and is still being manufactured in Japan. Other plants outside Japan were considered to try and speed up the process but have been rejected on quality and cleanliness issues.

The bad news is that Delios UK need to have 100 orders before batch shipment will be released from Japan.

 So, it’s a bit of a catch 22 situation. To give a little incentive to placing orders here in UK, Delios have reduced the initial order price. The feeling is that once the 100 target is reached then ongoing batches will ship from Japan easier.

 Obviously this throws up questions for potential purchasers and so i would like to preempt people's doubts.
 Delios UK feel that they can achieve 50 units ordered within the next week. If this number is not met then negotiations with the supplier in Japan to reduce the initial supply figure from 100 to 50 will take place.
 They are targeting all orders taken to be delivered for Christmas.

They understand the loyalty of the UK supply base and want them to know that it is appreciated.

Please click on the link below if you would like to view the products or place an order.

 Super Delios web page

This information has been forwarded by Yasuyo Fujimoto from Delios UK. Thank You.

Walna Scar shepherd's meet Nov 2012

 Friday night, driving from Seathwaite to Gosforth for a meal at Nicks place The Wild Olive it was chucking it down. We were staying with friends in Seathwaite and Alan (Not me), said he would drive and as he has a new 4x4 it made light work of the flooded sections we encountered en route over Birker fell.
 It’s always a good meal here. In my opinion any way. The menu had changed since our last visit earlier in the year and i was a little disappointed that the Sangiovese beef was not available. I had roast Salmon which was very nice.
 Post meal we had a couple of drinks in Gosforth Hall just to say hi to old friends. Then we headed back to Seathwaite and an early-ish night preparing for the Shepherds Meet tomorrow.
 Saturday morning. Looking from our bedroom window we can usually see Grey Friar above the trees. Today it was completely clagged over and although it was just spitting with rain it did look promising.
This opinion changed as we went over Kiln Bank Cross on the way to Broughton Mills where this years Meet was being held. It started to snow.

Top of the Kiln Bank Cross with the footpath up to Stickle Pike. And below is Stickle Pike.

 Our job at the event was to help out on the gate relieving folks of £3 a head for adults and children were free. It was compulsary to have one at least.
 The field where the stock pens had been set up was very wet with the torrential rain that the area had seen during the past few days and weeks. But it’s a very beautiful valley and pleasantly the sun came out. Well in spells anyway.

The Blacksmiths Arms Broughton Mills. Adjacent to the show field.

The pub provided a lovely lunch of Tattie Pot and red cabbage followed by Sticky Toffee Pud for everybody. 

As with all farming communities there are many characters and it’s great to listen to the tales and old Cumbrian dialect that most still use. It can be quite hard to get the jist of the conversation if your not used to hearing it spoken. 

 In between gate duties we did manage to get some photographs of the showing and judging of the two main sheep breeds, which in these parts are Swaledales pronounced Swardul and Herdwicks pronounced Herdwick. Well it would be wouldn’t it.

 During the day the weather was changeable, sunny, drizzle, rain, sleet and snow. So normal really.

A snowy rainbow was seen across the fields but unfortunately it wasn’t a snowbow.

 The sheep which had been washed and brushed prior to the show were now getting a bit muddy but i managed to capture a few shots of the cleaner ones.

Many rosettes are awarded for individual classes such as 3 aged ewes, Shearlings, pair of gimmer lambs, 3 sheep in natural colour, Tup and gimmer lamb and many more.

 As well as the sheep showing, folks can also enjoy the highly contested hound trailing, the pets competition and shepherds crook making.
 Photographs of previous meetings can be viewed in the refreshment tent where tea, coffee and cakes can be had.
 The decision of the champions champion, that is the best Herdwick against the best Swaledale went to Glen Wilkinson of Tilberthwaite with his fine Herdwick.

Glen Wilkinson with his Champion Herdwick

 In the evening the Blacksmith’s hosts the singing competition and also some poetry is read. Excellent cask conditioned ales are purveyed and a good night it was too.

 Thanks to Tina and Alan for putting up with us over the weekend and thanks to all who made the show such a pleasure to be part of.

More photo’s of the days events can be seen here.

OMG - they've arrived

 On our local walk today, taken when nothing else more serious has been planned, turned out to be a massive shock to see that a neighbour, friend and local farmer has decided to blot the landscape with these 2 turbines.

We stood on the hillside, mouths wide open and in silence. It was as though our eyes had been stabbed with a sharp object. It was disbelief.
Then reality struck.
 We live in a semi rural community, its said that when you kick one, they all limp. When one buys a big tractor the next farmer goes out and buys a bigger one. You get the drift.
 So its not going to be long, weeks maybe, before all our beautiful 360 degree views are going to be blighted with these monstrosities. As i say, the neighbours will have to have bigger and maybe more turbines to make sure they are the Jones's.
 War of the Worlds has arrived right in our backyard.

Curry walk

 Like the bus, you get one and another is right behind it.
This is how i received an email last week to see if i fancied a walk from Timperley to Manchester Centre.
I was going to say “city" centre but being a red i don’t like using the other word too much.

 So it was, that fellow bloggers Martin and JJ  both invited me on the walk.

 It’s a walk along the Bridgewater canal from Timperley into Manchester and then a Curry late lunch, a beer and then home.
All i had to do was to get to Timperley for 9.30 ish, am.

 The transport proved quite easy with a bus from Rochdale into Manchester Shudehill and then a tram to Timperley on the Altrincham line. Altogether it took about 1 1/2 hrs.
On arrival at Martin and Sue’s i was greeted with a nice slice of carrot cake and fresh coffee. Before long JJ,Viv, and Mick (Aka Mick and Gayle blog) arrived and a discussion ensued about the plumbing faults of the water closet.
 Another quick coffee and off we went.

 Just before hitting the canal walkway we bumped into fellow companions, Rick and Peter. I had met Rick before on a couple of LDWA walks but not Peter. So our group was now 8.
 Canal walks are always interesting i find. If you look out for the signs of our industrial past.

 I didn’t take any photographs on this walk because  it could have ended up like a camera club day out so i will be interested to see what pics Martin and JJ upload on their blogs. Do pop over there and have a look, the detail will be far better than this short post.
 Approaching Manchester there was an interesting stop for a chat about the overflow weir which today was full of plastic bottles and other flotsam. The industrial archeology of the Castlefield area and beyond to Piccadilly is a pleasure for anyone with the slightest interest in history. The mass of bridges with different architecture and expensive decorative castings a photographers delight.

 Once into the centre, a quick dash across town brought us to This and That Curry house in the Northern quarter where we met Roy already minding a table. This establishment is a back street gold mine. Never empty and always a queue. Great value for money and cleanliness being the key to success.
 Another walk towards St Peters Square, and the tram station, brought us face to face with the doors of a favourite Holts Pub. It would have been rude to walk past without doing a quality control check. it had to be done.

 We said our goodbye’s (hic) and all headed off.
Thanks to everyone for the chat on walks done and pending, on gear as always, the interesting history, the company, the invite and not forgetting the cake and coffee.
Hope the slide show of your walk in the US went well Mick and Gayle.

I look forward to the next walk.

Views from Swinside, No words required.

Top O Selside (Pt2)

 We did this walk on Friday 19th October. It’s a top or a number of tops that i hadn’t done before.
 We were staying on a working farm, in a railway wagon. Sheila calls it rustic camping.

 The farmer asked us where we were going and with a bit of a face pull, said, "What do you want to go up there for, there’s nothing there.” when i said Top O Selside. My reply was “Because we have never been there”.

 I was so pleased we were not deterred.  It’s a lovely walk.

 From High Nibthwaite the route starts off on a wide stoney path which i presume in years gone by would have been a pony trail. It climbs steadily running parallel with Coniston Water and giving fantastic views along the water and into the Coniston range. Today, the Old Man and adjacent high fells were not on show, covered in a blanket of thick grey clag.

 The mist, which thinly covered our route initially, was beginning to clear as the morning warmed but for a short spell Sheila donned her waterproof as fine rain fell. I resisted the waterproof, just relying on my Rab Boreas for a short while. It stopped within 10 minutes and although damp i wasn’t wet through. It quickly dried off.

  The map shows a path exiting to the right from our trod, just above Broad Hollins, to gain the summit of Top O Selside. If we were just out to Bag the top, which is a Marilyn, then this is the way to go, however we were out for the day and therefore took a longer route.

 When the path starts to turn north east, a beautiful vista opens up and reveals the buildings of Low Parkamoor and the ruin of High Parkamoor.

Low Parkamoor 

Low Parkamoor is a 16th Century Grade 2 listed building, owned by the national trust,  used as a retreat for Artists and is run by the Grizedale Arts. The building is quite basic, water still drawn from the well, cooking done on a wood burning range. It’s in a fantastic spot and would inspire anybody to draw or paint.

High Parkamoor is now just a ruin. It was still in use in 1829 but not in the 1840’s. This area used to produce and supply charcoal for iron smelting in the days of the Furness Abbey. 

Our first high point was to be Heel Toe Hill which we sploshed our way up to via a narrow grassy path, (Not shown on maps) that follows a small beck. From the top, the tarn of Arnsbarrow came into view and also Top O Selside.
Still pathless we headed to cross the marked path just north of the tarn which we found eventually and made our way up to the twin summits of Top O Selside.
 This area is vast and undulating and would make ideal map reading territory for beginners.

 Coffee and Snickers bars were had while we took in the view. It was quite chilly on the top so it wasn’t long before we were off again.

Arnsbarrow Tarn from Top O Selside

 Our next top was Arnsbarrow Hill which is on the far side of the tarn. We found a path which more or less went in our direction and amazingly it took us to the top. Fine views out across Morecombe Bay were to be had but the high fells were still cloaked in mist.

From Arnsbarrow our destination before the descent back into High Nibthwaite was to go up High and Low Light Haw, great names, and finishing with Brock Barrow.

 In bad weather the descent off Brock Barrow needs to be taken with care as the drop off is quite severe. A rough path can be found descending from the south east but we chose to go east, picking up the path following Caws Beck.

Descent from Brock Barrow to High Nibthwaite

Some more photographs of this walk can be seen. Click on the link below.

http://alsphots.smugmug.com/Outdoors/Top-O-Selside/26080037_M3zvgq#!i=2166102521&k=dPDHzs9

Sunset in South Lakes.

 Over the weekend in South Lakes we were fortunate to be sat out watching this sunset gain colour before fading into darkness.
It was quite brilliant as JJ found here with his Red Sky. And Martin found here with his Sunset in Timperley.

It was sent via phone so its a bit noisy i’m afraid.

Conistion Range

Lovely day with great views all round.  Here is the Conistion range from Lowick.  Temperature inversion over the lake.

Sent from Samsung Mobile

Where are we?

From the photo, can you pinpoint our location. We are in cumbria as a bit of a help.

Sent from Samsung Mobile

Top o Selside 335m

Today's Marilyn. 10.7k. 570ms of ascent.
We set off from the only car park space in High Nibthwaite. How lucky was that. It was raining very fine stuff but it wasn't for long and blue skies started to show through the grey clouds.
The path towards Low Parkamoor is fine with stunning views along and across Coniston water. The Old Man still had a woosy head, unclear and view less.
When we got to the access gate to Bethecar Moor just past High Parkamoor we turned south on a thin path up towards Heel Toe Hill and onto Arnsbarrow Tarn.
From here the ascent of Top Of Selside was easily achieved although the walking is more or less pathless through tussocks and heather.

 Top of Selside has two tops which we did before heading back down to the tarn before ascending Arnsbarrow Hill, High Light Haw, Low Light Haw and the top with a high stone cairn at Brock Barrow. The descent into High Nibthwaite needs to be done with care especially in the mist as a southern escape comes with a sheer drop off.
 Its a fine round of tops and can be quite challenging navigation in bad weather and pathless in some areas.

More photo's will be posted when we get home on Monday.

Sent from Samsung Mobile

A circular walk above Marsden

I felt a need to get out for a walk and recently i have been doing a few walks around Diggle and Marsden and so it was, i headed out that way again. You tend to spot other walks when you are actually walking and you pencil them into the brain saying "i will come back and do that when i get chance".
 Well i had chance and off i set.

 As i did on my last walk with Sheila and Dorothy, i parked on the A62 at (SE 01762 09471). This time when i got out of the car i could see my route. It had been raining on the way down but fortunately the cloud base was high and it had actually stopped. We have had some heavy rain recently so i was happy not to need waterproofs.

 The car park only had two other visitors, one a "rep" type, not a walker, and the other just arriving back having walked the dog. A lovely Springer Spaniel.

 Putting my jacket in the sac and setting my GPS to record the route and mileage i set off North along the Pennine Way. Good views in all directions and just a hint of a cold breeze and a few threatening looking dark clouds. Funnily, i didn't recall doing this section of the PW, when i did the long route many many years ago.

 A herd of cows and calves blocked my access into a walled field and i was just a little apprehensive as i approached. I'm not bothered by cows but the access point was narrow and there were quite a lot of them. I looked for an alternative path and at one point the wall was easy to get over but the other side was a morass. I decided to bite the bullet and walk calmly through them. I was prepared for them to spook, turn and run or have a go at me but they didn't bother one bit, neither mother or calf. Phew.

 I quickly reached the trig point 448 Metres on Standedge and stopped to take in the views to the west of the ridge line and Castleshaw Reservoirs.
 Again lots of potential routes were under development as i walked on.

 I came across a plaque cemented to one of the outcrops, it simply said AW and an arrow pointing west.
This pointed out the resting place of Ammon Wrigley, a local poet, who's ashes were scattered here. I photographed his statue a few posts back in Uppermill.
  The following verse also accompanies the plaque as well as plaques to his two daughters.
  Winds of the Pennines fresh and free, You were ever good friends to me, Out on the moors from morn till eve, Happy with you and loth to leave.

 The breeze had picked up a bit and i took the chance to put my jacket on.  Occasionally the odd drop of rain coloured the gritstone but not enough to care about a waterproof.

 In the distance i spotted a fellow walker coming my way and in 10 minutes or so we had closed the gap. "Are you doing it all",  he questioned. With a bit of a laugh i replied." No, not today anyway". He gave a smile and carried on, hood up and waterproofed.

 I wasn't walking fast, i love being on the moors, especially on days like this where the breeze is wafting the metre tall grass and the colour changes with every wave. A few Buntings and Skylarks were being blown about as i spooked them from there hiding places. I spotted a hang glider and then another. They were using the thermals from the top of Hard Head.

My route was to hit the A640 and then turn South East along the Willykay Clough but just where the clough crosses the PW there was a path crossing which isn't marked on the map. I checked the terrain and it was obvious that many people doing the same route as myself had decided to cut out the corner and meet up with the marked clough path lower down. I took it and i was correct.

Sign i’m on an old Pack Horse route

March Haigh Reservoir came into view as i made my way along the path and a couple of tributaries had to be crossed. It's a good path for most of the way down to Close Gate Bridge. The heritage board adjacent to the bridge is quite interesting and informative, telling of the history of the bridge and the pack horse route.

I checked the map here to see where i could access a route up Pule Hill. If i crossed the bridge i would have a bit of a road walk into Marsden and then a steep climb back out.
 A path marked on the map crosses Redbrook Clough and then ascends up to the A62. I got to the beck to find it running quite fast and deep, as though it was trying to escape from the dark clouds higher up stream. I could see the way sign on the opposite bank but the water looked touch and go. I was going to take my boots off and paddle through but the bottom wasn't clear, the dark brown peat causing discolouration. I took the plunge and paddled knee deep through it. It wasn't a wide beck, but there was a weir and a deep pool below it and so with consideration i quickly got to the other side with boots full of water and wet trousers.
 I was wearing Rohan Ether trousers and i was amazed at how well they performed. They got wet obviously but they didn't soak up the water and they dried rapidly. Very impressed.

When i reached the A62 i stopped for a coffee and a bite to eat. I checked the map again and saw that there was no path marked on the map except a path parallel to the A62. I wanted to go up not parallel and so i thought i would just head straight up until i meet up with the path on the ridge. A big mistake.
When i first started up i was walking on sheep trods, through old quarry workings but once on the open fell side it was a nightmare of deep tussocks and deep pools. I regretted my decision but i was half way up now  and just carefully plodded on.

 It was slow but the views from the ridge were worth the effort. I stopped for a few minutes taking photo's and letting the sweat dissipate. I had taken my coat off back where i had coffee and it stayed in the bag for now as i was warm and i needed to cool off.

 As i set off along the ridge i was being followed by only the 2nd person i had seen on route. He was moving quite quickly, his 2 poles working in unison. Again, i was in no hurry and stopped frequently to take pictures. he soon caught me up and with a brief "Hello" he was off. Not even stopping at the top to take in the views he was soon down at his car parked on the old road. (Mount Rd).

Only the 2nd person i had seen on the walk

 I stopped at the top and was chilled enough to put my coat back on. After a few minutes taking in the view i set off again heading for the junction of Mount Rd with the Standedge trail. Instead of heading back along the road to pick up the footpath i just headed off across the moorland. Had i not learnt my lesson on the way up Pule Hill, obviously not. The moorland was boggy, saturated and smelly. I was glad when i reached the dyke and the path that terminates at Redbrook reservoir.

Looking back at Pule Hill

 I noticed my boot was leaking badly and as i hit the road noticed that the sole was parting company with the upper. I stopped and couldn't believe my luck. I only had about 10 minutes more to walk and it might just make it.  I tied it up with some dyneema as it was flapping badly.

I got back to the car just in time. While i was enjoying the last of my coffee and a piece of Soreen malt loaf the rain started. It was heavy, i couldn't see out of the windscreen. I had a wry smile to myself that on this occasion i won. 

10.5 k and a lovely walk.

A - Z Adventure Atlases

 I recently bought one of these new maps from the people that publish the A - Z series of street maps. The new maps are 1:25,000 scale and are basically the OS Explorer series.

As you can see from the above photo’s the area covered is called the Southern Fells. This includes both OS maps Lake District SW and SE. The same applies for the Northern fells.

The maps

Everything about the actual map is just the same as OS standard.

What i liked about them.

1. The paper. Is more like magazine quality, not like basic OS series.
2. The maps are in booklet form, not one big sheet.
3. The booklets are the same size as a fully folded OS map.
4. Great to handle and flip pages when your on the hill.
5. The OS Lake District maps are 4 in total. With the A-Z book this is covered by 2 books.
6. The weight of 1 booklet  is equivalent to 1 OS map 130gr.

Unlike the original OS sheets. These A-Z Adventure Atlases include a comprehensive index to towns, villages,hamlets, and locations, natural features, nature reserves, car parks and youth hostels, making them quick and easy to use. Each index entry has a page reference and a six figure National Grid Reference.

 The only down side i can see is that for long route planning, sometimes you want to see the bigger picture.  But that can be achieved using one of the free mapping software companies available on the internet. Once the planning stage is complete then i think these booklets are excellent and easy to use.

Currently area options are limited, but will increase with time. They are available from Dash4it for the price of £5.57. Take a look here.