DARK PEAK NEWS Winter 2013

Dark Peak storm the FRA’s

Stuart Walker thrashes himself to a new 15 Trigs record

...and Ashley Kay scores a historic Pertex double Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 2 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 3 In this edition» The bit at the front

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Personal responsibility: a cautionary tale …and just for good measure, we took third place too est. 1976 in the men’s FRA Relays. Never been done before, I’m writing this a bit podgy and unfit after a lay-off. I was getting back into my stride after the www.dpfr.org.uk and will it ever be done again? inevitable Freshers’ Flu, (ninety people + one badly ventilated lecture theatre + germs from Captain’s Report, page 18; Will Boothman, page 27 four continents), when I strode out a bit too much in the wrong shoes and went flying. I hit President: Eric Mitchell THE 15 TRIGS RECORD COMES HOME a pointy rock that had a tree branch across the top just for good measure. The result: a badly ...to the club hut. Literally. It’s where Stuart Walker battered thigh that refused to run any further and gave way unpredictably even at a slow walk. finished and collapsed after shaving a slice off Simon Chairman Secretary Bourne’s sub 10 hours to follow in Andy Harmer’s Thankfully this happened on a Warts run reasonably close to Tha Sportsmen. I alerted fellow Tom Westgate Rob Moore runners, and let them know I intended to limp back. Even so - and with every bit of my gear on 95 Stumperlowe Hall Rd 2 Kerwen Close footsteps as a Dark Peak record holder. And on the Sheffield Dore last stretch, he was cheered on by … himself! – I was seriously cold and uncomfortable by the time I reached the club hut. S10 3QT Sheffield Page 24 This was at fairly low altitude, close to home, on a windy but dry night with temperatures 0114 263 0632 S17 3DF nowhere near freezing. It set me to wondering what would have happened if I’d done this in [email protected] 07766 520741 ERIC AT NINETY [email protected] A pictorial salute to our Life President Eric Mitchell, a more isolated and exposed place, maybe running alone in a night race? I wasn’t carrying thanks to the family archives plundered by Eric’s a microfleece or bivvy bag that could have given me vital extra protection. Nor did I have a daughter Jan. Treasurer Membership Page 10 phone that I could have used to summon help or to pinpoint my exact location. Points of detail, Tim Hawley Ann Watmore but perhaps very significant ones in an emergency. We devoted a lot of space in the last edition Jasmine Cottage 26 Robertson Drive BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY of Dark Peak News to such safety issues. Since then, the coroner has pronounced on the tragic Main Road Sheffield After the Belfield inquest verdict, we’ve been trying to Dungworth S6 5DY work out how the club stays safe, but without diluting death of Brian Belfield, (see the next page and the chairman’s report on page seven). The Sheffield 0114 233 8383 S6 6HF [email protected] our free-spirited approach. The club committee has debate continues, but I think Tom is absolutely right to keep emphasising how much rests on 0114 285 1633 come up with a set of “action points” for discussion. the principle of personal responsibility. On that point, I’ve given myself a quiet ticking off. [email protected] News, page 4; From the Chairman, page 7

Clothing and Eqpt Men’s Captain LAID LOW BY LYME DISEASE Another year of great achievements Richard Hakes Rob Little One minute Steve Martin was storming it in ultra races 454A Loxley Road 70 Burgoyne Road and long distance cycling events; the next he was flat On a more positive note, it’s again been my privilege to edit a Dark Peak News that contains Loxley Sheffield on his back and lifeless in a hospital bed. He warns so much to celebrate. TWO men’s teams in the top three of the prestigious FRA Relays. Will Sheffield S6 3QB you could follow if you don’t make sure you’re aware that ever be done again? Congratulations to everyone who took part, and especially to Will S6 6RS 07791 283861 of how Lyme disease can strike. 0114 233 9912 [email protected] Boothman who ran out of his skin to pull the alleged B team back to that third place on the [email protected] Page 12 last leg. You can read his stirring account on page 27 The women’s teams had a great year too, DON’T PISS IN YOUR GOGGLES bagging the V40 trophy in the English Championships and finishing runners-up in the Open Women’s Captain Website It’ll turn them yellow. Or at least it did in the strange, event. The racing year has contained so many sterling performances that it would be invidious Helen Elmore John Dalton warped mind of Tim Hawley, whose creativity and to name individuals here. Away from direct competition, Stuart Walker thrashed himself to a 117, Millhouses Lane, 1, Cannon Fields persistent multiple entries have finally steered him to Sheffield, Hathersage victory in the Dark Peak News caption competition. phenomenal new record for the 15 Trigs that means Dark Peak once again holds the fastest S7 2HD Derbyshire Page 8 time. Think you’d like to emulate him? Read his account on page 24 and think again. He 0114 237 6609 S32 1AG was so driven towards the end that he was shouting at himself at full volume. One year; two [email protected] 01433 659523 THANKS… Skylines. Well, sort of. It was certainly twice the work for Ian Fitzpatrick who made it happen. [email protected] To everybody who has contributed to this edition of Dark Peak News, particularly to those of you What a club. And what vision from those who created it in the early years. Key amongst them Dark Peak News who succumbed to the editor’s last-minute nagging was our Life President, Eric Mitchell who recently turned 90 but is still a kid at heart. Thanks David Holmes and bullying at times when there were so many Eric. 615, Loxley Road, other things going on in your lives. Hope everybody Loxley, appreciates the effort you’ve all put in. And, as ever, Sheffield, an ultra BIG thanks to Tim Mackey, who’s worked Dave S6 6RR tirelessly behind the scenes to pull it all together and 0114 234 4186 [email protected] make it look so good. Thanks again Tim! Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 4 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 5

“These ideas will evolve and change over time,” said Tom. “It isn’t intended as a definitive answer, and we certainly don’t feel we hold all the cards. So far we have had precious few News serious incidents on Dark Peak runs but recent events within fell running and closer to home suggest that we need to be prepared individually and as a club in some shape. We need established members to think through what personal responsibility means - responsibility to Safety: the debate continues themselves and to their fellow runners. I don’t worry about all this, so long as we can agree As you will no doubt have read in The Fellrunner, the coroner has now pronounced on the things whilst also keeping things light – that is the bit I cannot sort in my head.” death of Brian Belfield in the Buttermere Sailbeck race. His narrative verdict recounted how Success for our inaugural mountain skills course Brian drifted off route, became cold and lost, injured himself in slips while trying to descend, and then died within minutes of falling into freezing water. The coroner attached no blame to The recent discussions about safety and club liability prompted Carl Betts to suggest running the FRA or to the race organisers, but he did write to the FRA raising concerns about aspects of a hill/mountain skills course exclusively for club members. This was well received at the agm competitor control systems and communication. The FRA has since published changes to its kit and Carl – an experienced mountain guide and leader – subsequently ran the first event at the and safety requirements. These can be read on page seven of the Autumn 2013 Fellrunner, or Pure Outdoor training centre at Stoney Middleton in the autumn “My idea of the day was to on the FRA website. have a fun, informative day where everybody in the group would participate and offer their The Dark Peak committee met shortly after publication of the verdict to consider the club’s own experiences to discussions,” said Carl. The day began by considering the importance of response. We recognised that in many respects that response is already formulated: we have route planning, both in summer and winter, with a whistlestop tour of avalanche awareness changed the club’s corporate structure to minimise liability, and we have placed great emphasis and risk management. It then took in a brief navigation session, before the team went to on personal responsibility, as outlined in the last edition of Dark Peak News. But we also felt Grindleford Bridge where they got wet while considering how to safely cross rivers and there was no room for complacency, and that we should continue to think carefully about the brooks. wellbeing of all our club runners on the hills. These come to the fore in Warts’ runs at night “This was a great session that was really helped by the beautiful weather and ideal river and in winter, and in the many informal club races that we organise without rescue cover and level,” said Carl. “After a brief lunch back at the centre the afternoon session kicked off by without radio networks, dibbers, huge marshalling teams, or even systematic lists of entries. looking at the importance of kit both in winter and summer as well as discussing first aid kit Our first thought was that we should not abandon or fundamentally change any of these options. Following on from this we looked at certain medical conditions and situations which activities. To do so could kill the spirit of the club. There will also be no heavy ‘top-down’ if understood can be stopped before they require major assistance such as hypothermia and set of rules. But chairman Tom Westgate reiterated that we have to be certain that we deliver diabetes. To finish the day off, we formed two groups and worked through a medical scenario what we promise in terms of clearly communicating what “personal responsibility” involves, which was linked to the group’s choice of route from the very first route planning session in the and when it may extend to whole groups of people, (e.g. when the Warts go out to remote morning.” areas in the “bleak mid-winter”). The debate will continue, and we will no doubt return to the “Seven club members and two club officials took part, and all went home saying they’d had subject at the AGM next year. But the committee was keen that we should all think about our a good experience that had taught them something new. It just so happened that within two responsibilities in the meantime. The meeting suggested the following immediate action points: weeks of the course, two of the group in separate circumstances had to recognise, treat and • Lists of starters and finishers to be kept at all DPFR races, with contact details including recover runners in distress. Planning days like this is difficult due to the major differences in mobile phone numbers if available participants’ levels of knowledge. As this was the first, there is room for improvement, but at • Full waterproof body cover to be “recommended” in all such events some-point we’ll definitely be putting on another.” • Additional kit such as bothy bags and mobile phones to be “recommended” in remote, unsupported runs, (we are advised that phones can be used by police/mountain rescue to Coaching - teaching old dogs new skips pinpoint location even where there is no signal) Dave Taylor writes: Ok admit it, how many of us know that we could benefit from a little more • The format of our races needs thinking about again in remoter, unsupported races. Teaming structure to our training? Maybe add a few faster paced efforts, some strength work, a bit of up new and less experienced people, for example, seems like a way forward to us agility and coordination practice, stretching. Yes…stretching! • Warts runs to maintain some kind of logbook/tally system so we know who has gone out, Imagine you are just as fit as the runner beside you on the start line but they have a more and who has returned efficient running technique. It might not matter too much on a three mile dash but what about • New people to the club and novice runners will not necessarily understand that their on a longer race: Borrowdale, Jura, the Edale Skyline? What was the recent success of British wellbeing is largely their own personal responsibility. We need to ensure people are clear cycling attributed to? Marginal gains. in their minds about what may be involved whenever they go out. To some extent most of The club’s qualified UK Athletics coaches Dave Taylor and Adam Taylor, (no relation), us may have a part to play in this by “shepherding” new colleagues on club runs, so we can have been putting on regular weekly coaching sessions which involve exercises to improve ensure they can look after themselves and understand what is expected of them. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 6 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 7

running technique followed by a training session such as hill reps or speed intervals. There’s no guarantee you’ll shave minutes off your p.b. for the Skyline but it’s worth coming along even if it’s just to catch a glimpse of our esteemed chairman trying to touch his toes and skip at the From the Chairman same time! The coaching sessions are suitable for all fitness and ability levels and are free to club members. Details can be found on the coaching page and calendar on the club website. I’m just back from a quick trip to the Cairngorms with Bob Berzins and Roy Gibson. Orders, Ladies and Gentlemen please! Enjoyable and free to push the limits as we saw fit. We gauged the weather, prepared our route, thought about kit with some limited snow and ice in mind, and aimed to get off the UK’s The club’s finances have taken a slight hit of late, as Tom reports on opposite. We have spent highest mountain plateau before it got pitch black, (although we actually needed head torches). some money on club hut improvements, and we had the additional expense of organising and As a club it’s not always so straightforward though, and having read the recent FRA advertising an EGM. We could absorb these costs reasonably comfortably if we had the income magazine I think it is clear that some things may have to change a wee bit. Thankfully the that we should be able to anticipate, but as things stand nearly a third of the club “membership” inquest hearing into Brian Belfield’s death is now over, affording some answers and solace are failing to pay. That has prompted the following appeal from Membership Secretary Ann for his family and friends. It must also have been a long time coming for Hazel and Mike Watmore: Robinson, and we hope they too can move on. Judging by the magazine, fell running is also “Dark Peak is calling time on unpaid subs so make your life and mine simple and worry free looking hard and long at the lessons. We should all take time to read what is going on and what (ah, if only it were that easy!) by setting up an annual standing order from January 2014. Go our individual part is. There is an ever greater emphasis on personal responsibility. I believe on, admit that fun on the fells is not just a passing fancy and commit to regular payments. Over our club is good enough to manage the hazards but it does need some thought, especially when one hundred members have already done this with no adverse effect on their race performance, we push the limits. There is no escaping that we need to count people in and out of our races so what is stopping you?” and Warts runs as well. You’ll find the requisite form inserted into this mag. Once you’ve filled it in, please send it We run and race in different ways, and we should all think about how we organise our your bank, and you no longer need to fret about remembering the annual payment. Job done. events and what kit we carry. I argue that we need to tell people clearly what is involved, recommend a decent amount of kit, and in extreme events encourage less experienced people Our four-legged friends to team up. In the most severe events, kit may include a survival or bothy bag that could A reminder of the club policy on dogs. They are welcome on club runs, so long as they are kept just make the difference for you or a fellow runner. We can surely run whatever races, in the under control at all times and so long as there no restrictions imposed by owners of the land furthest reaches of the Dark Peak, as long as we are grounded about the challenges. that we are crossing. Regrettably though, we cannot accommodate them in club races. This was It’s been another busy year for the club, not least through having to organise the Skyline discussed some time ago at an AGM, when members felt that dogs had been a problem at the twice. The snow in March put paid to Ian Fitzpatrick’s initial efforts and the “second” race in congested start and finish of races, and could cause a trip hazard to other runners.The same September doubled his workload. It was quite an achievement for Ian and the club to make policy is in place for all races organised as part of the FRA Calendar. things run so smoothly in the autumn. The FRA mag also carried news that Bradfield School, high on the edge of the Dark Peak, Moors closed again (again) won the English Schools Fell Running Championships. This has much to do with the efforts If you go for a run on the Bamford, Derwent, Hallam or Moscar Moors next May or June, it’s of Keith Holmes, who teaches there and pointed the runners and parents towards the races. likely you will find signs and maps at the access points telling you the moors are closed.The Congratulations to him and the kids – maybe Dark Peak stars of the future? exact dates are 12-25 May, 27-30 May, 2-6 June, and 9-13 June. The Moscar Estate have been The club finances are sadly a bit less healthy. We have had to spend a bit, and frankly we’ve in touch again with their usual request asking us to draw this to your attention. There you are; had too little coming in because a third of members have not paid their subs. Ann Watmore has we have done. been hard at work chasing, but if we’re to keep subs at current levels it really would help if everybody used standing order. We may also need to end the days of “cost neutral” races, and Changed your contact details? direct any modest surpluses to keeping DPFR running in more ways than one. That said, let us not lose the perspective that this has again been a really good year for Dark Of course if you have then this issue of DPN may not have reached you! It is important that Peak. In some cases – not least the Ian Hodgson & FRA Relays – it’s been a truly outstanding these details are kept up to date so if you haven’t filled in a membership form for a while and one, and with more individual successes than you could shake a stick at. I hope you agree. think that the club may not have your correct name (the one you race under), address, phone Tom number, email, gender or shoe size please send in the 2014 form. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 8 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 9 Caption competition The questionnaire

It was none other than the club What’s your favourite race? Grindleford. chairman Tom Westgate who Jenny Johnson Love the river crossing, (and they once let we lined up as caption fodder me have the first lady prize even though a vet in the last edition. Why was How old are you? 35 beat me!). his face so painfully contorted? What’s been your best moment in fell Why was it covered in ice? How did you start fell running? running so far? Winning the FRAs in 2003, What had made his lips turn I went along to the Otley Chevin race once with my dad back when I lived in York but (after a storming navigation leg with Helen purple, and why were those Winskill – faster than DP vets!). goggles such a strange shade didn’t exactly get hooked, so it wasn’t until of yellow, (was it to match I moved to Sheffield in 2001, (and bought a house with Oli). I’ve always been an orienteer And the worst? Probably that very first race the Dark Peak purple?). Quite in Otley. As a York lass born and bred I was a few of you addressed the and was racing internationally, but my map- reading was ahead of my fitness so I got into never going to be a natural on the hills! goggles question, and it was fell running to try to rectify that. Tim Hawley’s perseverance What shoes do you use? Inov8 all the in doing so that has finally When did you join Dark Peak? 2003ish way, X-Talons or Orocs depending on the brought him the glory that he’s conditions. craved for years through his repeat multiple entries. His winning words: “Yeah, it’s an old Why did you join Dark Peak? Because army trick. Pissing in your goggles keeps them clear.” In second place, Tom himself, picturing a lot of my friends were members, (eg the And how do you get your socks clean? himself as some kind of latter-day Scott of the Antarctic: “Last entry: ‘For God’s sake look Winskills), and I was looking forward to That’s Oli’s department as I always leave them after our club’.” running the navigation leg at the FRAs. inside out and he has to sort out the mess. (You must really love her, Oli! Ed. ;-)) How many miles a week do you run? This time, we turn to the Edale Before Alex, (17 months Skyline kit check, where old), I ran every day. Now Stewart Kemp and Kenny I’m lucky if I manage Turner were drawing great twice a week, so maybe amusement from something eight miles! that seemed to be lurking around Kenny’s nether regions. Admit it, what’s your Or were they? As ever, the only current weight? No limits to what was going on idea. (Buy her some here are in your imagination. scales Oli, you tightwad! Over to you… Ed) What’s your top training tip? Hill reps. If you don’t have much time you can still do a great session. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 10 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 11

Young Features Eric

Eric Mitchell Above William Clough

Courtesy of our French reporting bureau, with motorbike (otherwise known as Eric’s daughter Jan), racing in the Dark Peak News takes great pleasure in sixties, before finally publishing this exclusive collection of getting the fell running bug. photographs to mark the 90th birthday of our His many running achievements are Life President, Eric Mitchell. Our sources tell recorded in his prestigious listing in ‘Stud us that Eric spent the big day quietly at home Marks on the Summit’, perhaps his quirkiest Club Champ in 1979 and was also treated to a celebratory lunch by being victory when he beat the Isle of Wight his family. There’s a lot to celebrate, dating Fire Service in their own cross country back to the 27 October 1923, when Eric was race and was subsequently banned as an born at Disley in Cheshire, on the outskirts outsider. He did his last major competitive of the Peak District. From his late teens to race, the Ben Nevis, in his mid-seventies his late twenties, the dapper young man and then “wound down” to concentrate on to the right/left/above/below was a highly long distance On the Peakers Stroll successful racing cyclist, and in 1946 he was cycling again. selected for the crack 12-man training squad He defied NHS that prepared for the London Olympics, (the conventions to only member of Dark Peak to achieve such undergo triple status?). He had a brief heart bypass dalliance surgery at the age of 86 when he found himself “slowing down a bit”, and now Three Peaks in 1980 keeps his hand in by walking from his home high on the outskirts of Buxton. He On WH Way 1998 also spends most days looking even more like Father Christmas thanks to that famous and magnificent beard. Happy Birthday Eric! Here’s to many more… Not so young Eric at Mam Nick aged 80 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 12 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 13

Chapter One: July Flat out on my bike to flat out It was one of those cracking months when everything goes right. It included a 100km+ ultra- trail run through the Dolomites, a double coast to coast ride (Blackpool to Scarborough and on my back back), 300 glorious miles in the Apple Cross-Fort William area, and finally cycling from London to Edinburgh and back, (the LEL). This superb event was brilliantly organised by the Britain’s deer population is estimated at 1.5 million and rising fast. With it comes a growing Audax UK club with fully equipped feed-sleep-shower stations every 80 miles. The highlights risk to health from the tiny parasite that the deer carry around our hills. Tiny it may be, but it were blasting 50 miles across the Fens with a tail-wind in a bunch of Belgians at a 20+mph was enough to stop gentle giant Steve Martin in his tracks this summer… average, just like being a pro with the countryside whizzing by. Reaching Edinburgh on the second day of riding and feeling fit enough to turn around and start cycling back through the hilly southern uplands. Crossing the Humber Bridge under a clear night sky. Thinking I was going to die when my LED light ran out of battery crossing the Yorkshire Wolds. LED lights don’t dim; they just switch off, plunging you into a pitch black world, so I was just waiting to crash as I skid to a halt. And finally chain-ganging across the Fens with a group of five German long distance time trials specialists on their full carbon TT bikes. It was hard to believe we had all completed over 800 miles of cycling in just over three days as we tore past other cyclists out on their training rides. It was on a par with completing the BG Round and MdS - a great adventure. The fastest guy didn’t even sleep and completed the 880miles in under three days. I was very happy with my sub 80hr time. Chapter Two: August August was a bit different. It started so well, with my fastest ever 200km bike ride through the Peaks. But 24 hours later I lay in a hospital bed with a massive headache and fell into a long sleep. The nurses woke me every few hours to check my blood pressure and check I was still alive. They had no idea what was wrong with me. They had long given up asking me about my low heart rate that kept setting off the alarms. I was wheeled into various rooms to get various scans, CT, X-ray, ECG etc. Time drifted by. The final of many tests was a lumbar puncture. Not as painful as one would imagine, but still not pleasant. Twelve Bullseye hours until the results, so more sleeping. All tests were negative and there were no signs of a stroke so I was released. My head was still very sensitive to sharp movements and I had lost over a stone in weight. Wow - I had long dreamed of getting down towards 14 stone. The next two weeks were spent sleeping for around 80% of the day and night. I was totally exhausted. When I did walk it was like being on a deep rubber mat. After a couple of weeks my head sensitivity disappeared to be replaced by periods of hot flushes and a raging appetite. After a month of mostly sleeping I tried a couple of cycle rides with Norton Wheelers but got dropped within the first hundred metres. I had no power. More tests revealed I was still slightly anaemic but the local GP didn’t really know what was going on, so I was booked into the infectious diseases unit, (long wait), and for a colonoscopy! Drinking the four litres of laxative was much more unpleasant than visiting the nether regions of my colon. In discussion with the hospital register I suggested Lyme diseases as a possibility and as a precaution I was tested. I was found to be carrying the antibodies against Lyme diseases so put onto a 14-day course of antibiotics. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 14 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 15

Chapter 3: Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne pathogen, so is only caught via tick There’s an Old bites. Immature mites are more effective as transmitters and the longer the tick is feeding on your blood the increased chance Rugged Cross on a of been infected. Lyme is a Borrelia bacteria, a nasty little bug which if caught early is not a big problem since acute Lyme is effectively treated by antibiotic. But if it is missed or ignored, Hill Far Away Ticked off it can develop into chronic Lyme. This can caused disabling problems including chronic fatigue and is currently impossible to treat. In 70-80% of cases, the area around the tick bite displays a red ring of varying size and the disease manifests itself Thus goes the first line of a venerable hymn covered in the aforesaid thick undergrowth, through flu-like symptoms. However, in 20-30% of cases these symptoms are absent. So what has this to do with Dark Peak and the it was only possible for one person at a time Lyme disease is currently on the increase, with annual diagnosed cases in the UK rising Thornbridge weekend? to stand and gaze. B and Y inspected the from just 68 in 1986 to well over 1,000 currently. But the true figure could be far higher still. Well, this excellent event organised each cross and plaque first, and then retreated so There are many misdiagnosed cases, tests giving false results, sufferers who weren’t tested, year for our delectation and delight provides G could take a turn. In doing so he placed people infected but not showing symptoms, people who don’t consult a doctor, (most Dark options for many sociable and enjoyable a hand on the top of the upright to steady Peakers, I suspect). The National Lyme’s Disease Testing Service believes the true figure could activities apart from the fell race and an himself and, as he said himself, with much now be over 10,000 cases per-year. It is currently very rare in the Peak District but in parts of opportunity to have a bath in the River Wye, embarrassment, “It simply came to pieces in Scotland, Exmoor, and major southern forests it is endemic, (these areas are all home to major (not before time for some of the competitors). my hand!” Needless to say this explanation deer herds, and the deer tick is one of the most prolific transmitters of yme).L Doctors in some One of these activities as a respite from was not accepted and he suffered a barrage of parts of Scotland may see dozens of cases a year, while many in England may have never the frenzied exercise of the race and the abuse being called a vandal among other less heard of it. barbecue can be a leisurely cycle or stroll in printable names. If he thought that was going This is why you need to be thoroughly informed of the issues surrounding Lyme disease. As the beautiful White Peak. So it was on the to be the end of it he was mistaken.From then I have discovered to my cost, fell runners are in the high exposure group along with orienteers Sunday morning that the BYG group of more on B and Y missed no opportunity to remind and forestry workers. Awareness is the key, as getting rapid treatment is extremely important. senior members decided to tackle the direct him of his clumsy, heinous deed. I was not tested for almost two months after falling ill, and even then only at my suggestion, route on to Longstone Edge, diverting on the Perhaps there is a satisfactory, if not (which was ignored by my first GP). There is a lot of misinformation on the internet, but sites way to check a little-known memorial cross happy, end to the story in that overcome with like the “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” (http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/) are reliable to a young man from Longstone who died not remorse G insisted on finding a replacement. sources of information and images. so long ago. The exact circumstances of his Who should step forward but B who, as So, how did I pick up this debilitating condition? In mid July I was bitten by a tick in unfortunate demise are not known since the everyone knows, is master craftsman in Scotland during Jim Paxman’s Ramsey attempt, (the Ramsey Round is in a known Lyme area). memorial plaque mentions only the name and all things wood. Person B is, of course, I got rid of the tick 24/48hrs later after I had cycled up to Applecross, and then forgot all about dates. none other than Roger Baumeister, and the it. The Scotland trip was followed by 200 more excellent miles of biking, and then the LEL… We went straight up to the road just below quality of his craftsmanship is demonstrated So what put me in hospital? We will never know if I finally broke my body, since I have the Edge, via a splendid dry limestone valley, by the photograph you can see here. The been beasting it for several years now, or whether I was brought to my knees by tiny bacteria. eventually trekking through the bracken replacement is beautifully made in English I have been bitten numerous times by ticks in infected areas, so the positive test could be and brambles to find the cross, which is far oak, firmly fixed in the ground, and the brass due to a new or old infection. It’s impossible to tell. At no point have I ever had a fever or obvious amid rough vegetation. plaque has been polished and repositioned. red ring associated with a tick bite. The only evidence I have is that after the antibiotic had This remembrance had been carefully One can only hope that the family of finished, (not during), I felt I had at last regained some ‘ummph’, but I remain very unfit and made many years ago and was in good the deceased will at least forgive G for his depressingly overweight. condition although showing signs of frailty, transgression and not grieve too strongly over So, forewarned is forearmed. Especially where Lyme disease is concerned. Don’t panic, but (like some in the group). As we admired it, the loss of what was a lovingly made and do keep an eye on any tick bites. It is now possible to buy Lyme test kits from outdoor shops we wondered who could have put it there and placed memorial. to test the tick. A positive tick doesn’t mean you have definitely been infected, but it could why. Since it is on quite a steep slope and R.Suppards be a strong indication. If you suspect possible Lyme disease and you are in any doubt, I’d strongly recommend that you get straight off to your GP, be insistent, and get quick treatment. A precautionary dose of antibiotics is going to do no harm. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 16 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 17 Warts get Mabel off Carshare League 2014 Sat 8 Feb 10am Wadsworth Trog BL (PE only) 20m/4000ft S&W Pennines the moor Sat 8 Mar 11am Stan Bradshaw BM (PE only) 10.4m/1950ft S&W Pennines Pendle Round Sat 29 Mar 12 pm Donard Challenge AS (Brits) 4.7m/2790ft N. Ireland (Newcastle) Drama on a Wednesday night, when the Warts went broddling up to Cartledge Flats, and three of them found themselves broddling back down with a shivering stranger in tow. Penny Collier Sat 12 Apr 11am Coledale Horseshoe AM 8.5m/3000ft Lake District tells the tale of an unexpected mountain rescue, (as assisted by Sarah Broadhurst and Guy Sat 17 May 11am Charlesworth Chase BS 5.2m/1200ft Yorks Dales Seaman) (Simon’s Seat) Sat 14 Jun 11am Cwm Pennant AL 16.8m/5900ft Wales How often do we go running from The well with the rough descent, with one of us Horseshoe (Snowdonia) Strines? How often do we actually go past on either side and one holding the torch to Sat 28 Jun 2pm Dollar AM (Brits) 9.3m/3380ft Scotland those particular grouse butts? How often light her way. Once we got onto the trails she Sat 2 Aug 11am Borrowdale AL (LCT) (PE 16.8m/6550ft Lake District would the front runners actually choose to walked unaided and confidently all the way only) stop just there to check the map? Not very to the road. As she warmed up she started Sun 24 Aug 1pm David Bell Memorial BS 3.5m/820ft Peak District often. But this particular Wednesday Warts talking a bit more. Her main emotion seemed Hoppits Hill Race run stopped at this particular grouse butt, and to be embarrassment at having to accept help. Sat 30 Aug 1pm Maesgwm Muddle AM (Brits) (PE 8.7m/2790ft Wales (Llanberis) up popped Mabel (name has been changed We had to absolutely insist that we took her only) to respect her privacy). She’d caught a bus home as she wanted to walk up to the pub from home to Fairholmes and was walking and call a taxi. All we can hope is that she Sun 14 Sep 8.30am Lake District O (PE only) 16m/7875ft Lake District Mountain Trial (venue tbc) over the moor to Lower Bradfield to catch took our advice to never go out walking again the bus back home again. She said she did without a compass, (and to learn how to use Sat 18 Oct 2.30pm Screes AS 4.9m/1550ft Lake District this regularly. The weather that day had it!), and to get straight into a warm bath as (Nether Wasdale) started off fair and clear but the rain and fog soon as she got through her front door. had descended during the afternoon. Mabel It was a strange evening. I don’t think Willy Kitchen writes: the deserving winner of the inaugural Carshare League, it’s time to said that there was so much rain she couldn’t Mabel fully realised the severity of her turn our thoughts to the 2014 campaign. A first stab is outlined in draft above – comments to see what was path and what was puddle. situation. But she was relatively well dressed [email protected] gratefully received. She had been walking around the moor all with good boots, waterproof coat and Thanks to everyone who took part in 2013, and particularly to Greg (1st – 391pts) custodian afternoon and had finally resorted to blowing trousers, (but no gloves or hat), and quite of the Carshare Coffee Pot; David Lund (2nd – 384pts) recipient of the Stanton Colts Reserves her whistle from the shelter of the grouse butt well prepared with food and a whistle, (but Cup; and Carshare himself, Dave Tait (3rd – 366pts), who fully merited the Arthur Eaton to try to attract attention. Not one of us had no compass). The clag cleared later on and Retirement Salver for his completion of eight races out of a possible twelve. If you were still heard that whistle, even though we’d been the lights in the valley became visible so I listening at the club dinner, you’d also know that it was indeed a poor man (4th – 362pts) who just yards away. The wind was so strong you think she could have walked herself out once couldn’t win his own league, taking home instead the Jordanthorpe Girls Junior Rounders could hardly hear yourself think. But by the she had her bearings. Did we save a life? It’s Trophy for first honorary woman. It is to be hoped that a better qualified woman will take time we found her she was extremely cold, impossible to know. But we did help someone possession of this particularly fine artefact next year, but any future recipient will first have to and starting to become quite concerned. who was cold and worried to get home as go to the trouble of completing the requisite five races. Three of us volunteered to walk her back quickly and safely as possible. It felt good to As for the individual race team prizes, I entirely reject the suggestion that the rules down from the moor. She’d got cold, but not be able to help. underpinning these awards are in any way opaque. If, however, you must have further so cold that she couldn’t function. She coped clarification, then I would refer you to that honourable tradition of sporting fair play and excellence represented by QI, Mornington Crescent and other such middle class pursuits. All’s fair in love and fell running – and a happy new year’s shuffling to you all. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 18 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 19

athletic and organisational achievement, we need to return to a brown-vested team now! but even better raised a lot of money for I think next year is going to be just as Team captains’ reports Odyssey, a small charity that does some good or better. We have newish members like fantastic work with cancer patients. Her Claire Prosser getting some great results, and donations page records that she and her team Sally Fawcett has also been winning loads of Women’s report date, because Helen Fiennes wouldn’t have have so far bust their £5,350.00 target by races locally since moving to the Dark side. had enough races after her birthday to count. nearly £1,000, and it’s not too late to join in Here’s to 2014, and don’t rest on your laurels, It’s been another fantastic year for the Dark Jude more than made up for this though by if you so wish: http://www.justgiving.com/ you men. We’re coming for you! Peak women. We couldn’t quite repeat last clinching the V40 in the British, and coming a teams/dragonsbelly Helen year’s clean sweep of English and British magnificent third in her category at the World Long distance stuff like Paddys and BG’s A footnote: We should record just one team championships but we still got the Masters Mountain Running Championships at was covered in the last Dark Peak News, piece of disappointing news. We all felt that V40 English Team Championship, finished Janske Lazne in the Czech Republic. She was but it’s worth noting Heather and Jude were Clare Oliffe was an odds on favourite for runners-up in the English Open category, the top-placed British V40, finishing within in first-placed mixed team in the High Peak Dark Peak’s most talked-about award after and were third V40 team in the British two minutes of the two Germans who pipped Marathon and Nicky was in the winning her infamous magnetic gloves incident on Championships. her. Her time for the 8.6km uphill course was vets team. Spurred on by these Dark Peak Bleaklow. Just ask her any Wednesday night If we’d started as strongly as we finished, just 51:30, (all the more impressive if one women, both teams broke the records in their if you haven’t heard, (nudge nudge, Chase). A we’d have been home and dry in both. We takes literally the claim on the organisers’ categories. It’s just that women’s record that classic Pertex near-miss if ever there was one. beat all our rivals in both the Open and V40 website that the course involved 800m of categories in the final long Peris Horseshoe “vertical climb”!). She was third in the race, where the gruelling mountain terrain English Open Championship and third in the Men’s report to ‘do alright’ a few decades ago, (and still do), was right up our street. We also performed Open for the British – maybe carrying a few that this is the first time Dark Peak has won the Dark Peak Men club achievements 2013: strongly in the eyeballs-out Blisco Dash but extra years is not such a handicap in a sport senior Men’s English Team Championship. A faded from the placings in the medium Silent that places such a premium on deep-rooted Senior Men English Team Champions (and nice surprise though, and something we should Valley and Yetholm races. Maybe we favour stamina and endurance? It’s certainly worth second in British Champs) be proud of. the ground of the Lakes and Snowdonia, or noting that another of our “more mature” GB Fell Relay winners AND bronze In total the senior men actually won five of perhaps it’s simply asking too much for busy runners, Nicky Spinks, also achieved a top medallists this years six English Champs races, and came women to fit in those long trips to Northern ten placing in the English Open. V40 Men second in English and British second at Blisco. We had no fewer than seven Ireland and Scotland? That said, it’s been A cracking result from the outer reaches of Champs, bronze in GB Relays of the top 23 runners at Fairfield,! My first big really great this year to see so many different Dark Peak territory, (Buxton). Julie Gardner V50 Men third in English and British highlight of the season was actually not at a people counting in the teams, including had a fantastic run in the LakeLand 100, Champs, third in Relays fell race, but on a sunny campsite in southern several who hadn’t won a medal before. Huge coming third woman and 26th overall. This France. It was here that Rhys and Wil caught thanks to everyone who turned out. is an “ultra” ultra event that boasts a 50-60% Well some lists can be a bit dull, but I hope up with our summer holiday and delivered The relays also showed the strength and failure rate over the 100 mile course, so you’ll agree that’s a damn impressive one! excellent news, (and sweltering stories), of a depth we have. It was great to get bronze in simply finishing it was quite an achievement, It’s very difficult for me to single people Dark Peak win at Wasdale. So, three wins out both the Hodgson and the FRAs, considering never mind doing so well. I am sure Julie out individually, especially as it has really of three, and things were looking promising. we had quite a few very strong runners either has done some other super-long heroics but been a group effort with different runners But we’d had the same score last season as injured or unavailable for both. The B team I haven’t had a chance to catch up with her contributing at different races/times of the well, and when Borrowdale managed to win in the FRAs beat the likes of Ilkley and recently, (she is probably out on a long run). season. So, thanks to EVERYONE who ran Blisco I was really hoping we wouldn’t be Carnethy, which is no mean feat. I was happy to win the Gritstone series (or supported even) in any races contributing drawing on points again. I knew that with On an individual basis, Jude Jepson has again, whilst Clare Oliffe took the honours to Dark Peak success, even if it only seems a Edale as the season finale we had a great had perhaps her best season yet, winning in the Totley series, and Lucy Weigand minor contribution. As we found out last year, chance. Bit nail-biting though. the V45 English, and coming second in the became only the third woman to win the club everyone can count in some way, and you My biggest surprise of the year was on V40. She would have won the V40 category championship handicap. will again in the future. the start line of the Turner Landscapes race. if it hadn’t snowed on the original Skyline Nicky’s Dragon’s Belly was a fantastic It seems incredible to me for a club of our A good six to seven Dark Peakers, check; but status, and including many Warts who seemed were there really only two top Borrowdale Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 20 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 21

runners?! Where were they all? Well you’ve script. Leg 2 and clag, again; enough said. A brief history of things we run past - part 9 got to be in it to win it! So, setting off I knew But just shows what we aim for when we’re we just had to finish reasonably and we could disappointed to be second. We’ve got to be the There is a network of modern signposted wrap the Champs up early. This we duly did, first to end Borrowdale’s winning sequence, Ecclesall Woods trails/paths. Some are still stone-edged, which so it was definitely a nice evening in the pub haven’t we? (first weekend in October - make may be because they were tramways serving afterwards. a note of this NOW). But both of these do Centuries ago the woods were part of the mills in the woods, or to make the going The most exciting race of the year for show what strength in depth we have in the Sherwood Forest and so were not mentioned easier for packhorses taking coal to Abbeydale me was the GB Relays in Llanberis. Will club, and how there’ll probably be a route by name in the Domesday Book. A few Hamlet. There are disused paths known as Boothman reports on this in more detail on somewhere to suit everyone. minutes on t’internet reveals that in 1317 they holloways. These are routes that over the page 27, but it was a fun weekend with a large If anyone is interested in individual places were owned by the de Ecclesall family and in centuries have been worn down to a U-shaped Dark Peak contingent, over interesting and in the championships they are on the FRA 1587 the Earl of Shrewsbury “used sett and profile. One seems to link Beauchief Abbey properly tough routes. Personally, running website. Also, I must thank John for keeping placed crossbows to kill the deer in Ecclesall with the Rising Sun on Abbey Lane in almost out on the first leg past so many people was our website updated, and Dave for his Woods and to hunt when it pleased them”. In a straight line. A few prayers then a few pints – absolutely thrilling. Then, only a few hours excellent Carshare page. If you’re venturing 1703 Anthony Offerton paid 4/- to graze his the perfect monk’s evening. later, knowing all Kris had to do was just further afield and would like some company, horse for a month, and in 1927 it became a At the top end of the woods adjacent to avoid injuring himself and we’d win was do let Dave know. It’s an excellent way to find public open space. It is quite possible other Ecclesall Road is Whirlow Wheel, which in brilliant. Hearing Will Boothman in our B out about events, see new places and meet events may have occurred in between. 1586 was a corn mill , and later a grinding team announced as third, five seconds ahead other ‘weird’ folk. Apart from the trees there is a lot of mill until 1933. Ryecroft Mill, the remains of fourth at the top of the last descent was Winning anything is tough; improving on interesting stuff in there. There are hundreds of which are near the path up to Limb Lane, incredible! Wonder what odds a bookie would that is far tougher. Are you up for the challenge of charcoal hearths, which remain as oval was mentioned in a deed of the Duke of give for any club to get two team medals ever in 2014? depressions from 4 to 8m in diameter with a Devonshire in 1671. It was used for lead again? Just shows that anything can happen Merry Christmas banked rim. There are Q pits that may have smelting and later in the 19th century as a corn in relays, and usually does. Unfortunately the Rob been for making white coal - a fuel that gave a mill. Hodgson relay didn’t quite go to our ideal heat intensity between wood and charcoal and Back in 2013, it is great to be able to enjoy was used in lead smelting. These pits usually the proximity of woods that provide a variety Dave’s training tips have a ‘spout’, probably for draining out water of running routes on days when going further and which gave them the Q shape. afield is too much hassle. And such rich Number seven: preparation historical interest to muse on as you fly past! Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas everyone from There are at least two rocks with ‘cup and Mike Arundale everybody at Tha Sportsmen and a Happy New Year. ring’ marks, believed to be of late Neolithic or Here’s my festive Training Tip for the new season Bronze Age origin, the location of which is not ahead. Preparation is vital before you do anything. advertised to prevent vandalism. Earthworks It’s a bit like Christmas lunch. Make sure you near the Cow Lane entrance appear to define stuff the turkey very hard, cook the goose, pull the a large enclosure likely to have been for crackers and enjoy. Anyway, back to running. Best livestock control in medieval times. preparation I found last season was to cover myself The fenced woodcollier’s grave, below in goose fat. Greased and athletically aerodynamic, the junction of Whirlowdale Road and Abbey I found I could cut through rain, snow, sunshine and Lane, is where George Yardley and his four even Dark Peak bog water like a knife through butter. mates burned to death in 1786. They returned I was svelt and streamlined. If you don’t have goose to his crude shelter in the woods, probably fat you can use dripping from Kershaws or the Co- after getting pissed in the Rising Sun, and op, or failing that I’m told engine oil, lard, head-to- either fell asleep with a clay pipe still alight toe Vaseline or even KY Jelly will do the trick. Just or the wind blew sparks from the charcoal pit. rub it in deep and slick. Here’s to a prosperous New Either way, the poor buggers perished in the Year for DPFR. Dave. ensuing fire. David Gilchrist is a qualified barman Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 22 The piccy in the middle Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 23

Ian Winterburn and Darren Unwin get confused about which way to jump off the 1894 Stone in the Bradfield Boundary Run. Dave Markham makes sure Ian is going nowhere in any case, and Richard Hakes sees the joke. This year’s run is on Saturday, 28 December. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 24 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 25

very large bracken (there must be a better Kinder Low trig I was another minute behind. way!) to eventually join the edge of Howden As I climbed Brown Knoll I began to think Been there, done that Reservoir. I filled my bottles and tried to that I might not be able to catch Simon, but run hard along the firm tracks, knowing that completing the leg two minutes quicker than my bracken faffing had probably lost a few he had gave me a boost and I charged off the minutes. summit with renewed vigour! (as it happened, Dark Peak reclaims the 15 Trigs By the time I reached Alport trig and in completely the wrong direction). Quite dropped to the dale it was about 10am and embarrassing, as the stile I was looking for Andy Harmer’s fastest time for the 15 Trigs looked as though it was going to keep going for the sun had finally emerged. This is one of had been my marshal point during the Skyline as long as Andy’s clothing until Simon Bourne popped up to nick the record four years ago. my favourite areas of the Peak and I had a in September. Problem! Simon isn’t in Dark Peak. Could anyone push the limits even further to reclaim the great time along the narrow little track up to Anyway, back on track and on the Skyline club’s honour? Cue Stuart Walker… Grains, despite my legs now letting me know route. The weather had been a bit dodgy for they weren’t best pleased. As I climbed the the last hour or so, and now it broke. Looking Attempting the 15 Trigs record in November at reclaiming the record for DPFR, though steep ascent to the trig I tried to force some back, the sky over Glossop was black. was always going to be ambitious, and having read Simon’s report and split times food down into them.At Alport my time was There were a few good rumbles of thunder probably foolish. I’d love to say that I waited from his round I knew this would not be 3:35, exactly the same as Simon’s, but by in the distance and now the hail began. The on purpose, but in reality the reason I hadn’t easy. This was confirmed when I reached the Shelf Stones I was three minutes down again. conditions alternated between hail and snow attempted the route at a more sensible time of first trig at Rod Moor, already three minutes It was going to be a hard day. for the rest of the run. It never felt quite year was purely a lack of time. behind! I tried to follow Ian Winterburn’s route heavy enough to stop and put my jacket on, Having decided on a date I knew It was a cold but dry morning, wet to Cock Hill via a line of grouse butts but but I was soaked by the time I finished. The conditions could go either way. I could have underfoot but nothing too serious. From Rod messed it up slightly and ended up plodding weather and lack of people in combination a clear day with fast frozen conditions, or a Moor the route takes you on a well-trodden across Harrop Moss. 10 minutes down. with the amazing wind-shaped rocks along cold wet boggy mess. Either way I would “trespass” via Gibraltar Rocks to Emlin, Damn! I had recced the line down to Old the edge gave this section a good epic feeling need all the available daylight, so I would before a long plod over to Cartledge Rocks Glossop in the middle of the night the and I was enjoying myself. The next trig was start as soon as it got light. Luckily The for the out-and-back to Back Tor. At Emlin previous week so hoped I could remember it Blackden, 11 minutes down due to my Brown Sportsman is only a 10 minute drive from my I was only one minute behind Simon and in daylight and pull back a few minutes. I was Knoll cock-up. I decided I could either give house, so at 7am I ate some waffles and set had a good run across the moor to emerge at feeling slightly rejuvenated now and pushed up or give it absolutely everything and see off down the road, over the remains of the Back Tor five minutes up - maybe there was hard down the track and through the slop if I could last till the end. I knew the route bonfire at the Three Merry Lads and onto the a chance after all! The sun had not started to around Shire Hill, but then stupidly stuck on from here so put the map and compass away edge path... warm the ground yet though, and I cursed the recce route for too long and ran a dogleg and went for it. The long drag up to Win I had first heard of the route a long time the temperature for being cold enough to through Old Glossop before joining the road Hill was a tempting walk but I was having ago and had wanted to have a go at it for turn flagstones into an icy ribbon of death, south towards Harry Hut. I ate my peanut none of it and ran all the way, gaining three a few years. It is a DPFR classic, since but warm enough to leave the bog monster butter sandwich and considered my options minutes back. My legs knew there wasn’t its invention by Andy Harmer and first hungry for unsuspecting prey. – direct by Worm Stones or via the Shooting much running left now, and felt surprisingly completion by Peter Jones, Bob Seagrove and From Back Tor it’s a bit soggy underfoot Cabin? I decided on the direct route and good, I ran down Parkin Clough as well as Alan Yates in 1985. The idea is to link the for a good few miles. I vaguely recall forced myself to run all the way up to the trig. I have ever done and hit the road. Over the fifteen trig points marked on the 1984 KIMM recceing this section once, so despite some I pulled back a few minutes to be six main road at Yorkshire Bridge and up towards map, giving a route of about 55 miles and minor stomach difficulties I had a pretty good down on the record. I was heading home Stanage. It was starting to get dark now and 8500-ish ft of ascent. run to Margery Hill and on to Outer Edge, now, back on good tracks and felt focussed I could see the lights of Bamford below me. The original target was to complete staying four or five minutes ahead of Simon’s on my target. Mill Hill arrived quickly and I Again, walking was banned and I gave myself the route in under 15 hours. In 1987 Andy times. At one point I did lose my whole left was soon at trig point 10 at Sandy Heys, but a good talking to about how “we” would not Harmer set a record of 10:04, which stood leg for a while, but eventually wrestled it my invisible competitor was still six minutes be giving up. I continued up the road and until 2009, when Simon Bourne (CVFR) got back from the depths. From Outer Edge I ahead. Again I tried to push on and took some over the cattle grid, over the stile and up the under 10 hours, in 9:58. I hoped to have a go dropped down and clambered through some more food, but my stomach was revolting, (in little track towards High Neb... both senses), again and by the time I reached I reached the final trig at 9:27, only three Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 26 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 27

minutes down with just the run down from seem to agree, the 15 Trigs is a fantastic the ridge to The Sportsman remaining. route. I would fully recommend it to Looking back I’m slightly embarrassed to say anyone looking for a great day out, even in FRA relays that I shouted and screamed at myself all the November! Finally, thanks very much to Alan way down the Long Causeway and around Yates, Ian Winterburn and Willy Kitchen for Bringing the ‘B’ team home the dams – luckily it was pretty dark now your route advice and encouragement. so only one dog walker had to witness this! Stuart Walker Eventually the end of the woods came into I’d had a mixed bag of results this year, so it all of the big clubs, and of course the hosts view and I jumped across onto the playing Trig Time was with both honour and trepidation that I Eryri keen to win in their own back yard, this field, crashed through the ditch and sprinted 1. Rod Moor 24:40 accepted a place in the Dark Peak B team at seemed ambitious. as fast as I could, (which wasn’t very fast!), 2. Emlin 1:05.22 the FRA Relays. Consistency was the issue The hours flew by in a flurry of radio across the football pitch to finish in front of 3. Back Tor 1:38.40 – would I run to my potential or would I be updates and speculation as a mixture of fact the pub. 4. Margery Hill 2:16.54 the other, mediocre, runner who sometimes and rumour emanated via the dibber system. It was too dark to see the watch so I didn’t 5. Outer Edge 2:28.37 turns up in my name? Rob asked me for leg The proof of the pudding is of course in the know the time. I sat down outside and had a 6. Alport 3:35.13 preference and I said I’d take on anything as handover itself, and as our various runners look – 9:56:57. Simon’s time was 9:58:42. 7. Shelf Stones 4:16.32 long as it didn’t need navigation. He obliged came home it was clear that both teams were I had held on to my last-minute charge and 8. Cock Hill 4:48.36 by putting me on the final leg - good as I battling into very strong positions. That made just beaten the record! I soon realised I was 9. Harry Hut 5:45.57 could ride the hard work put in by others; this nervous tyro even more nervous, but Rob soaking and freezing cold, so went inside 10. Kinder West 6:17.24 not-so-good in that I’d have to work hard to reassured me by saying it was all just fun the pub for a drink. Though the stupidity of 11. Kinder Low 6:40.13 hold their hard-fought gains. and that whatever happened would be fine. flogging myself so hard to run around some 12. Brown Knoll 6:52.33 In true North Wales tradition we were Crunch time came and the organiser asked leg hills 0.3% faster than someone else did occur 13. Blackden 7:54.13 greeted with a rainstorm once we started four runners to start lining up in the handover to me, I felt very proud to have reclaimed the 14. Win Hill 8:41.05 heading uphill from Bangor, but the weather pen. As I’ve only been in the sport for a few record for DPFR. 15. High Neb 9:26.43 was beginning to calm down a bit as we all years I always feel like a bit of a punter at As most who have written on the subject Finish 9:56.57 headed out on our respective recces. We big events like this. Here I was warming up returned safely and got changed, and Lloyd sheepishly next to Simon Bailey - what had I and Jackie took us on a magical mystery ever done to warrant ‘racing’ against him?! tour of the Llanberis slag heaps in search of The radio announced the return of the 5 some tunnels. After wandering around a bit leg three runners, and as Rob had predicted 8 4 and some mild trespass we found the RAF’s HBT were not the front runners; it was Oli 7 abandoned ammunition stores from World and Lloyd from our own A team. Come War 2. We then headed to Pete’s Eats for on Dark Peak! They came in strongly and 6 2 intensive carb-loading, topped off with a visit handed over to Kris Jones who ran off just to the Spar for more fuel in the form of beer as strongly. I knew that Simon Bailey would before we booked in at the YHA. be chasing him down and it was now that I 3 9 Race day dawned grey, yet not claggy was worried that the wheels would fall off

10 enough for our team to maximize their Dark Peak’s bid. Eventually Mercia came in

1 navigational skills. Predictably the rain was some 11 minutes behind in second place. I 13 falling heavily and we made a dash to race knew that Kris was a good runner, but was 11 11 HQ. Rob was keen for us to beat Mercia, minutes enough? What if he has an accident Tha Sportsmen the winners from last year, and we were or gets lost? The likes of Simon could easily 15 12 14 also keen to get the B team in to the top 10. capitalise on this and reclaim the winning We were aiming to better our result from spot for the second year running. Shortly Kettlewell in 2011 when the A team came after this came a surprise – Pennine, led in by first and the B team eighth. With teams from a celebratory Nick Barber came in third after Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 28 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 29

a storming run to overhaul our B team pairing thought about all the technical terrain I run by Dark Peak, winning a medal in most competition compounds that feeling. It is of Pete Hodges and Jonny Malley. They on in the Peak and the recce I’d done before. categories. In total we took home five these experiences that are the joy of relay weren’t far behind though, and as I headed off ‘Engage brain!’. awards.No other team won more than racing - being involved in something much I was daunted to hear the radio announcer say Descending through the quagmire, I one medal or trophy. I was really chuffed bigger to which you’re proud to have played we were still in with a chance of two medals allowed myself to think that I just might be with my own performance, but also being a significant part. in the open category. No pressure then! part of something amazing. There were still a part of a great team that pummels the Will Boothman Typically I went off far too fast up the few returning leg three runners about. I saw initial steep slope, but I was buoyed on by a few of them face-planting in a large muddy familiar faces from Dark Peak, all cheering puddle/stream, and then I too went head first Men’s Captain Rob Little crests the Longdendale me on with words of ecnouragement. After in to a big pile of muck. For the second time valley as he pulls towards the first club champs the first mile or so the terrain and views I had to drag myself out of a puddle and race control, after leading the club to unprecedented glory opened up and I spotted the Pennine vest on down trying to avoid obstacles. I was now in team competitions this year. just ahead of me - I was thinking that If I getting cheered on again by team-mates and can overtake him, then it protects our fourth the prospect of finishing third was very real. place as it allows one person to overtake me. The run-in to the arena was surreal. It Slowly up the spine of Moel Eilio I began felt like I was in a dream - loads of people to close the gap. At the beginning of the first cheering me on yet also lots of slower leg really steep climb I was only metres behind three runners all around me - one of them him. I turned around and saw that the Eryri turned around and started cheering me on too runner who was previously about 400 metres which was quite funny. Out of nowhere an behind me had also closed the gap - oh dear! Eryri runner approached fast and looked like Once the terrain levelled a bit I’d decided he was going to out-sprint me on the finishing I was going to take the man in front - at a zig-zag. Shit! All that elation/confusion snail’s pace I closed the gap and got him, but and I’ve dropped the ball; the guy who was didn’t have the energy to drop him. And so behind me has just taken me and is leaving it went for the rest of the climb. I could hear me for dust. I didn’t have much left and someone just behind but daren’t look back. just couldn’t close the gap on the finishing The real battle was now with myself to find straight. Oh well, I’d done my best but kept the drive to keep pushing. going anyway. Inexplicably, at the finish line I held the position, dibbed the summit this guy slowed down and I made the dibber dibber and was heartened to see both the first after all. It turns out he was not my Eryri and Pennine boys running together, challenger, but a leg three runner who’d just about 30 seconds down. This was it - I knew fancied a bit of a sprint! that the descent was easy technically, but A fantastic sensation. We’d done about it was long and would require a sustained as well as we could have done. There was flat-out effort all the way. I was thankful for no way I was going to have caught Simon the Mudclaws over the X Talons as the wet Bailey so third place overall was a great grass needed as much grip as I could get. I achievement. I believe I was the ninth fastest fell over in a deep puddle/marsh and thought runner on that leg but that’s the beauty of the I’d blown it, but got up and carried on despite relays - it’s a true team event where we all being knocked about a bit. I then saw the build on each other’s runs. Concerns about elusive stile that was the final dibber and Mercia stealing back the crown with their star raced across. Bleep! But then another one runner were unfounded - Simon only gained only about two seconds later! Here we go, I 25 seconds on Kris Jones. thought. I jumped the tumbled-down wall and The award ceremony was dominated Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 30 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 31

Mark Harvey gallantly offered to stay Roger where we paused to trade abuse and at the back no matter what, and suggested banter with the marshals, (look at who was Edale Skyline v2 I trot off to forewarn the marshals that they involved, and you’ll understand why), then could have a long wait. I duly reported to strode out down the final descent to impress Simon Phipps and Steve Matthews at Brown the finishing team with a flashing blur of Knoll and to Rob Little at Edale Cross, and yellow as our fluorescent bibs blazed past then managed to move through a few more them, (in our dreams). stragglers to check they were OK. They This was the first time I’d joined Mark were certainly in better shape than the rear and his well-oiled sweeping operation, and it markers. About a mile up on them was a afforded a fascinatingly different perspective chunky chap pottering along determinedly on the race. It also allowed time to potter but slowly, and then about half a mile ahead about in the Village Hall and at the start/ of him two women from Penistone who were finish to chat to people and capture a few managing a steady if slightly sedate pace. photos with this magazine in mind. Once I went ahead to Grindslow where marshals again, I left Edale feeling deeply chuffed to Willy Kitchen and Glen Borrell were peering be a member of Dark Peak. I really do think back along the edge through binoculars for we set the standard in so many ways through Unsung heroes Sue, Matt, Alan and the last few competitors. We shared some of our organisation of the Skyline. Observing in Mick at the Coffin Stone the emergency flapjack that Ann had kindly the kitchen, at registration, at the kit check, kitted me out with in the Village Hall, and at all the marshalling points, at every end and then I jogged off towards Grindsbrook before turn, it’s clear that we do things so efficiently So you’ve got an entry for the postponed Edale Skyline, thinking by September you’ll have the breeze started chilling me. and capably, but also in a way that engenders recovered from injury and illness and you’ll be flying. You’re not. What do you do? Dave Holmes There I rejoined Mark and Tony Woodard, friendliness, respect and – perhaps most decided to volunteer for sweeper duty and got a decidedly different perspective on the event who cheerfully told me the two stragglers had importantly – enjoyment. It’s a race that is recognised their fate and agreed to go down very clearly run by runners for runners, and For quite a long stretch, the most challenging clothing, bivvy bags and emergency food Jacob’s Ladder rather than drag it out, albeit with no other agenda. Ian Fitzpatrick and his aspect of sweeping on this year’s Edale began to tell, and by the time we reached heroically, for a month of Sundays, (I wonder team leaders should be deeply proud, (and Skyline was actually finding any runners to the top we had a fair dab on, underlining if we should add a second cut-off here in doubly so this year). sweep up. From the start to Win Hill, we’d the difference between a warm day in early future to discourage a s**t-or-bust attitude been stuttering along at little more than a autumn and the wintry blasts that we usually Dave Holmes to Mam Nick?). We jogged round to Ringing fast walk, trying to keep a respectful distance get in late March. behind a runner whose fitness was clearly A second sweep team set off ahead of “Behind you!” Sweeper Dave not matching her ambitions. All credit to her us from Mam Nick, and they were well brings up the rear for persevering so stoically, but thankfully over Lord’s Seat before we caught them (from our point of view), she recognised the shepherding two more strays. The two men inevitable when she reached the Hope drinks in question had just scraped through the Mam stop and decided to call it a day. Nick cut-off, but clearly they’d given their That left us picking up the pace along the all to do so and now had nothing left. We road past the Cheshire Cheese as we tried to calculated it was going to take them another regain contact with the rest of the field. As three hours to get back to Edale if they didn’t we scaled Lose Hill, we realised how much regain their mojo, and the chances of that distance we’d lost. The last competitors were looked slim to non-existent. It could have distant pin pricks near the summit, and we been worse; at least the gentle weather meant must have been about 20 minutes down. all were safe and warm. The main problem, Our burden of drinks, sleeping bags, spare (for us), was going to be boredom. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 32 DarkDark PeakPeak NewsNews WinterWinter 20132013 pagepage 33

Ian Fitz adds “Organising a championship race twice in six months was hard but doable. After the cancellation I was firmly of the opinion that the club needed to actually get the chance to put the race on as part of the championship series. “It went as just as well as I’d hoped and expected, due to the seventy-plus club members who volunteered at some point throughout the day. The well-oiled DP The possibly well-oiled Ian I really don’t think it’s possible to buy that level of machine in action Winterburn, also in action knowledge, skill and expertise. The event wouldn’t be possible without the aptly named Dark Peak machine. “So yes, it was hard work. But I’d thought about it and knew I could do what was needed. What I forgot about was that it is not two races in six months. In fact it is three races in twelve. There are some exciting developments planned for next year.” Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 34 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 35

where the going seemed better. Lots of thick Race organiser heather but some nice lawns and marshes. Keeping my eye on the trees far below for When you plan a race or route, you likely Club Champs distance. A fence too long for any of those plan a route which you enjoy doing. In turn little enclosures on the map. I crossed it and this means you probably plan a route that Handicap winner tail. Wall corner marked by a bag of cookies suddenly saw the spur above the control. plays to your strengths. I’ve always been Thanks Pete. Almost fell over plodding Then all that lovely mown heather around good at getting over tough terrain and I don’t Now the trophy is engraved and sitting on a straight down the rocks into the wonderful the shooting cabin, cross the steep stream mind admitting I’ve always preferred the shelf in the lounge acclimatising to the dust, orange grass while trying to eat a piece. I then and climb to the mown strip. At this point tougher more ‘Harmerian’ type of races. the editor has reminded me that you all want wished I had not been so bold as I tried to my brain needed some glucose so I fumbled Following the 2012 Club Championships, to know my secrets... run, then tried to walk not very successfully in the bum bag and grabbed some sweets. Tom suggested that I might like to organise Truth be told, I didn’t bribe Lewis, just through the tussocks. Much better going At the same time I dropped my map. Total and plan the 2013 race. I set myself two aims: gave him very little information to go on, as below the wall, popped into the stream valley confusion as the final control pack shouted to go somewhere which most of us don’t I don’t really like racing. So I got a generous and spied the rather modest boulder. Still at me. I wasn’t really registering who go to very often; and to make the race handicap, which meant I started amongst no one behind and Kev very enthusiastic in they all were, but it seemed like I a decent length, (as measured by the familiar faces and a bit of a gap behind urging me forwards - what were you all doing needed to run away from something. winning time), as the last few years’ Clive. I hadn’t really run much since the back there? Down the line of concrete posts, courses seemed to have been getting OMM three weeks before, bit of a cold and It was a good pull up the along a trod, then where? Need shorter. various other things getting in the way, and a hill, nasty bit of loose shale to drop left or will go too far. I After musings of somewhere even really short Wednesday run three days before near the top, then bore left a found a route into the top of more alternative, (which helped with the freshness too. little to reach the high point the quarries, in and out of would likely have raised So on the start line watching earlier and directly south from there - some brackeny holes, if not exploded a runners avoid the short slope and use what was this huge valley then a tape, and it few eyebrows), I the hairpin track, I opted to follow appearing before me? seemed I just fell plumped for the Jim Fulton’s route which was Couldn’t work it down the hill. Dove Stone, Chew fine. I caught Clive on the track. out until I saw the Hello Ann and Brook and Arnfield Encouraged, I kept going hut on the dam Penny. Oops, area. I’d climbed at right to the edge and up wall. Oops, well that wasn’t meant Wimberry Rocks 10 onto the stream, which at least I won’t win to happen. Why was years ago, but had led to Tom in his pond. now. Get that map I first back? never been around Actually, I was surprised and compass sorted The secret is that I there since. he wasn’t in the lower one out, carefully back stop trying when someone I armchair- as I hadn’t seen it under the on the right line, down overtakes me, and nobody planned an control circle! the slope, arrgh its all did! Thank you, everyone. approximate route and Few folks going up the bank, vague and too many small It helped that the course with a load of checkpoints but took my own route basically streams. Stop and look was rough and needed some to choose from, I went out on straight and suddenly there was Ian round, small knoll to the navigation, which are both my a test run in early September. Fitz, sitting on a rock. Still some left, go to that might just get kind of thing, so thanks Neil. The clag that day was awful and strange blokes on the dam wall, all the height to work out what’s Looking forward to next year, the Blindstones checkpoint was hesitant as to where to go so swung going on. Disney hands on when I will be overtaken by many ‘blind’ until I literally stumbled past and randomly into the squelch, poles and Steve’s stupid hat pop straight from the start and will have upon it. found a trod and carried on. At this up as I approach, still in the lead a nice slow run at the back of the Most of the planned checkpoints point no one seemed to be in front so apparently. pack. were good - the main issue I just ran on, expecting to hear the Go straight! Go for gold! I just Lucy Wiegand seemed to be crossing Chew thumping of many speedy feet on my contoured but was losing height Brook. I had a few options for Jenny Caddick Stuart Walker Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 36 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 37

checkpoints on the eastern edge, but each wall, so anyone going astray would be able out there the next morning logging the best everyone upgraded their Pertex outer layers time I started descending I was quickly to catch themselves on this. CP6 was only lines on their GPS. Maybe future organisers to waterproof, (if you’ve not done this you reduced to a stumble then a walk. The whole 500m from a really obvious bend on the edge should ban GPS’s? (Yes, please. Let’s follow probably should!) valley seemed to be either really rocky or path, admittedly very tricky dropping in from the OMM’S lead on this. Ed) On the day we ended up with relatively very tussocky. My final option was the wall above, but a rough compass bearing should I really like our club ethic of personal warm, calm weather with good visibility. corner, (as CP3 in the race), and it had a faint have got you close. The other options on this responsibility, but we knew the race would Congratulations to Lucy, our worthy winner path/trod all the way to the bottom – that was featureless bit of moor were the ‘pipeline’ be tough and long and we also took into arriving before the finish team got inundated ideal as I was beginning to think I would be and a ‘manhole cover’ – both were even account the new FRA safety procedures. as the pack arrived snapping at her heels. back to the drawing board (armchair). harder so the tunnel entrance it was.* We decided that everyone should carry full Most relaxed après with a pint and soup In the lead-up to the race I started to get I’d decided that the course would only be FRA kit. To be perfectly honest we should in the Bull’s Head. Generally worried that the navigation was too tough released on the Wednesday before the race all be carrying this in the winter – it really – particularly CP2 Blindstones and CP6 – I wanted to give those less equipped in the was about time that Tunnel Entrance. CP2 was in fact less than navigational cortex a couple of evenings to 500m from Chew Reservoir and it lined up ponder. Clearly I didn’t factor the keenness of (on a back bearing) with the dam technologically savvy people who might be

A well camouflaged Stuart Walker and Rob Little racing down to the finish Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 38 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 39 Tried and tested

Inov-8 X-Talon 190 RRP: £95 (you’ll struggle not to find a hefty discount) Appearance  Value for money  Performance  OVERALL RATING 

Norman Walsh used to have it to himself for the to match the PB Racer for lightness, snugness, simple reason that nobody else made fell running low heel and – most importantly – grip. Out of shoes. It was a minority sport and therefore a the tautologous box (“most leading” brand) they tiny market. As it grew, so did nascent interest certainly look the part with their fiery red uppers. from rival manufacturers. I think it was back in The super-light midsoles remind me of the airy the eighties that we suddenly faced the novelty Nike Terras I used when I was fit and fast enough of choice. Like many, I dabbled. First with the to go road racing. The sole itself is certainly going Reebok Wild Runner, then the Ron Hill Whatever to bite, but it looks – like so many others before It Was Called, and later ETA’s and Felldancers. it – to be too hard and resilient to caress wet rock. Organiser Neil Northrop helps finish team Penny Collier and Ann Watmore All, in various ways, were poor choices, Let’s take them for a run… to sort things out at the end sometimes disastrous. We counted, I think, at least A cold, wet, late afternoon run round the ten pairs of Reeboks that shed soles during just valley. On the greasy, wet rock climb up to Loxley comments, (between gritted teeth), were *Apparently the tunnel is part of the Chew one Bob Graham weekend. Those Ron Hills rolled Common, the hard rubber was predictably slippy. positive. A few even said it was ‘Harmerian’. Syphon system which carries water through a round my feet like a spin dryer, and I reckon both I could have been wearing roller skates. Ditto at ETA’s and Felldancers made the same mistake the top of the suicidal Loxley Lunge descent off As I said at the start of this report I like closed pipe by gravity from Chew Reservoir to of using long-lasting but too-hard rubber that Acorn Hill. Zero confidence. Conversely, on steep, it ‘Harmerian’ – therefore I conclude that Swineshaw Higher Reservoir– can anyone shed simply didn’t bite on wet rock. Let’s just say the wet muddy grassy they clung like Velcro. If it’ll everyone enjoyed it! As for my aims - many of any light on this? (and if they can, would they Felldancers were aptly named. take a stud, The X-Talon obliges in spades, as its you hadn’t been there before, (or very much), like to write about it for the next edition? Ed) Hence my longstanding love-hate affair with name implies. There’s enough support underfoot and the race was longer than the last couple of Walsh PB Racers, the shoes with unrivalled to give a pleasant run on roads or hard trails, and years. Tick, tick. stability and grip but also an unnerving tendency they felt nimbly responsive at speed. They have the Finally I must thank those who helped to to fall apart on a whim, (see previous DP News). same carpet slipper comfort as PB’s but without put on a successful race – Ann, Tony and They’ve taken me round the BG, to the top of the aggressive Walsh heel cup that can strip your North Africa, through numerous Warting seasons, skin. The gossamer mesh upper is bolstered by Penny at the start and finish. Tom, Ian, Pete, and to a 12-hour Joss Naylor characterised by cleverly-designed plastic lacing strips running up Kev, Steve and Frank out at the checkpoints flapping soles that threatened to peel off entirely, from the soles. I wonder how long that mesh will and finally not forgetting our handicapper, (hence my record of being the “success” who came last, though. There’s very little to protect it from Lewis. Thank you all - you made my job very closest to failure – by just over a minute). scuffing, and the wind whipped coldly through it, easy! Sadly, I think the affair may soon have to end. even with thickish socks on. Back to familiar ground next year for the I’ve been waiting nearly a month for Pete Bland to First impression is that these are going to be Triple Crossing! deliver my latest pair. They say they’re struggling brilliant on dry summer days, but of doubtful value Neil to get stock, as Walsh concentrate production on mid-winter. For now, I’d say those PB’s are going fashion shoes and deliver as and when. Last week to remain first choice all-year all rounders if they my patience cracked and I followed the stampede ever arrive. But for how much longer? Kit check on the Champs – towards Inov-8. The X-Talon looked most likely Dave Holmes whatever next? Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 40 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 41

The Dog’s Diary 10 years ago Dark Peak finished first and second in the inaugural Longshaw ’m pretty much done these days with running up and down hills. The old legs are slowing Sheepdog Trials fell race, with Phil Winskill pulling away from Idown, (although I can still move a damn site faster than His Lordship), and I’m happier Richard Patton by over a minute to win in 38:53. Jim Fulton won a curling up by the fire. I sent the apprentice out to try to sniff some scandal, but in all honesty tea towel for having the muddiest legs, and the 47 finishers reported I think Rusty is still learning his trade as a gossipsmith and rumourmonger. He’s come back good value for the 50p entry fee. Our Stanage Forum representative with nothing that would warrant a headline or a half decent tale, and certainly nothing that Bob Berzins received a letter bearing the welcome news that Ring would come even close to rivalling the remarkable achievements of Ashley Kay. So, let’s devote Ouzels, (otherwise known as the endangered “mountain blackbird”), the rest of this page to a pictorial celebration of the Dark Peak Blunderer-in-Chief. He’s a had nested half way up Mississippi Buttress. Bob and Gavin man whose shoulders are broad enough, and sense of humour warm enough to have taken the Williams both completed the Paddy Buckley, giving Bob the “full courageous, (but some might say inevitable), step of being the first person to award the Pertex set” with the Ramsey and the BG. Club president Eric Mitchell Trophy to HIMSELF. Ashley, we salute you! cycled from his Buxton home to Edale for his 80th birthday run Wuff and social. The Dark Peak women’s team outdid the men to win the FRA Relays, crowning a year that also saw them runners-up in the English Championship. The FRA glory girls were Lynn Bland, Kirsty Bryan-Jones, Philippa Leach, Jo Smith, Jenny Whitehead and Helen Winskill. Edale Skyline organisers Chris Barber and Jim Fulton had a “constructive” meeting with the National Trust that restored the original race route up to Brown Knoll trig. We agreed to flag the route off, to a new stile erected by the Trust.

20 years ago Maggie Gallagher (now Lewis) finished second woman in the Bens of Jura as she peaked for the Bob Graham. Sadly, her otherwise assured first attempt ended painfully when she head-butted Steeple and mashed her face. She defied the resultant lay-off to try again, but missed out by minutes. Mike Hayes and Hugh Mathieson achieved BG success and published a remarkable six-page data analysis. It remains a blueprint for anyone wanting to set off anti-clockwise at 8am. Bob Marsden glanced backwards as he finished the Saunders, tripped and broke his ankle. He crossed the line, (presumably with assistance), an hour later. Media Tarts Andy Malkin, Maurice Musson and John Woodcock paused for an Independent Magazine photograph that made their headtorches resemble long, wobbly balloons. Tim Mackey defied sciatica and a dearth of training to try to complete The Fellsman. He was beaten by a six-foot dry stone wall. Fellow competitor Kev Borman reported that Tim “fixed the problem with a glazed and generally vacant expression and stood swaying slightly” before retiring. Alan Yates added Wardsend Cemetery and the Bole Hills to the Great Urban Fell Race and declared the route “perfected”. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 42 Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 43 The kit page Made in the Dark Peak

You only need the briefest of looks at his infamous moth-eaten thermal to realise what Andy ...being the page where we showcase notable Dark Peak Harmer needs for Christmas. Should we have a whip-round and treat him to something half- decent from the bulging Hakes kit locker? With such a stunning range of choice in the Dark artefacts, oddities and curios... Peak shop, there really is no excuse for going around looking like Compo this Yuletide. Full details, and some very nifty illustrations, on the Kit page at www.dpfr.org.uk As ever, if you No 11 The Paxman ‘Dark Peak vest’ cake are going to order anything, it’s as well to check first with Richard re current stock levels and range of sizes: 0114 2339912; [email protected] Edale Village Hall was Vests £13 (now logo free) Running Bear socks, two groaning under a veritable Sizes small, medium, large, extra large. pairs for £5 mountain of Dark Peak buns, Women’s also available in XS Brown above the ankle, white below. cakes and flapjack after club Shorts £16 Guaranteed to be brown throughout after two members responded to Ann runs over the Dark Peak bogs Watmore’s appeal for a bake- One size fits all. Metallic green cycling type, up to feed the hungry Skyline with “DARK PEAK” in yellow down left leg. Dark Peak hoody £20 runners after their exertions. Tracksters £20 Available in several colours, including purple If we’d stacked them all and brown. Choice of design: either ‘Running Blue or green, in medium, large and extra on top of each other there Man’ or the painted white trig. Sizes S,M,L large. Yellow piping and “DPFR” down leg. would probably have been but Richard advises they’re all a bit big. a hill big enough to sustain Short-sleeved long-sleeved Personal collection preferred. a short Category A fell race. vest £10 Skyline t-shirt £10 Maybe the winner of said Aka. a running t-shirt Lightweight silky In blue cotton, or yellow imaginary race could have synthetic material. In brown with purple and “technical”. All sizes. sustained their way to victory yellow bars on front. XS, S, M, L, XL by wearing this stupendous The “Will high calorie version of the Long-sleeved vest £17 McLewin” polo Sizes S, M, L, XL club vest and nibbling at it on shirt £15 the climb? Here, Jim Paxman Fleece pullovers £22£5 If ever the word ‘iconic’ were proudly displays the cake for In blue or black, with club badge on to be used appropriately, the Dark Peak News camera, breast. Toasty! S, M, L, XL. Few left it would be to describe the and takes the glory that might Yellow t-shirt £10 Dark Peak brown trig point have been his if it had been a that Will pays homage to competitive bake-off. How, With club badge on breast. S, M, L on the breast of this equally you might be wondering, did Black t-shirt £10 iconic shirt. This year’s he get such an intense shade With “Dark Peak Fell Runners” must-have Christmas of Dark Peak Brown? Where did he find the purple cochineal? How did he cut out present and fashion cartoon artwork on front. S, M, L, XL those shoulder lugs? We put these questions to him quite innocently, only to find we’d accessory for those who roundly rumbled him. “Ahem,” he said. “It’s actually Olwyn who’s the cake maker in Whistles £1 crave iconic status. In our household…” Orange. Loud. Best used in blue, S, M, L, XL combination with a map and compass. Dark Peak News Winter 2013 page 44 Front cover: The loneliness of the long distance marshal. Willy Kitchen waits stoically for the stragglers to reach Grindslow Knoll in the Edale Skyline

This page: Optically challenged Tim Tett tip toes round the tussocks