Alport Dale 25 August 2007

The upper reaches of Alport Dale.

At the trig point on Westend Moor.

Walk stats: Distance:13.2 miles; Climb: Aprox 2000' (we don't believe the GPS it suggested 4800'!); Time: 6 hours 58 minutes;

Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave and Sylvia J.

Overall this was an enjoyable walk, even though the weather wasn't as good as perhaps the forecast had suggested. The conditions were dry and frequently sunny, but on the top we were frequently in light cloud, giving an air of mystery to the upper Alport Dale. A strongish wind accompanied us for most of the walk, and on one occasion Richard was blown off his feet!
This is a walk that we will probably do again, hoping for blue skies all day. The walk was a little longer than expected due to a little extension that wasn't planned or desired or wanted! Nevertheless it did give us the opportunity to se at first hand some rather unusual forest clearing techniques in operation.

Across the moor, paths were often unclear and in places quite boggy, Richard getting his first experience of sinking up to his calf in soft peat uttering something that was not easily easy to decipher as he colapsed!
Birds were again in their quiet time although the following were seen or heard: Carrion crow, Goldfinch, House sparrow, Blue tit, Kestrel, Red grouse, Meadow pipit, Wheatear, Sedge warbler, Woodpigeon and Merlin.
Another good pint or two of Howard Townd brewery Monk's Gold was enjoyed at The Star in Glossop.