Hen Cloud from the pass between Hen Cloud and The Roaches.
The Roaches from the pass between Hen Cloud and The Roaches.
First views of Ramshaw Rocks.
Ramshaw Rocks ahead.
Hen Cloud and The Roaches from the road on the West side of Ramshaw Rocks.
Ramshaw Rocks.
Ravens and Jackdaws over Ramshaw Rocks.
Preferably viewed without sound as I haven't learned how to edit video!
Taking in the view from a high point on Ramshaw Rocks.
Near the trig point on The Roaches with light fading fast.
Ramshaw Rocks from The Roaches.
Sunset from The Roaches.
Walk stats: Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 1419'.
Tie: 6 hours 11 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn and Mike.
Arriving at the parking area below Hen Cloud, the temperature was just below 4 Celsius and as well as being somewhat overcast. At least it was dry and we set off optimistically hoping for the Sun to break through at some stage.
This was the first time that we had attempted to cross the Ramshaw Rocks ridge, but our first challenge was getting there. After making a couple of mistakes, we arrived at the start of the ridge about 40 minutes later than it would have been had we not taken the unplanned extension through Upper Hulme. As we crossed Ramshaw Rocks we were endlessly entertained by Ravens at least six of them displaying despite the attention of other corvids.
Our second route change came just after descending Ramshaw Rocks, where the we intended to us, whilst on the map was no longer present on the ground so we decided to miss out Black Brook Nature Reserve.
We had lunch on the roadside North of Harpersend, where I sat on the stile and Mike used the nearby stone wall. Thankfully at this time we had warm sunshine, but we were still glad that we had hot soup and drinks on our menus for lunch.
We had hoped to avoid the worst of the boggy sections around Goldstich Moss, but even the track past Moss End farm ended being just as bad.
It was gone 15-00 as we arrived at Roach End. We reckoned that we had at least another hours of reasonable light left, so started the North - South traverse of the Roaches despite the fact that the light was starting to fade. We both had head touches in our rucksacks, but later admitted we hadn't checked to see if they were working.
as we crossed the Roaches, the temperature dropped considerably and must have been pretty close to the -2 Celsius the Met Office suggested it would feel like in the cold North easterly wind
Just as we arrived at the Southern end of The Roaches the Sunset was superb, adding memorable moment to the walk.
Overall this was a really good walk, and will be repeated, but perhaps not exactly as today.
Birds seen or heard today included: Winter wren, Common blackbird, Red grouse, Common starling, Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Raven.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wilkes Head in Leek, where the Hartington Bitter was in excellent form. The main bar was heaving as and the heat coming from the fire gave us a warm welcome. However the facilities could still do with a little updating!
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