Words and Pics by Pete
Crew : Pete, TJ , Kersh, Butty, El Pres, MRI, 3Sheds,
Route: BL – Zig Zags – Old Buxton Rd Track – Chazza and Ext – Cat – Sawn-off Danebower – Chumby – Standing Stone – Reverse Chazza – Campsite
Stats : One dead sheep , one liberal application of anti-midge spray.
Conditions : Clear, Mild and a bit midgy
Notes:
Much Whatsapp discussion resulted in a beer, butties and solstice camp fire plan . So it came to pass, and the first stage of the ride comprised the hoofing of our nosh, tins of refreshment and other good things up to the forest so we could lighten our loads for the main ride.
Then we returned to our classic circuit, with a grin inducing descent of charity and onward to Oven Lane (aka Chazza Extension). This had been totally reshaped by the recent monsoon like weather – the result was both a challenge and a delight. Concentration was mandatory.
Upward to the Cat , and we crossed towards Danebower with a hot air balloon on the southern horizon. The meadows either side of the track were full of cotton grass side lit by the low evening light – what a fantastic time of year.
Title explanation time – The classic circuit was “sawn off” by making a right turn well before reaching the A54 . Another rewarding descent . Definitely one for a dropper post !
Chumby had also been re-landscaped by the recent downpours , but its peak district classicness was still intact.
By the time we were ascending to Standing Stone i was beginning to feel a bit bushed ….and the reverse ascent of Chazza from forest chapel definitely had some chunks of walking.
Our refreshment bags, hanging from the trees like a strange fruit, were thankfully still intact. No signs of metal munching zombie mice in Macc forest yet then 🙂
Baden Powell would have been proud of our efforts. A perfect Cub Scout campfire was ablaze in no time.
Our Dan was once again toasted with a G and T. Butty supplied us with sausage rolls and a dash of Coleman’s. Beer was quaffed. A gentle breeze kept off the midges.
Banter commenced. Closing time was not observed.
God was indeed in his heaven.
