Words & Pics by Pete
Crew : Pete , Troll , El Pres , 3 Sheds
Pub : Adrian & Biscuit
Conditions : Strong southerly Wind , mild
Route : Bottom of the Zag, Walker Barn , Cat & Fiddle, Danebower , halfway down – Cumberland Clough – Standing Stone – Nessit Bench – Fire Road descent – Sutton Hall .
Notes:
I arrive at the Zag (Back Eddisbury Lane) to find 3 sheds and El Pres in deep conversation with PTD (on a an “acoustic” which looks like his E-bike). With a big herd of cows pushed up against the corner of the field where the boys are waiting – must be the charismatic whiff of El Presidente !
Nature notes part 1 : Bats very visible in the dusk light as we wait for the Troll to arrive.
PTD disappears off home – he was only being sociable on his homeward journey from work
At the top of the Zag 3 sheds suggests tarmac to Cat & Fiddle – so off we go . We spread out on the ascent , and its a fair old southerly headwind we have to push against.
No hanging about at the Cat, we are straight over and heading for Danebower . Its ages since we took the “footpath” route down to the waterfall (this means turning right level with the peak of Whetstone Ridge, and roughly taking the line of the footpath down) . The first half is OK , as I can just about remember what’s coming surface wise . But after we cross the brook it gets a bit harder to follow – the two Phils manage to ride it all the way down , El Pres and I ending up pushing some bits . “A man has got to know his limitations” (quoth Clint E) .
We reach the waterfall without mishap , and discover a reliably entertaining chumby descent with a distinctly wet bit in the middle.
Nature notes part 2 : Frogs enjoying the mild and damp air as we climb to standing stone
A quick whizz to the benches and then a fast fire road descent to food and beer.
The Sutton Hall is unusually quiet ,but looking good for a minor refurb , and , after confirming we are OK to order food (its is only 8:30pm after all !) , we take up residence at one of the new sets of “high” tables and chairs – a good foot higher than the previous set-up. May I just say I quite like these . Let us just not mention the very “un eco” gas powered fire pits in the courtyard . Glad I am not paying that fuel bill !
Wojtek beer at 5.5% and under £5 a pint is popular ! But I have to admit to straying to a pint of 6.7% lupaloid before the inevitable AofE
And….pudding indulgence for some !