Sometimes no matter what your intentions are the plan goes out of the window.
Thats how it was the other day. The plan is simple a decent walk on the N Yorks Moors. Sunday had given a taster with a punt up Roseberry Topping sitting on the sandstone blocks on the summit the Open Moors beckoned but weighed down with Children and picnics that wasnt on the Agenda.
Today being a Monday started badly getting up later than planned then parental duties conspired against me and meant that a quick drive from Loftus up through Liverton Mines and along the A171 getting dropped off at Birk Brow and its welcoming Burger van at approximately 10am not exactly an Alpine Start.
A reasonable couple of Pounds later and Im orienting a bacon butty rather than the map as my lift recedes into the distance.
Todays plan is simple follow a path from Birk Brow across the Moors then drop down into Danby and get picked up at the Moors Centre. A quick look at the map advises the terrain is pretty flat. As I want to move a speed Ive forgone my Lowas for my new racing snake boots in the form of a pair of swish looking Akus that Ive resolutely broken in cutting around the outdoor shops of Keswick and a visit to Penrith Survival in Appleby.
The first part of the walk and the July weather is giving me rain showers and the terrain is flat but the odd peaty patch on the track is giving me second thoughts about the Akus and their total lack of waterproofing.
The path slowly transforms into a series of interconnecting Sandstone flags and on these the Akus are much happier. I scream along pausing at a Tulmini located next to the track. The dream team of M73, Ortlieb mapcase and OS 1:25k map make navigation a breeze. Soon I hit a short Stretch of B road thats going to lead me down to White Cross and pick up another track junction.
Typical Terrain. Heather Moorland and fairly flat.
A Tumulus stock favourite of the OS cartographer.
Akus Real Racing Snake Kit. Comfy, Lightweight, good grip what else could you ask for in a boot? Waterproof? No. Thus proving you cannot have everything in life.
Navigation Kit par excellance
I deviate from the road to inspect a Boundary stone marked on the Map and soon I reach White Cross then hang a left on a 4WD track for approx 4 Ks stopping for a drink and inspection of an old Fence post on the way. The 4WD track leads me towards Danby with increased pace and the Akus are proving to be fine on the track and amongst the heather.
I keep passing Dead birds Grouse or Pheasants victims I suppose of the unseasonal wet and cold weather. I eventually turn off of the 4WD track and head back onto the open moor heading for Danby
I stop for lunch next to an old stone marker Its only 3-4 feet high but its visible from over a K away confirming how flat the landscape is up here on the tops. After a sandwich and packet of crisps I head down towards Danby and pass several traps which have attracted black beetles. I guess someone is running a study Eventually I hit the road above Danby and contour around the open land above the village before dropping down through a small copse of mature Beech trees and I arrive at the Moors Centre early for my pick up
Boundary stone N Yorks Moors
White Cross accurately if unimaginatively named
Sadly this sign should have read lots of Dead Birds about
A not so Famous Grouse .
Sad .
Marker Stone Above Danby..
Beetle Trap lots of Heather but no Heather Mills
Ah Danby
Woodland on the way to the Moors Centre
Thats how it was the other day. The plan is simple a decent walk on the N Yorks Moors. Sunday had given a taster with a punt up Roseberry Topping sitting on the sandstone blocks on the summit the Open Moors beckoned but weighed down with Children and picnics that wasnt on the Agenda.
Today being a Monday started badly getting up later than planned then parental duties conspired against me and meant that a quick drive from Loftus up through Liverton Mines and along the A171 getting dropped off at Birk Brow and its welcoming Burger van at approximately 10am not exactly an Alpine Start.
A reasonable couple of Pounds later and Im orienting a bacon butty rather than the map as my lift recedes into the distance.
Todays plan is simple follow a path from Birk Brow across the Moors then drop down into Danby and get picked up at the Moors Centre. A quick look at the map advises the terrain is pretty flat. As I want to move a speed Ive forgone my Lowas for my new racing snake boots in the form of a pair of swish looking Akus that Ive resolutely broken in cutting around the outdoor shops of Keswick and a visit to Penrith Survival in Appleby.
The first part of the walk and the July weather is giving me rain showers and the terrain is flat but the odd peaty patch on the track is giving me second thoughts about the Akus and their total lack of waterproofing.
The path slowly transforms into a series of interconnecting Sandstone flags and on these the Akus are much happier. I scream along pausing at a Tulmini located next to the track. The dream team of M73, Ortlieb mapcase and OS 1:25k map make navigation a breeze. Soon I hit a short Stretch of B road thats going to lead me down to White Cross and pick up another track junction.
Typical Terrain. Heather Moorland and fairly flat.
A Tumulus stock favourite of the OS cartographer.
Akus Real Racing Snake Kit. Comfy, Lightweight, good grip what else could you ask for in a boot? Waterproof? No. Thus proving you cannot have everything in life.
Navigation Kit par excellance
I deviate from the road to inspect a Boundary stone marked on the Map and soon I reach White Cross then hang a left on a 4WD track for approx 4 Ks stopping for a drink and inspection of an old Fence post on the way. The 4WD track leads me towards Danby with increased pace and the Akus are proving to be fine on the track and amongst the heather.
I keep passing Dead birds Grouse or Pheasants victims I suppose of the unseasonal wet and cold weather. I eventually turn off of the 4WD track and head back onto the open moor heading for Danby
I stop for lunch next to an old stone marker Its only 3-4 feet high but its visible from over a K away confirming how flat the landscape is up here on the tops. After a sandwich and packet of crisps I head down towards Danby and pass several traps which have attracted black beetles. I guess someone is running a study Eventually I hit the road above Danby and contour around the open land above the village before dropping down through a small copse of mature Beech trees and I arrive at the Moors Centre early for my pick up
Boundary stone N Yorks Moors
White Cross accurately if unimaginatively named
Sadly this sign should have read lots of Dead Birds about
A not so Famous Grouse .
Sad .
Marker Stone Above Danby..
Beetle Trap lots of Heather but no Heather Mills
Ah Danby
Woodland on the way to the Moors Centre
