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we were out on Saturday, form Sheepfold Clough. there was 1 set of prints going up from the stream through the snow. the snow was very soft and hard going all the way around to Derwent Edge. we ended up cutting short due to the time it took us. hopefully get up again before the 27th Feb. Fingers crossed we have some cold nights before then otherwise it could be very wet and hard going.
Ian, were there any callouts on Saturday afternoon? as we dropped off Derwent edge we had the Helicopter fly straight over us before banking away. looked as though they were looking for someone. though we didn't see anyone up there at all.
was it the yellow budgie (Seaking)It flew over our heads too about 3.30 in the Little Don Valley. no call outs in our area but it continued out over Edale and into south peak. If you see it again say goodbye and thanks as it will be gone in a few weeksOriginally Posted by philt1
If it was the new Red/Blue Bristos they were on a familiarisation ex with some rescue team personel.
They take over in April
it was the yellow one Ian, wasn't sure if they were looking for anyone. interesting to know that it will be gone in the next few weeks
I saw the yellow seaking on saturday too, flew over hathersage late afternoon
We found it tricky from Swains Head across to Bleaklow. There is a line of stakes leading west from Swains Head, and then they run out? The 1:25K OS map has the stakes all the way to Bleaklow Head, but once we did that initial turn south we didn't see any more.
We met a couple of old hands near Bleaklow Stones and they suggested it was usually quicker to go further west from Swains Head into Far Black Clough and then follow that south/south-west ? We'll try that way on our next recce.
Any more navigational/route tips for that Howden section? Thanks!
Far Black Clough is bar far the best option.. the first time I did the HPM we tried to follow the posts but as you say they quickly disappear. at least going across to Far Black clough you hit a track for a while. that's if there is no snow covering it.
FBC is/was the fastest route, all the damming of the cloughs though has made the area a little wetter near the top. A few years ago we "were" heading that way and we made the call to take the path as deep snow had blown in to the clough making it hard going, It was also the year the CP was just off the top so we got there really quick
I'd head up a midweek before the race and check it out.
I’m hoping to do a recce tomorrow, ideally parking at Edale, but Castleton also OK if necessary. Can anyone comment on current road conditions (in the Edale/Hope valleys) – I have a long drive up from the south and don’t want it to turn into a complete wasted/nightmare trip. Am not worried about ice and a few inches of snow – have winter tyres on the car (snow chains and shovel in the boot).
Ideally, I’d consider postponing this recce and doing another weekend….. but likely to be my last chance before actual race day, so really want to get out there, even if slow going on the hills.
The Hope valley roads were almost completely clear this afternoon - you'll have no problems getting to Castleton. Not sure about the Edale road, but I'd guess it will be fine, especially with winter tyres.
The snow up on the tops was soft & wet today - up to thigh deep near the top of Win Hill. Going down Parkin Clough was very slippy in the soft snow (rather than because of ice). All needs a good freeze!
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