Roaches run

A very 'mini' mini-break in the Peak District. Not much more than 24 hours, characterised by constant filthy weather: but enjoyable despite this drawback. Vic had already stayed in the excellent Hartington Hall YHA and suggested it might make a nice base for some easy climbing. That was never on the cards, as rain fell for the entire weekend, but we are nothing if not flexible so packed the running kit and did two variants on famous fell race routes. Sadly we didn't get to Meerbrook (the start of the Roaches fell race) until 2pm, so had a limited window in which to do 11-12 miles across the moors in appalling conditions. The slog over the fields towards the Roaches was dire: just endless cloying bog. A farmyard had been wired by the farmer, giving Vic an electric shock and me a mild one from the wall itself: this despite the public right of way. More bog led to the road and the climb up to the Roaches ridge. I've climbed here a couple of times and done a few of the classic routes, but it was streaming and horrible today. Once we were on the ridge, excellent running followed, really enjoyable in the wind and rain: grit crags looming from the mist. The trig point is well over 500m and the air temperature was just above freezing. From here, solid paving stones led to the road and the continuation of the ridge taken by the race. This was soggy and cold, but rather enjoyable. Every step was aquatic, and although I'd wanted to drop down to Lud's Church, we chose to head into woods above the river Dane where we emerged on the road at Danebridge and the Cheshire border (familiar from the Cheshire Cat sportive I think). A long road plod led back via various lanes to Meerbrook, completing a satisfying 11-12 miles loop with the tiniest glimmer of daylight remaining, and earning us a pie and pint in Hartington later on.