Shining Tor run

Conditions in the Peak today made yesterday's outing look benign. Howling wind and driving sleet as we headed up into the moors from near the Cat and Fiddle. Last night's convivial warmth of Hartington Hall and village pubs seemed a distant memory the instant we set foot on the open moor and ploughed up to the top of Shining Tor, the day's highpoint (and the highest point in Cheshire). This was quick and painless as most of it takes laid stone flags, avoiding the worst of the boggy conditions. Windy, wet and cold at the summit: the rain much heavier than yesterday. Still, a really enjoyable run led down the laid stones to the road above Windgather. From here we headed below a spur on a great, gently descending path down towards Errwood. A sheltered valley allowed for some map reading, and we then took the long contouring tracks back up the shoulder that runs down from the Cat and Fiddle. Frozen feet and soaking clothes as we got back to the car, an all-too-familiar feeling from hundreds of similar outings.