Hayfield Write-Up 27 July 2010

Despite the summer holiday absences and the wet summer weather, a select few set off up the long climb along Highgate Road. Last time out with Alice and Maria, my derailleur had got entangled in the rear wheel and had bent the rear triangle (again). Thankfully Damo and Rob at Whaley Bridge Bike Factory managed to apply a delicate combination of brute force and precision to get me back off roading in time for the biking networking ride, and this ascent had no such mechanical failures. The further up Highgate Road you get, the more Kinder Scout comes into view, and we could see the cloak of dark clouds creep a retreat over Kinder Downfall, fading like the smoke-trail of a blown out candle. As we reached the top of the “Motorway descent” beneath Mount Famine, the rain clouds gave way to warm sunshine. The descents were in perfect condition: just enough rain to bind the loose dust and stones, but not so much to bog you down. We swooped through the S bends, over the drainage channels and down through the wooded Campsite Descent. Perfect. From here we started the challenging climb up Snake Path winding its way over loose rocks past Twenty Trees and up to the Shooting Cabin. From here we took the classic line across Carr Meadow, rudely disturbing a flustered huddle of Grouse along the way. Approaching the West, we were heading directly into the setting Sun, which made it very hard to judge the boulders and the line, especially as my contact lenses had decided to crease up! We bounced through the final sets of rocks and rutted turns, and then safely over the bridge, filthy and wet, but content. We then rolled down the road and headed back to the Pack Horse, albeit a little too muddy to dare to venture inside. The sun now lighting up the old church tower against the lush green Peak hillsides, what a glorious evening ride. The route is uploaded on this site, and it is a classic if any of those who couldn’t make it fancy trying it out some time.

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