A Short Day out from Lantern Pike

The long cold winter had finally broken, and the sun shone brightly and warmly for a few days. Unfortunately the rain returned as we gathered for the run from the Lantern Pike. Last year Merciless Winterbone and Howarth presided over a half marathon so it was with some trepidation that we inspected the maps left to help us find our way. Generated by a GPS of some description the resume of the route was printed at the top and indicated a length of some 12.4 Km. A relief, but interestingly the total ascent was more than the total descent, so we were to finish above where we started.
The usual suspects set off early, Early Taylor, DingDong Bell, Shippers and Whitworth. They were followed by the very early medium slow pack of Skint Wilson (recovering from celebrating his 60th), Old Markham, Doggie Burston, Dawson, Riley and a little later and in a rush to catch up, Potter. Just after them were Wells and Brown, then the slow fast pack of Biker Eastwood, Fast Taylor and Murray, and finally the fast pack of Bloodless Whitehead, Shotgun and Butler.
The runners slowly persuaded themselves to go out into the cold rain and set off down the road, carefully avoiding any amorous toads that they encountered. The route wound it’s way slowly up and round Lantern Pike, never heading for the top, although Potter was on his way at one time. The trail was laid sparsely, not helped by the conditions, and discretely put just out of sight. We all found our way, although some rushing around was performed at the major junctions. Short of Thornsett the route turned sharp right to head north towards Rowarth. Headed down the track, trail was spotted on a left turn and tempted some into turning through the farm only to find a dead end. The trail was in fact just a crushed twig. Murray was one who took the bait, whilst Biker and Fast decided to go back to the last piece of trail seen. Murray returned from his detour to find the lane empty, swore and set off down the track as fast as his legs would carry him in order to catch up with the other two. They in their turn had to scurry hot foot after Murray and managed to catch him up after a considerable chase.
From Rowarth the trail led north to Cown edge from where it turned sharp right again and dropped down to Plainsteads, then across Matley Noor before ignoring Lantern Pike again and returning to the pub.  Bloodless and Shotgun were not satisfied with the shunning of the Pike, so they took off to cross the top on the way to the pub, but evidence of the GPS shows they missed the top, probably due to the very low clouds covering the top.
The Hatington Bitter was excellent, and I heard good reports of the Taylors Landlord as well. The meal of Stew with crust, and seconds, followed by Apple pie and Custard was also excellent and enjoyed by all. Well, all except the Veggies who were treated to their own dishes.
A very enjoyable day, if a little damp.