Manifoldly an Excellent Trail

Messrs Bakewell Brown and McHarry set trail from the Beehive in Longnor on an excellent day. Spring was just stretching it’s muscles after a long sleep and the day was brightening as it passed. The slow pack must have had their surfeit of worms as they were off very promptly, only allowing the hares a brief head start. This meant that I had to set off alone, although this could have been their intention. President Park accompanied DingDong Bell, Early Taylor, Shippers and Winterbone. Mason set off shortly before me, on foot, and I should have noted his direction as I headed diametrically the wrong direction, fooled by the small pile of trail abandoned by the hares as they loaded their bags. I was not the only one to suffer. Finally finding the start of the trail, I headed off up the street through the middle of the town. Up the High Street, then left up Top o’th Edge, then plummet down a slope (past the sewage works) and across the fields to Beggars Bridge across the River Dove. Walkers abounded across these fields, and indeed the route was intersperse with the general public wandering about in some numbers.
Once across the bridge and a short way up Green lane, we headed right and ran across the fields to Crowdicote, past the pub that we used to run from in times past. Then along the track that leads to Bridge End Farm, but turning sharp right before reaching it to cross the valley again. The trail led very steeply up to Edgetop, then slightly down round Boothlow Hayes and on to Over Boothlow. To complete the set we then headed for Lower Boothlow, bypassing Frog Hole and turning right by Ridge End Farm.
We crossed the manifold river via a footbridge just south of Ludburn, the crossed to join the road just before the T junction. We continued on another path in a South Easterly direction after briefly running along the road, in the Direction of Reaps Moor. The hares had laid sufficient trail to guide us successfully through the maze of paths in the area, although occasional excursions were had by some hounds, perhaps the less observant. Bearing right as the road is crossed, the trail headed over Blake Brook towards Smedley Sytch, which it passed on the right. Next up was Boosley Grange, then Newtown. At Hawkes Yard we turned North towards Holly Grove Farm. It was about here that I became aware of some hounds approaching from my rear. The delicate bird song that had accompanied me on my quiet way round was swamped by loud chatter and laughter. Ahead also I could see some red and white attired “runners”, so I endeavoured to up the pace (start running) and see if I could catch them. It helped that it was downhill to Shining Ford where we crossed the Oakenclough Brook, then a short stretch of tarmac before heading across fields towards Hardings Booth.
A short stretch of road, on the Manifold Way, which we then followed downhill through Millmoorhead Wood and thence to Fawside. Here I met DingDong Bell and Early Taylor, and just a short distance later, Shippers. In the distance the diminutive figure of Pres. Park was hurrying across the fields towards Gauledge and from thence to the pub. I started to up my pace, but even starting running did not decrease the gap to the Pres, and he was busy chatting to other members by the time I arrived.
The remainder of the attendees arrived in small groups, all having enjoyed the new ground and runnable conditions.
Ablutions were limited, and worse still the beer had not settled and there was none, or none that was acceptable. Spirits were lifted somewhat as we watched Italy hold out to beat France in the 6 nations. The kitchen was also closed, but the food was brought in from outside, and was very pleasant, with plenty of seconds, especially for those of us sat by the kitchen door.
The trail was very good and enjoyable, but there were mutterings about the venue. Another item for the AGM perhaps?