Up and Down Dale from Monyash

Early October and the sun was high in clear sky as we set off to the closer reaches of the Dales and the annual outing from the Bulls Head at Monyash. Unfortunately as we crossed the divide of western Pennines, the sun slid hidden behind a grey expanse of murk. Still, it wasn’t cold and it proved to be good conditions for running.
Changing was in the car park, so the more organised of us came prepared. I was a little late on the latest schedule where runners head off VERY early, so set off promptly (the car had stopped) with the intention of catching Young Ruddock and Colin who had set off shortly before. I had just missed Merciless who had set off on a bike to follow the trail in a theoretical manner.
The route was familiar, and well laid although some concentration was required. Right when leaving the pub, then right past the café and finally right at the end of the village. Here we took the footpath immediately on the left for a change, heading slowly uphill, past a farm with a grumpy terrier and then descending down, and down, and down into Deep Dale. At the start of the steep descent, I was greeted by the sight of Old Markham and DindDong Bell climbing out of the depths. Old had measured his length due to slippery conditions lower down and had failed to avoid the lumpy bits sticking out of the ground. They proved to be harder than him, and he was retiring with a nasty lump on one wrist, slightly bleeding, and a sore chest where a number of ribs could have been damaged. He seemed as sensible as normal, and had no obvious damage to his head and headed back to the pub.
I had glimpsed runners close behind, and while I was progressing at a stately pace, I was surprised that the next off had caught me so swiftly. However
all became clear shortly after I crossed the main road and headed into Monsal Dale where Young Ruddock and Colin caught me up. They had missed the first turn and taken a detour up the first hill.
We took the side turn and slowly climbed up the side of the dale, turning sharply back before the roads and heading to Ashford in the Water. Once out of the Dale and up on the tops the views were superb. The Lads had gone on ahead and I was left to proceed at my own pace and enjoy the environment.
It was very busy, with young’uns backpacking and families out walking the dogs and kids. All were friendly and responded to my attempts at humour. Care in the community is not dead. It was a lovely trot, with expansive views across the fields beautiful to see. Not so beautiful was the climb back up to the top after the village. I was just started  up when a glance behind found the main pack hurtling towards me, making light of the fact that the trail had gone uphill. Shotgun led, without any competition with some of the older members manfully struggling to keep up. They all greeted me with varying degrees of enthusiasm, which I attributed to their varying degrees of ability to breathe.
Once the top had been attained, it was all downhill. Although it was a long downhill. Again the views were superb, and I caught some of the walkers, and then passed Young Ruddock and Colin who had come to the end of their enthusiasm and had subsided to a pace even less than mine. Finally the end was in sight and sadly the trail was over. Only a tad over 8 miles, with wonderful views over the valleys that we passed through the hard way.
The pub was oddly empty of TallyHo members, who I eventually located in the café next door drinking tea and coffee! Whatever next!
The dinner was a little rushed for me, but then I was anticipating some more time to drink the terrific beer on sale by a young lady in the club colours. However, the food was superb and plentiful. Shepherds Pie, Cauliflower Gratin, Carrots and Red Cabbage. Then pudding. And more beer.
No announcements by the management, so we all wandered of, anticipating the next run. Can they top this one?