Up and Down and In and Out in Uppermill

The day was bright and sunny, if not warm, as Guy Fawkes Night loomed. The more sensible of us decided to spend the day following, as close as we could, an interesting trail provided by Fast Taylor and Old Markham from the excellent Cross Keys at Uppermill.
As I arrived early, I saw a few already headed off into the distance. I got changed and awaited appropriate company, but as the time approached 2 O’Clock I was left with the choice of running with the fast pack or on my own, and chose to set off alone.
I had some experience of the trail so was not worried about finding my way. It set off up the road opposite the pub, but after a few yards, just at the crest of the hill it turned right down a fence line. It met a road and then we turned sharply down another fence line to the outskirts of Uppermill village. It then led us back up the hill to run along again below Dick Hill, to turn down again, through a washing line where a space had been left for us, to the village. This path was cobbled and a little slippery. The trail led us down to the main road, across it and then up through some one’s back garden to pass under the old railway via a bridge and then a steep climb up to the road. It was a brief respite, as a few yards right along the road, the trail set off uphill again, perhaps less steeply. Ultimately it led us onto the golf course where we interrupted some drives as we ran through the course. Some of us were more polite, and missed the trail, and were directed some distance off trail. They eventually found their way back to it, but had enjoyed the best part of a mile detour.
It was down from the golfers, and again through a back garden before we entered Dobcross and joined the river bank. We followed the river, albeit some way above it out of Dobcross and into New Delph. Here we left the river, and slowly curving round, headed up and over Harop Edge. I had by this time joined those that had wandered about the golf course, and headed on with two of them. Shippers and Ding Dong Bell elected to move at a slower pace for the rest of the trail, and park and Whitworth joined me, partly for my knowledge of the trail.
Once over the Edge, we dropped down into Diggle, passing the entrance of the canal tunnel that leads under the hills. A right turn and a slow uphill under Running Head Hill and the final push onto the pub, during which we caught a resurgent Jocys, slowly recovering from injury and caught in the act of running uphill!
We were followed in by a slow fast pack (Blackshaw, Eastwood, Dawson, Norman, Stanton and Minshall, a soon not to be guest as this was his second appearance) and then the fast pack (Whitehead, West-Samuels and Jackson), who took just 75 minutes to race round the 8-ish miles.
Lesser Ruddock had eased his injury by wandering off on his own, as did Skint Wilson; the Greater Ruddock arrived late band enjoyed the society and meal. Ridings walked part of the trail, but avoided the main climbs, showing sense in his dotage. Mason was also walking about and Fast Taylor, feeling underdone after laying the trail, sped round again in a good time. He did know the way. Early Taylor was back before all of us, and Whitworth celebrated his finish by claiming his first “First in the Bath”
The weather had stayed fine all the way, and the tops had afforded superb views across the valleys in their Autumn colours.
The management were on their last weekend in charge of the pub, and it was fairly quiet as they had stopped serving food. Except for us, of course. After the meal Shippers did his best to embarrass them by publically thanking them for their hospitality over the years, which brought a round of applause from the assembled members.
The beer was still good, I for one choosing the Coronation Street Ale. After a thirst quencher or so, we sat for the meal. A generous helping of meat and potato pie, chips and mushy peas, followed by Apple pie with custard, again a large serving. Washed down with further supplies of beer. There was a distinct lack of urgency in the departure, but eventually we all left to check out the fireworks and bonfires on the way home.
Thanks to Taylor and Markham for an interesting and varied trail on a day that gave beautiful panoramas from the tops and lovely colours in the wooded areas.