Wednesday 29th December - TreacherICE underfoot

Met Nick at around 10.30 am this morning and headed out towards Musberry heights and the valleys beyond. On the initial run in, past the reservoirs there were sways of thick ice that was pretty hairy.
As we ascended towards the tops of Musberry, the fog descended and visibility was cut to about 10 meters.
All the way around the ground was frozen and there was still plenty of lying snow that meant tough running conditions. If you weren't slipping and sliding on snow and ice you were twisting ankles on frozen ground!
The run to the chimney was ok, a little steady and we headed along the Rossendale way into the next valley.
A steady run took us along the Rossendale way to a swollen stream, rather than cross here we headed up wards. A tough very steep climb took us to the top of Musden head moor.

This was the hill we climbed to get to the top of the moor.
We followed the ridge around the valley that easier said than done due to thick snow that hid a number of streams a few feet underneath, that Nick found once or twice! - That was cold were a few of the words he muttered! Past Burnt hill we came to a track that took us towards Tor hill. The snow here was waste deep in places! At the top of the Tor, visibility was still very poor.
We took the route of the fell race off the hill - a steep descent! and on frozen ground pretty treacherous. At the path half way off the hill we exchanged pleasentries with a group of walkers and headed off the hill.
The next part, about 15 minutes was a steady up hill climb, this part of the run used to drag for me, but with better fitness it became almost enjoyable!
The top of the climb took us back to the chimney. We followed the path into the woods and headed out past the reservoir for a couple of last climbs. At the top of one we decided to come back in the future and do long hill reps to the top of the heights and back as there are a number of routes to chose here.

There are  anumber of routes to the top of the heights - hills in the background. These will be great for long hill reps!
The run back to the car was steady.
The watch says - 108 minutes, Avg HR 141, Max HR 162, cals 1209

Another run is planned for tomorrow afternoon, the Cowpe fell route, 4 miles and 1300 ft to start and then off into the wilderness for more fun.