There has been no upturn in the health of my knee, quite the contrary in fact. However I have found, that with great care, I can run a few miles every now and then. Down hill on hard surfaces seems to be the thing to avoid, other than that, the difficulty/strenuousness of a route doesn't seem to make any difference. So far I haven't run more than ten miles in a week and sometimes I have to rest completely.
Last weekend saw me at Axe Edge Moor once again. The lay-by off the A54 is rarely crowded and there is some wonderful scenery accessible within a few miles. I decided on an extended version of the circular route taking in Three Shires Head. I made a detour at Orchard Farm to climb Cheeks Hill, and continued following the Dane from Three Shires Head until I met the road, then took the path back from Cut-Thorn. This gave a route of 6.5 miles and 1,133 feet of ascent, not dissimilar to Mow Cop Hill Race, though that was not an intention.
I took it easy downhill to Danebower Quarries, I was enjoying myself far too much to notice that the path climbs overall from there to the farm. The climb did become noticeable from the farm to the disused shafts part way up Cheeks Hill and became very noticeable from there on to the stile just before the indistinct top.
The path down was mostly well surfaced and I could spend more time looking at the view and less time looking at my feet than I had. The disused shafts and the blue-black shaley soil make quite a striking mini landscape. It was all downhill now to Three Shires Head and beyond. The good surface continued while track became an access road until finally the path turns south west to follow a short unnamed tributary of the Dane. The path is now less certain under foot, while the atmosphere builds as tarmac is left behind. In no time at all one is at the rather wonderful Panniers' Pool.
Needless to say I lingered here for a while. I took a few photos, but the view was blotted by a chap, eating his sandwiches, perched on the overhanging rock by the bridge. I decided to have another go on the way back. I met and stroked a nice dog who was enjoying the splashing water, then set off for Cut-Thorn. The small path that follows the Dane closely seems to get little use, most people favouring the track that heads more directly south (if they go on at all).
I enjoyed the solitude of the little used path, it was poorly maintained though not as mangled by the passage of mountain bikes as better known footpaths. The path leaves the Dane at the lowest point in the route and turns steeply up the side of the valley to the minor road. My route then continued steeply up the road to Cut-Thorn and then took the track back to Panniers' Pool.
I was luckier at the pool this time, there was an unobstructed view, though the light was no longer so fine. I took my shots quite quickly and set off along the Dane with that sadness one feels when a good run is nearing its end. At this point I find it helpful to think of sandwiches/cheese and chipotle wraps waiting in the car (it is best if they actually exist).
I enjoyed what was left of the run despite that 'heading back now' feeling. The last section of the path was very muddy. I stopped several times to wash my feet, shoes and legs in the Dane, only to get covered again. I had a last wash before leaving the river and heading for the chimney, I passed the chimney and turned towards the road. I stretched and was soon tucking into the wraps.
Stuff hurts only an average amount. I am taking it pretty easy now, until Sunday. Wish me luck and I hope to see some of you there. See - Mow Cop Hill Race 2016
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