Last year I challenged myself to complete all 95 of the Ethels, there's no time limit, just as and when I can. Today I managed to tick off 2 more from my list, bringing my completed climbs to the grand old total of 6.
So now I've decided to write up a little on my experiences whilst doing this challenge.
Today I managed to complete:
- Hen Cloud (410 Meters)
- The Roaches (505 meters)
I always plan my day in advance, I have to book a day off work as my weekends are usually busy. I had planned to walk around Cheedale stepping stones and bag a few of the peaks around that way. Unfortunately, we had had a lot of rain and I didn't want to risk missing out on the stepping stones, due to rising water levels.
So, a last minute change was made.
I began my journey in the car to the start point, which was like a scene from a disaster movie. It was pouring rain and so misty that I could barely see 50 meters in front of my car.
But I wasn't going to waste my day off of work, and the opportunity to bag some more Ethels. So onward I drove.
I arrived at Roach road early on a Tuesday morning, so there were lots of available spaces. From there, you can walk to Roaches Tea Rooms & Restaurant, a friendly little place with amazing views. I grabbed a coffee and began my hike.
It's a short, steep walk up to Hen cloud, the rain made it a little slippy but nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, the fog still hadn't subsided, so my views were limited.
After stopping for a few photos, it was time to continue along The Roaches ridge. It's a long, straight, open walk to the roaches and just my luck, it started pouring rain with no shelter in sight. I continued into the fog.
On route you will pass Doxey Pool, which legend has it, there is a malicious mermaid living here called Jenny Greenteeth. I looked out for her, but she must not have been home, or just reluctant to come out in the torrential rain to say hello.
Apparently in 1949, local resident Ms Florence Pettit went out early morning for a bathe in the pool, but whilst getting ready an unknown entity rose 30 feet into the air and gave her a menacing stare before dissolving back into the pool. Since then the story of Jenny Greentooth has spread.
Luckily, I managed to escape unscathed.
Continuing on, the weather had not improved so after slipping and sliding along the path I finally reached the second of the Ethels.
The Roaches (505 meters)
The name comes from the French "Les Roches" translating to "The Rocks".
At this point I was considering looping around and heading back to my car as the rain was pounding down on me (on the map above, after point 3, there is a crossover, I could have just turned back there and cut it short). I starting questioning why? why do I spend my limited free time walking around in the pouring rain and fog? When I could be in the warm, watching a nice film! after a short reflection, I realised it's because I can. One day I won't be so lucky and will long for the days of standing on a rock, staring out into the fog in the pouring rain.
Luds church was within reach, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to view this historical chasm. Who knows when I will next get the opportunity to come back this way.
Luds church was used in the 15th century as a secret worship place for the Lillard's. They would worship in this deep chasm to avoid persecution
When you enter the chasm, it's like entering another world filled with history. It doesn't take long to explore as it's only 100 meters long, but it is definitely worth the effort, even if it is pouring rain.
I spent a little time here and then looped around before heading back..
I had made some spinach and sweetcorn fritter snacks the day before to enjoy on route. These kept me going on the long cold, wet journey back to the car.
I would definitely recommend this walk, A few steep climbs, but all-in-all there is the potential for beautiful views (weather dependent). The Lud's Church experience made up for all the bad weather.
7/10