first big walk out since the 3 peaks weekend, how bad is that? we worked that out because I aquired the most orange boots ever way back then…  Salomon something or others. Bright, super warm, waterproof and the grip was surprisingly good even in the snow. We also took a borrowed Osprey Manta 25 and took turns carrying the soup. As usual no complaints with Osprey stuff. Loads of little stuff pockets and places to stash stuff. Comfy and adjustable too. We could have done with an insulated tube on this occasion though. Brrr.

As we didn’t fancy moving the van from under it’s blanket of snow we walked straight out of the front door and did the first couple of miles through the urban sprawl. Not so bad as it was early and nothing much about.

Proper winter wonderland or flippin’ bleak. Depends on your point of view I guess. Not much to see once we got up onto the hill proper, even some virgin snow this late in the weekend as we got onto Marsden Moor. Once we started to drop onto the far side things started to warm up a little and our Buffs got a chance to thaw slightly. Quicker than we thought we were almost at the cafe, whoop!

Never has a scrambled egg bap tasted sooo good. We ummed and aghed over the cake choice and succumbed eventually before heading home, retracing our steps, hot bath was calling. Once back onto the Oldham side the skies brightened and the moon came out. Not before getting colder though, grrr.

One final pack swap before the last couple of miles in the dark. The moon shining bright behind us casting long shadows on the snow.

21 miles too far for cake? Don’t think so. We’re pooped though, great day out. Get some while it’s still crispy…