The Ridge, To Hope
spacer
Car park; drop off,
jump out; car door, shut.
Wave K off,
now;
Run
Mam Tor
steps steep past scowling tourists.
Quick, tap summit view guide
then skedaddle
fell shoes scarting on
crumbling paving slabs
where grass once grew.
Run on
Down now –
more people;
polite good afternoons
with a prep school party.
Hollins Cross, tap
and
Run on
over the hump –
second col of the day.
There are clouds over Kinder.
Eat a jelly baby,
trade another for chocolate.
There’s water in the wind.
But I’ve got a good coat,
but it’s in the car with K.
Run on
Back Tor calls,
Mam Tor’s miniature mirror.
Steep, hands on thighs,
rough eroded steps;
the path is much the same.
A DPFR vest flies down
“We’re gonna get wet”
“Yup”
Atop the tor,
familiar solitary tree
whistling in the building wind.
Run on
Drop fast, to
third col of the afternoon.
Clouds are closer now.
Run on
But no carried speed for
Lose Hill; last climb –
hands back on thighs, push
there’s a storm to race.
Top of the hill, fresh
wind drying sweat,
carrying rain.
Breathe
Run on
Fast descent,
down to Hope;
leaving clouds behind.
