Last Friday, Amy and I decided to attempt an ascent of the notorious Round Hill in Rastrick. Known to the local climbing fraternity as the "Unscalable One", Round Hill dominates the local landscape reaching all of fifty feet above the surrounding countryside. The exact origins of the hill are shrouded in mystery; some claiming it is an entirely natural phenomenon, whilst others suggest it is partly the result of defensive earth works back in the ancient days before the M62 brought civilisation to these parts. Despite considerable research, I was unable to find a published recommended route to the summit and therefore Amy and I set off with nothing more than a packet of Pontefract Cakes and a Dentistick between us. Everything went well for the first part of the climb, and by mid-morning we had bivouacked adjacent to the ring of trees you can just make out almost three quarters of the way up this behemoth. Alas, the tree circle hides a stout barbed-wire fence, one which my canine companion - exhausted by all the walking and climbing up to this point - refused to engage with. Crest-fallen and defeated we retreated, determined to return another day. Until that day, I must announce that the "Unscalable One" remains unscaled.
A distinct lack of application and tenacity on your part, presumably not on the part of your canine companion!
ReplyDeleteUnfair!! It was her that chickened out, I was all for going on - especially as the Round Hill Tavern (deep in the foothills) had yet to open.
DeleteHmmmm... The next attempt, I suggest a circumamblation of the hill; there has to be at least a gap if not a gate in that fence.
ReplyDeleteAt least you had fine weather for the attempt.
ReplyDeleteI've just noticed the tweets in the sidebar with the scans in the evernotes. I noticed the matching cdvs - very interesting, I have to buy old photos in pairs (or more) if I think they 'belong together'.
Are these 'evernote' images appearing on your blogs?
Looks like a beautiful day for a hike. Next time take treats for Amy and throw them over the fence:)
ReplyDeleteWishing you better luck on your next try.
ReplyDeleteTake a pair of wire cutters with you next time, Alan
ReplyDeleteAn extending ladder, perhaps? I'm a sucker for anything like that. How come I lived round there for years and missed it?
ReplyDeleteYou kept an exact map of your original attempt, I presume, so you can try a different route next time. The barbed wire cannot encircle the entire hill. And yes, more than a dentipik next time, too.
ReplyDeleteAlan, cut out all this nonsense. You'll kill yourself. Hire helicopter to plop you on the top and then it's conquered in style!
ReplyDeleteWire cutters?
ReplyDeleteGrappling iron to add to your special forces kit next time, then...
ReplyDelete