Walks in the Dark Peak (Gritstone area) of the Peak National Park
from 2012 onwards.
APRIL 2012: Kinder Scout, Brown Knoll and Rushup Edge.
A group of seven drove to Edale on a brilliant sunny day to take on a 10.5
mile walk over Kinder Scout's southern escarpment and around to Rushup
Edge.
The walk up Grindsbrook was as enjoyable as ever. Terry, who had never
climbed Kinder before, and Jim, who'd never walked up Grindsbrook, were both
enjoying new territory. The clamber up the 'secret ravine' provided a quiet
enjoyable alternative to the main route.
The masses ascend the old Pennine Way route. Most of them were working
towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards.
In no time at all we had reached the path that follows the escarpment edge
where we yomped on to Crowden Tower and enjoyed lunch on the summit. Nick
had twisted his ankle enroute to Crowden Tower but had managed to walk on
despite what appeared to be ligament damage.
Alison enjoying the view from the top of Crowden Tower (crappy camera
phone photo).
Another yomp found us approaching Brown Knoll where I followed Nick with
another ankle twist. Luckily, my now mandatory wearing of ankle supports
managed to prevent a serious injury and after a spot of swearing all was OK.
Terry continued the tomfoolery by falling head first into rough grass but
the 'main event', which would have been a great comedy moment, was missed by
the rest of the group as Terry brought up the rear.
Terry continued despite a sore head.
The recent dry spell ensured that the boggy summit of Brown Knoll was easily
navigated. At one point Gus, Jim's dog, fell foul of a rather squidgy
section and rapidly retreated before sinking to a horrible, slimy, death.
Alison however, managed to take the same route as Gus which......
Nick, rather than rescue the damsel in distress, decided to capture the
moment on camera and add a new chapter to the Swamp Thing comic series.
...provided one the best bog falls seen for many a year. It was nearly up
there with the Ratboy's effort on Lamb Hill on the Pennine Way.
Alison was coated in wet peat and water which reached half way up her
thighs. Her efforts to prevent falling face first into the bog were stopped
by use of her arms which also resulted in a soaking. This event was
accompanied by a squeaky shout which added to the comedy value.
Luckily the breeze provided an opportunity for Al to dry out.
On the summit of Brown Knoll with Brown Alison.
That was the end of the incidents for the day. We marched over Rushup Edge
and, rather than ascend Mam Tor and walk to Hollins Cross, decided to
descend from Mam Nick into Edale where a pint was enjoyed.
Don't you just love Kinder!
MAY 2013: Kinder Scout: Southern Edge.
Al, Mike, Ann, Nick, Terry, Jon, Sarah and myself risked a Bank Holiday
drive to Edale in order to try a different route on the Kinder plateau.
The weather was, surprisingly, glorious so after finding a parking space and
donning our gear we set off on the Pennine Way and headed for our ascent
route - Crowdenbrook.
Terry and Alison are all smiles on the walk to Crowdenbrook.
We veered off the Pennine Way path and headed into the sunny portals of
Crowdenbrook. This is always one of the quieter routes onto Kinder and was
suprisingly quiet considering it was a sunny Bank Holiday.
The now customary ankle twist was enjoyed by myself which resulted in me
having to tread carefully for a good few yards. My left boot felt tight as
the swelling ankle tried its best to inflate despite wearing supports.
Aaarrggghhhh!
Sarah, Jon, Mike and Nick take a break on the ascent up to the plateau.
After a sharp sweaty climb the plateau was ours. It was noticeably busy on
top but we found a suitable lunch spot with views over the dale to Mam Tor.
The views into Grindsbrook were taken in and enjoyed by all apart from Ann
who decided that it was time for a fall. Nick, being a gent, helped Ann up
but has failed the Pighole readers by not getting a shot of the forlorn Ann.
It's not good enough.
The route became noticeably quieter after passing Ringing Roger. This was
good.
Nick having a quiet moment whilst taking in the views to the south. We
later found out that he was planning Michael Gove's assassination.
We passed the Madwoman's Stones and changed direction in order to descend
into the dale.
Heading west towards Edale with the Mam Tor ridge in full view. Or is it
Bam Tor? All very pleasant.
A couple of enjoyable pints were consumed in Edale before we headed off home
after an excellent day's walking. Surprisingly, Al and Ann commented on this
being their favourite day ever on Kinder so this should ease the horror when
suggesting future walks in this, my favourite part of the Peak District.
MAY 2013: Derwent Moors - East Side.
Following the success of the Kinder walk a couple of weeks back we
decided to head in a similar direction and head up to the eastern side of
the Derwent valley. A 14.5 mile walk was 'made up' so off Ann, Gordon, Jane,
Rich, Netty and Jim and myself set.
After a 4.5 mile walk alongside the eastern shores of the reservoir we
headed up onto Margery Hill.
Lunch was taken just to the west of Margery Hill's summit where excellent
views over the valley and onto Kinder and Bleaklow were enjoyed. The last
time I'd walked from Margery Hill towards Back Tor I'd made a mental note of
there being no path and rough going. My memory wouldn't let me down.
Heading towards Featherbed Moss from Margery Hill. The last bit of
decent yomping we'd enjoy for a good mile.
The deep tussocky heather and the odd bog made for tortuous ankle testing
progress. After turning my ankle over on the recent Kinder walk I took my
time and measured every step as I didn't want a repeat of the famous fat
ankled descent from a couple of years back.
Ann very nearly made my day by hitting the peat face first. Jane took
on the challenge whereas Gordon chickened out.
We eventually hit the paved path to Back Tor so normal yomping could be
resumed. I'd managed to reach safety without turning my ankle but instead
found a ridiculously flat piece of stone to perform the now legendary wankle
twist. Great!
Luckily I'm so used to turning my ankle that after a few choice words I'm
back in a fit state to continue.
After the usual pissing about on the summit rocks of Back Tor we descended
to the sad lonely spot of Lost Lad.
One man and his dog on Lost Lad or is that a lost lad and his dog on
Lost Lad?
A new route off Lost Lad had been devised so we followed and crossed
numerous paths before descending into the valley. The sun was out and the
views were excellent.
Descending off Lost Lad. Rich is sporting the new North Face Man United
range of walking gear. Oh, and beige.
Photo stop overlooking the valley. Lose Hill in the distance to the left
and Kinder to the right.
An excellent day had been enjoyed by all on what turned out to the best
day's weather in a week of general miserableness. More of the same please!
