The Great Ridge

After yesterday's epic, I decided to cheat a bit on this one! I had my parents with me, so we drove up to Mam Nick car park and started the walk from there. Having left the other car in Hope, this meant that we could avoid the steep uphill bits.

The Great Ridge really is one of the classic walks in the Peak District. Today was a clear day, so the views were stunning. As usual, we made good use of the Woodbine Cafe in Hope before heading back up to Mam Nick to collect the car.

(Technical Data: distance = 7km, ascent = 150m)

Edale - A Long Walk

Decided that today was the day to walk the route that I'm planning for the Norton Charity Challenge in September. The sun was out, the sky was blue, and I've now got sore feet.

A full account of the route can be found here.

(Technical Data: distance = 30 km, ascent = 1160m)

Castleton

Decided to do something a bit different today. Had thought about doing a really long walk, but then had a lie in! Finally decided to park at the Blue John Caverns and walk along Rushop Edge. It's a long time since I've walked in that direction, usually favouring Mam Tor.

Walked along Rushop Edge, down the lane to Perryfoot, along past Eldon Hill Quarry and down into Castleton via Cave Dale. Had intended to walk back up Winnats Pass, but changed my mind and went up the subsided road beneath Mam Tor.

It appears that summer has finally arrived. The sun was out most of the afternoon, and it made a pleasant change not to have to make use of my waterproofs.

(Technical Data: distance = 15.5km, ascent = 529m)

Redmires Conduit

As a change, I decided to head out to Redmires after work today. I waited in the car as it chucked it down, then managed to stay dry while out.

I often do a short walk that starts from the car park at the top of Redmires, and joins the conduit track back round. However today I decided to explore the conduit in the other direction.

This was never a footpath until it became access land. It leads out to a small reservoir, which isn't named on the OS map. Anyone know if it has a name? It wasn't the prettiest, but it was a spot I'd never been to before, and is fairly well hidden.

Just goes to prove that even places on your doorstep can be new and exciting!

More Ladybower

I know, I know. Twice in two days is a bit predictable, however, it's an easy, flattish walk on good paths and has toilets half way round. Where else would I want to walk on my way home from work?

The weather wasn't quite as good today as it was yesterday, but I didn't get wet.

Ladybower

Now that I have a car again, and the weather is okay, I'm hoping to get back to going out walking after work. Today was sunny, so I went for the old favourite - park on the A57 and walk round Ladybower. As an added bonus today, I was early and the snack bar at Fairholmes was still open, so I treated myself to an ice cream :-)

Scotland - the work trip

(Scotland - the holiday will hopefully follow!)

Hmm. Where to start with recounting this one?

As you may be aware, I run a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Group, and this was a Gold Expedition trip. The students are out on expedition for four days, but when you add in travelling and recovery days we are away for eight.

As we have done for the past few years, we stayed at Caolasnacon which is about 30 mins drive south of Fort William. The weather forecast was mixed, and Saturday was drizzly. The groups set off on Sunday, and those that had forgotten their suncream were in trouble! However, it didn't last. Monday brought torrential rain, bog, mud and us having to re-route groups away from flooded areas!

The week didn't get any easier from there, although the rain did stop, and we had a bit more sun. The midges weren't too bad either!

On a personal note, I got very little walking done. I'd hoped to be able to do a few days, but the way things worked out there just wasn't the time. I did one walk/bike ride up near Mamore Lodge Hotel, above Kinlochleven, which gave great views along Loch Leven, but unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me. Oh well, another place I have to go back to!

Trains to the Peak

Frustration at not being able to get out into the Peaks after work finally drove me to the trains, and more specifically, to Edale.



The weather was good, so I decided to walk up to the top of Mam Tor, along the ridge to Lose Hill (shown in photo), and down into Hope station. Naturally, I took a slight detour to visit the Woodbine Cafe in Hope. It seemed the best way to kill 40 mins until the next train.

Get my new motor on Tuesday, so hopefully I can get out more :-)