Pennine Way 4 Standedge to Blackstone Edge

A welcome break from work slotted in between the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The weather was fine but very cold with a hazy mist so we didn't get the good views unfortunately.

First of all thanks to Ray for getting off his sick bed to lead the walk. I'm sure he will have felt better for it! The bus journey to the start of the walk was not without incident, leaving 7 minutes earlier than expected, but we're all well trained and no-one missed the bus so all was well.

The start of the walk looked quite different in daylight from the gloom we ended in last time and we set off along a good fairly level track. The walking was easy all day as it was fairly level and the ground was frozen so crossing the boggy bits was a joy. It was very cold and I think my camera was suffering from hyperthermia so only two pictures today I'm afraid. The first one shows us climbing a stile on our way up to Millstone Edge where we would have had good views if it hadn't been so hazy. Still we mustn't complain it was dry and conditions were ideal for walking.

It was quite a short walk today on the border between Lancashire and Yorkshire and it wasn't long after lunch that we crossed over the M62 on the spectacular foot bridge that I remember being built and always thought that I'd like to walk on! Well here I was and my camera refused to take more than one picture so I just might have to do it again some time. We soon reached the trig point on Blackstone Edge but didn't linger as the wind was cold. A left turn at the Aiggin Stone and a short section of Roman pavement folowed by a right turn to follow a drainage ditch and before we knew it the walk was over and we had reached our destination 'The White House' pub where we had time for refreshment before catching the bus to Halifax and then on to Bradford via a spectacular route through Queensbury.

A short but enjoyable walk and plenty of chance to chat along the way.

Pennine Way 3 Crowden to Standedge

The weather forecast for today was for wet and windy weather but we set off in bright conditions with a following wind as we climbed steadily up to Laddow Rocks, The view looking back was magnificent in the splendour of the autumn colours.

We stopped for lunch part 1 as it was still dry and we were informed by Ray that we could have lunch part 2 on the coach in a couple of hours time as he was anticipating rain! After a quick snack we were soon on our way following the stream and eventually the stone slabs to the summit of Black Hill. One or two people lost their footing crossing the stream and ended up with soggy sleeves and pockets full of water but nothing much dampens the spirits of this group. At this point we left Derbyshire behind and crossed the border into Yorkshire. By now the weather was closing in and we had several heavy showers and blustery conditions as we climbed higher. The moor top was very wet and boggy and would have been very unpleasant without the slabs.

Soon after leaving the summit we could see the coach in the distance and made our way to lunch part 2. Of course the 'A' party and the 'B' party were doing the same walk but not together and it did get a bit confusing at times as some of the B's passed the A's and arrived at the coach first. After another quick snack the advance A's and B's decided that it would be prudent to set off on the final stage without delay as the weather was deteriorating and we didn't want to end up in the dark. It was still only showery with dry spells and it was very pleasant walking along above the reservoirs and then climbing steeply up to Wessenden Head where we paused briefly to have a quick drink.

From this point on the weather took a turn for the worse and the walk turned into a hard slog as the wind blew in our faces and the rain came down. There were white horses on the reservoir the wind was so strong. The light began to fade and it was with much relief that we saw the lights of the pub shining out across the moor. Nearly there, thank goodness ....... only to find that the path turned to the left away from the pub and it was another 15 minutes before we saw it again! Just time for a quick drink or chance to dry off before we left for home.

Unfortunately we hadn't realised that another group had set off after us and were going to find it rather difficult finishing in the dark. A timely reminder that you should always carry a torch with you especially when walking in the winter months. They were wet and cold and rather late but everyone arrived back safely to the coach.

My book says 'this section is a modest 11 miles, one of the shortest days on the trail, and fairly undemanding....'! Well I think the writer must have done it on a nice summer day. At least we experienced it in wind and rain and maybe that made it a more memorable experience. We certainly won't forget that one in a hurry!

Pennine Way 2 Snake to Crowden

I know that most people walking the Pennine Way do the whole 17 miles from Edale to Crowden in one go, but by doing it over two days we were able to enjoy the experience more and also the weather on day 2 was warm and sunny, a complete contrast to the previous day.

I managed a quick look around Castleton before breakfast and took one or two pictures of the area. The approach to Peak Cavern and the sun shining on the distant hills. The sun kept on shining all day long; we were very lucky!

This time Ray was leading the 'B' walk and again we had the benefit of a slabbed path for part of the day. The alternative would have been very boggy as you can see in this picture of the old route before it was improved.

Today's section of the walk took us to Bleaklow Head where we had fine views over to Holme Moss and the outskirts of Manchester.

If you have good eyesight and look very closely at the next picture you might be able to see the flock of geese in formation that flew over us as we had our lunch.
Our route continued along Clough Edge with splendid views of Torside Reservoir and Longendale. We had plenty of time and the sun continued to shine so that is was a very relaxed party that arrived at Crowden. So relaxed in fact that quite a few opted to sit in the sun for an hour rather than extend the walk on the Trans-Pennine Trail!

All in all it was a very pleasant weekend away in good company and with excellent walking. It was good to see some new members joining us and I'm looking forward to part three in November.

Pennine Way 1 Edale to Snake

Well here we all are again off on our next little challenge, 256 miles along the backbone of England from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland. Not in a continuous strength sapping slog but in easily digested portions enabling us enjoy the experience and savour the wonderful countryside as we pass through.

According to my book there is 40,000 feet of climbing to be done! But don't let that put you off as it also says that most of the gradients are 'pretty tame' and there is only 31/2 miles on steep slopes of more than fifteen degrees.

We were based in the lovely Derbyshire village of Castleton and I chose to stay in the Youth Hostel. It was very old and a bit creaky and rambling but was good value for money. It had an interesting pair of 'lucky' gates which you may have noticed.

The weather was dull but warm as we set off along the stone slabs that marked the way. As the day went on we had mixed feelings about these recycled mill stones, some found them very boring to walk on, but others, myself included, were very pleased that we didn't have to pick our way through the peat bogs.

The views were magnificent as we climbed steadily up to Jacobs Ladder, the first steep climb of the walk.

As we got on to Kinder Scout the weather began to close in and the splendid views disappeared into the mist and drizzle. This made navigation much more difficult but we eventually made our way across Kinder Downfall and over the moorland slabbed path at Mill Hill arriving eventually at Snake Pass a little later than planned! Weren't we pleased when as we made our weary way down the road towards the Snake Pass Inn to meet up with the 'A' party we saw William heading our way in the coach to pick us up!

So the first day was over without mishap and we arrived back in Castleton a bit damp, but in good spirits and ready for a nice hot shower.