Peak District - Kinder Scout - Ringing Roger & Hope Cross

I'm having a great run at the moment it seems when it comes to walking weather, I had checked the advanced forecast and selected Thursday the 13th of December to have a wander this week. When the day finally arrived I still hadn't chosen where I was going to walk, I quickly checked my Dark Peak Combi Map on ShareYourAdventure.com and had a look what gaps need filling in. I decided to go for a walk I have done before but I haven't tracked it while Social Hiking. I got all my cold weather gear ready, set up my map on ShareYourAdventure.com, loaded the car, made coffee and off I went.

[caption id="attachment_2126" align="alignnone" width="600"] A frosty start in Edale[/caption]

When I arrived in Edale I was met by a beautiful winter scene, hoar frost, valley fog, and the sun piercing through the clouds into the valley. I managed to grab a parking space next to the school, put my boots on and then went over to the Old Nag's Head to film a snippet of video for a short film I had planned to make during my walk today.



I had been planning on making this short movie for some time, one of those projects that I dream up in my head while at work and then take a while to get around to actually doing. sadly, allot of my projects are still on the "to do" list but this one has made it through to completion :-)

listen to ‘Peak District - Walking Up To Ringing Roger from Edale’ on Audioboo

The views were stunning down in to the Vale of Edale as I climbed up towards Ringing Roger. The cloud was slowly dispersing and the sun was peeping out from behind Mam Tor to fill the valley with light.

[caption id="attachment_2125" align="alignnone" width="600"] Vale of Edale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2127" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kinder Scout - Grindsbrook[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_2130" align="alignnone" width="600"] Moors for the Future - Workers Tools[/caption]

I spotted a couple of guys who were working on the footpath on behalf of Moors For The Future. They have been doing some great conservation work over the last few years, not only have they been building or repairing paths, they have been planting various things to help keep the moors in good condition. You can really see how the vegetation they have planted is taking hold and protecting the bare peat.

[caption id="attachment_2129" align="alignnone" width="600"] Ringing Roger on Kinder Scout[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2128" align="alignnone" width="600"] Moors for the Future - Bags of Rocks[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2121" align="alignnone" width="600"] Moors for the Future path work on Kinder Scout[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2122" align="alignnone" width="600"] Ringing Roger on Kinder Scout[/caption]

The final part of the video was filmed up on Ringing Roger itself, I had envisaged myself looking out over a valley at the crescendo of the movie and this was a great spot to choose. The views from Ringing Roger are stunning as you look down to Edale and up Grindsbrook. The cloud was lingering at around 600 metres today so I had to go for a slightly higher shooting angle. The video itself was only really ever supposed to be a bit of fun, i'm hoping that a few more serious walking route videos will follow soon.

[caption id="attachment_2123" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kinder Scout Upper Tor[/caption]



These 2 Bambuser Videos were being broadcast live while I was stood up there on Ringing Roger. The first one ends abruptly as I received a phone call, the second one ends after 9 minutes as my phone decided to switch off :-).



[caption id="attachment_2124" align="alignnone" width="600"] Win Hill and Lose Hill valley fog[/caption]

listen to ‘Peak District - Fog In the Hope Valley - Mindful Mountaineering :-)’ on Audioboo

As I walked across towards Crookstone Knoll I witnessed a fantastic sight when looking down towards Hope Valley. The fog was rolling up the valley, it looked stunning as it was framed by Win Hill and Lose Hill. I recorded the AudioBoo above while I was stood there totally amazed :-)

[caption id="attachment_2120" align="alignnone" width="600"] Looking down Jaggers Clough[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2117" align="alignnone" width="600"] Crookstone Moor[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2118" align="alignnone" width="600"] Crookstone Moor - PeakRoutes Logo Sign[/caption]

I always like visiting Crookstone Moor, The sign post there has got to be one of my favourites now. I have kind of adopted it as the logo for PeakRoutes which means I look at it allot now days, Its always nice to physically go back there and see it in person.

[caption id="attachment_2116" align="alignnone" width="600"] Roman Road to Hope Cross[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2115" align="alignnone" width="600"] Great Ridge looking from Bridleway near Hope Cross[/caption]

I'm not sure which farm owns the land up here but they really do not want you to stray off the path. They have done everything than can to keep you "Off My Land" here. The Bridleway down to Edale and the Old Roman Road down to Hope is rather hemmed in.

[caption id="attachment_2119" align="alignnone" width="600"] Looking up Jaggers Clough[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2112" align="alignnone" width="600"] Jaggers Clough River Crossing[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2113" align="alignnone" width="600"] Jaggers Clough Bridleway [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2110" align="alignnone" width="600"] Win Hill and the Vale of Edale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2114" align="alignnone" width="600"] Lose Hill looking frosty[/caption]

By this part of my walk the skies were totally clear and the sun was streaming down in to the valley, Lose Hill looked impressive with its icy northern flanks and I even snapped one of the many trains running through the valley.

[caption id="attachment_2111" align="alignnone" width="600"] Bridleway from Hope Cross to Edale[/caption]

It had been a great walk again today, infact every walk in the Peak District is great regardless of the weather. I would go out if it was chucking it down, I need to get my walking fix or all is not well with the world :-)

[caption id="attachment_2132" align="alignnone" width="600"] Grindslow Knoll & Grindsbrook from Edale[/caption]

I finished off the day by going for a pint of 1577 at the Old Nag's Head. It was lovely and warm in there which felt very welcoming after being out in the sub zero temperatures all day. I got chatting with the lady behind the bar about history and she very kindly fetched a book for me to read. It was her copy of the History of Edale and it had a great wealth of information to soak in about the area. I have added it to my list of reading material to locate in the library the next time I go.


[caption id="attachment_2131" align="alignnone" width="600"] Edale - Old Nag's Head[/caption]

I headed back to the car after I had finished reading and drinking. I scraped the ice from the windows and then begun to drive home. I spotted a chap who was trying to thumb a lift at the entrance to the main car park in the village. I thought.. what the heck, i'll give him a lift. I've never picked up a hitchhiker before and he turned out to be a thoroughly nice chap. He was a fell runner who had been out on Kinder researching routes for an upcoming fell race in January. I gave him a lift to Hathersage and we chatted about running, the Peak, the Lakes, Scotland and Snowdonia.

listen to ‘Peak District - History & The Hitchhiker ’ on Audioboo

I'm hoping to be out again towards the end of next week, I shall bring you another bucket load of images, video and audio for you to sample. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read, watch, listen or just look :-)

Peak Routes Podcast - Episode 1 - Bleaklow

The very first episode of the Peak Routes Podcast is now live and available for your listening pleasure. This is my first attempt at podcasting so please ignore the occasional wind noise and the breaks in concentration :-)



This episode documents the route I did on the 29th of February 2012 which can be found at Peak District - Bleaklow. The route starts at Birchin Clough, goes via Lady Clough, Doctor's Gate, The old Roman Road, The Pennine Way, through Devil's Dike up to Bleaklow. I then turn eastward and head across the peat bog to Bleaklow Stones. After a short break I then descend to Alport and then climb steeply up to the top of Nether Reddale Clough. I then admire the via down into Alport Dale before heading over the top of Alport Moor to the head of Birchin Clough. A short while later I arrive back down at the car park at the Snake Road.



This episode is no longer available from iTunes, If you would like to download this episode or any from the archive then visit the dedicated Podcast page of the site.

Peak District - Bleaklow

Another week and another brand new route. I decided once again to head for the Birchin Clough car park on the Snake Road, this place has fast become a firm favourite for me. The area is just simply stunning. The beautiful pine forests with Kinder Scout lurking to the south makes for great viewing. Today however, the aim wasn't Kinder, it was another peat covered favourite by the name of Bleaklow.



I set off from the Birchin Clough car park at around 10am and headed over the road down into the forest. I headed north following the river that winds under pines up Lady Clough. Today was to be the day that I would make the very first PeakRoutes.com podcast. I begun recording an introduction as I meandered alongside the tranquil flowing river. It had been an idea spawned by my frequent AudioBoo entries with which I had been summarising my walks in audio form. I decided it would be a great addition to my websites to have a larger audio accompaniment, even if no one was to listen it would be a great historical record to have an audible account as well as images.







The going was good today and I made swift progress through the forest as the track climbed up and away from the river. It rose towards the edge of the road and then dropped back down again as I prepared to leave the edge of the forest. Lady Clough opened out in front of me and I could then see the cloud hugging the surrounding hills. After crossing a stream that flows into Lady Clough river I climbed upwards to walk along side the Snake Road.



I crossed over the road at OS Grid Reference SK 0962 9287 and headed for Doctor's Gate. I recorded another part for the podcast and then joined the Roman Road that rises to meet the Pennine Way. By this point I was rising into the cloud base and the mist was surrounding me. I proceeded upwards along the ancient route and listened to the sound of the grouse as I let my mind wander. It was at this point as I marched on through the mist along the cobbled path that I wondered what if must have been like here in Roman times. I could picture in my imagination the sight of a group armoured Roman soldier marching out of the mist towards me. How fantastic would it be to be able to wind back the clock to witness such a sight.



Anyway... Back to the work. I met the Pennine Way at SK 0900 9332 and turned north towards Bleaklow. The mist was thick and visibility was down to around 20 metres maximum at this point. I proceeded along Devil's Dike which rises gently, the path then winds through Groughs and around Cloughs as it makes its way up to Bleaklow Head.





In no time at all I was standing at the very top of Bleaklow. I had not seen another soul or soul less person all morning :-) the place felt very bleak indeed as the cloud silently brushed across the top of this vast expanse of peat. I recorded another section of audio and then found the path over towards Bleaklow Stones.. I say the word "path" very loosely as there isn't really a path of sorts. There Is a faint track that weaves across while you follow the Stake marked grass covered Groughs.



The route can become rather confusing at this point if you don't keep your wits and your compass about you. I have learned from previous experiences that the thing to do is walk on a bearing and ignore what is happening under foot. The paths that do appear along this stretch are rather misleading. You begin to follow what looks like a path for it to fizzle out to nothing or spin around in totally the wrong direction. As I just said, the key to success in cloudy condition along this section is to walk on a bearing.





After an exhilarating 30 minutes of navigational skill refreshing I arrived at Bleaklow Stones, I was very surprised to have 3G signal so I placed my backpack down and begun broadcasting some live video to Bambuser. Not that you could see a great deal but you do get a good idea of what it was like for me up there today.

listen to ‘Day 29 - #FeBOOary - Final Day Boo from Bleaklow’ on Audioboo

After a short break and an AudioBoo submission I decided to keep moving. Last time I was here I walked up from Howden Reservoir and the weather was stunning, I sat and admired the view for what must have been half an hour. The low cloud today however meant that the view was rather less spectacular. Not to worry, I soon began dropping down towards "The Ridge" and I was amazed to see a handful of mountain hares out in front of me. They looked spectacular with their brilliant white coats against the dark greens and browns of Alport Moor.



I decided to have a slight change of route at this point. I had originally planned to head across the top of Alport towards Alport Castles, drop down to the mouth of the valley and then pick up the roman road back to the car park. I have done this sections before in the past so I decided to go a little off piste and explore some areas where I have never set foot before. I chose to head down into Alport Dale from SK 1148 9461, I headed down towards the river and followed its course for a few minutes. I decided to head back up out the other side of the valley and climb up to the top near SK 1154 9353. The view from here was magnificent.. If the climb alone wasn't enough to take my breath away then the view certainly was. The view down Alport from this angle is stunning.



I carried on along the moor and crossed the top of Nether Reddale Clough, there are no paths here but I was below the cloud base so made a beeline for the head of Birchin Clough. I was once again met by another glorious view. An angle over towards Kinder that I had never witnessed before. The northern edge of Kinder was framed perfectly by the falling hillsides at Birchin Clough and the spruce lined banks of Lady Clough. I was glad that I had diverted from my original plan as I saw a new side to Alport Moor.



In no time at all I had begun the steep decent down the path from SK 1095 9163 to the car park. I had managed to record a good half an hours worth of audio for the podcast, I'm sure I'll probably thin this down to around 20 minutes during the editing process though. Another great new route, some old favourites revisited and some new places discovered.



Keep an eye or ear out for the forthcoming podcast. I'm a newcomer to podcasting so will have a look into the logistics and get a link posted here for you to be able to grab it from iTunes. Thanks for reading and your continued support. Join me again next week when I will hopefully be heading further north towards Black Hill. Images, words, video and audio will follow swiftly afterwards.

Peak District - Kinder Scout - Blackden Edge

Having looked at my Dark Peak Combi Map on http://www.shareyouradventure.com I decided I needed to fill in the last remaining space on Kinder Scout, it was the final piece in the jigsaw to make that area of the Peak District look explored. I have walked this way a handful of times in the past but it has been over a year. The last time I walked to this point was when I camped on the eastern edge of Kinder, so I thought it was high time I returned.



We set off at 10am from the Birchin Clough car park on the snake road and headed over to Lady Clough Forest. Lady Clough forest is quickly becoming a new favourite area in the Peak District for both myself and my friend Andy who was with me today. We followed the river down stream to the point where it joins Ashop River and then walked eastward. We followed the rough path along the banks of the river down towards the bridge at OSGB Grid reference SK 1142 9015.



After crossing the bridge over the river Ashop we then had to cross Fairbrook to enable us to pick up the path that rises to Seal Stones. We walked through the sheep pens and then began the rather steep and unrelenting climb of approximately 300metres of accent up to Seal Stones at SK 1137 8886. It's rather a slog and it get pretty steep towards the end. Not a problem really as Andy and I chatted the whole way up so it was over in a short space of time.





When we arrived at Seal Stones we were at the base of the clouds, We picked our way eastward along the edge of the plateau around to the top of Blackden Brook. The cloud had begun to break at this point and the sun was shinning down on the hills across the Ashop valley and beyond.

The going was good today along Blackden Edge and after negotiating a few boggy patches we arrived at a rock formation near madwoman's Stone at grid reference SK 1390 8807. We decided it would be a great place to stop for lunch and admire the views while sheltering from the wind. I begun to survey the surrounding area towards the east and it suddenly dawned on me...

In the last 8 months I had climbed to the top of every Hill, walked along every edge and meandered through every valley that I could see. Towards the north I had walked on Bleaklow, then looking clockwise I had stood atop Margery Hill and walked the entire length of the Derwent Edge. I had walked along Stanage and Bamford Edges. I remembered the day I walked the Edale Skyline route and finished upon Win Hill after starting at Loose Hill. I had left no feature unchecked from my list of Peak District achievements. It was at that moment that moment the idea of http://www.PeakRoutes.com took shape. I knew it was high time that I set up a website where I could share all my Peak District routes and experiences... Yes... I already do that on http://www.DeanRead.net but I wanted to create a site that was 100% dedicated to my love of the Peak, it would be my launch pad to promote the joys I have had from walking here. Peak Routes was born :-)





After our short break for lunch we left the Kinder Plateau and headed down towards Hope Cross, we joined the old Roman Road and headed north west down into the valley. We crossed the ford at SK 1407 8944 and just about managed to keep our feet dry. I'm sure there must have been a bridge over the water here at some point but sadly there isn't anymore, after periods of heavy rain you would struggle to find a way across the river at this point.





We crossed the road and carried on along the Roman Road. The going was good as we climbed out of the valley away from Hayridge farm that sits at the mouth of Alport Valley. The views were great along this stretch, back across the valley towards Blackden Edge and Blackden Brook. The Old Roman Road is pretty rough from here onwards. Andy and I spoke about how fascinating it would be to be able to turn back the clock and watch the Roman Army march across the valley. The road keeps rising up and up out of the valley until you eventually begin the descent towards Oyster Clough at SK 1195 9050. A quick hope step and jump over the river then you begin the sharp but short climb up towards the Forest. We stopped once again for a quick break and then continued along across the top edge of the Forest. You eventually begin to descend into the pines and there looks to have been some recent logging work here. Large trees have been removed from the clearing and small saplings have begun to grow in their wake. I had never been in this section of the forest before so it was another first for me today. The path rises and falls as you pass above the Snake Inn, it then descends all the way down to the road. We stuck to the path instead of walking along the road and reached the car park at Birchin Clough.

listen to ‘Peak District - Kinder Scout - Northern Edge Part 2’ on Audioboo

Another fantastic route which we really enjoyed. The northern edge of Kinder Scout never fails to impress no matter what the weather. Today had been a stark contrast to the conditions we had enjoyed the last time we were here. the cold bite of Winter made way for the mild feel of spring today, it really does feel like winter has gone for another year and the days are gradually drawing out again. Thanks for reading and I will have another blog post for you this time next week when I tackle another new route in the Peak District.