Posts
Peak District walk October 2010
Lately I seem to have lacked time to go walking. I seem to have got busy and missed walking. I make plans and then it changes. Last weekend I managed to steal away and have what I would class as a bimble in the Peak District National Park.
Lately I seem to have lacked time to go walking. I seem to have got busy and missed walking. I make plans and then it changes. Last weekend I managed to steal away and have what I would class as a bimble in the Peak District National Park.
The car was parked on one of the car parks along the road by the Ladybower Reservoir. We took the bus to the track head to Westend Moor. It is a superb track that goes through the woods ablaze with autumnal colour. As we left the woods and looked at the hills I reckoned we had struck gold with the weather which was clear with strong winds on the tops. The views were superb
We had arrived late in the day but still had time to get some miles in. The track leads up to the shooting cabin by Ronksley Moor. A group of day hikers were inside and we chatted for a while. From there it is single track which we followed to the River Derwent. This is a wonderful place and it has a sense of remoteness about it.
The river was easily crossed and we scrambled up the steep bank to the path leading to Oaken Bank. There are great wild camp spots along here and we were tempted to pitch there and then. We pushed on up Stainerey Clough and then up the steep sides through deep heather to the Crow Stones. The plan had been simple. Get high and camp. Then in the morning we would walk the ridge along the whole of the Derwent Edge. The wind forced us to move along looking for a sheltered spot. The clouds were darkening a bit and the light was dimming.
We walked to Bull Clough Head and then struck what is the legendary mountain bike trial the Cut Gate path. I asked OC what he wanted to do and he pointed down into the valley by the River Derwent looking for a good sheltered pitch for the night. We found one out of sight from any National Park Rangers and pitched up for the night. It was dull and we waited hoping for light reflecting off the clouds as the sun set. It was a dull and uneventful sunset and then we waited for the stars to come out. They did for a while and the night was a joy to behold. I turned in to watch a movie on my iPod to pass the long dark night away.
I had slept well and warm in my new quilt. The temperature dropped to near zero but in the early hours it rained for a while and cloud cover moved in. I awoke boiling hot and was glad the quilt was so easy to open up and was soon comfy and waiting for the dawn. It was as dull and disappointing as the sunset. We got up and headed along the valley following the wide and well worn track.
We headed out back to the car making fast progress. The mist just clung onto the hill side. At Hay bank we had planned to go back up onto the tops. Mountain bikers passed us by and at the track head which would take us up it was a simple choice. Black and grey on the tops or glorious autumnal colour. With wonderful reflections on the water of the reservoir it was a simple choice.
We took our time enjoying the views and wonder of the autumn sights. We moved on and down by the Dam and along the track back to the car. 28 h of joy out in the hills done. All that was left was the drive home till the next time.
26 comments:
The sunset might have been disappointing, but how could you be disappointed with that night sky Martin!?! Lying in a bivvy bag watching the stars on a clear night is one of my favourite things :-)
I did say it was a joy to behold Simon. Defiantly not disappointed. We watched the stars for a while and enjoyed the night. Bivy under the stars soon for me as well.
Nice one. You can't beat quick in and out trips like that, Martin. Good for the soul etc.
And it's nice to see someone else who ventures into the north of the Peak Park. Remote indeed - certainly feels like you are miles upon miles from any road anyway.
Nice pics, too.
That was actually a rhetorical question ... but reading it again it did come across as if I was suggesting that you were disappointed. That's not what I meant! *goes off to choose his words more carefully next time* :D
I like the remote North Terry. Last backpack there was in the wild part
http://summitandvalley.blogspot.com/2009/05/peak-district-backpacking.html
You're too kind about the photos. But I did get some nice shots I think. Very good for the soul a night in the hills.
Hi Martin
I enjoyed this. Sounds as if you had a good 'bimble'. Great pictures.
Looks like a good trip, Martin and Life does have a habit of getting in the way. Sometimes, flexibility is key and getting off when you see a chance present itself is the only way. Oh, for a lottery win...
Is that the Gorilla, by the way? How is it doing for you?
Looks like you had a great wee trip Martin. Fabulous skies on the first day and that shot of the stars is wonderful.
agree with terry, some blinding photos, even with a bit of cloud. ALWAYS great to get out, regardless, especially if u work with ppl alot - good to recharge the batteries.
Hi Martin,
When you get the weather like that it’s as good as anywhere. You picked a good route.
I’ve never been bothered by NP rangers when wild camping in the area. As long as you are away early and leave no trace, no problems. They know who are passing through and who are not.
Those last 2 pictures are just incredible.
Martin - good little trip in the Peaks District. Good photos. I enjoyed my trip last week there as well - must do some more in the area. Second installment as soon as I can get away from spending most days and evenings in meetings ! Closest hills to where I live, but I tend to go to the Lakes or North Pennines !!
Mark
A great area for backpacking Martin, so near the big cities yet a feeling of remoteness and open spaces. The time of year when you get to spend long long hours under nylon!
Trevor glad you liked it
Maz flexibility is key indeed. I like the Gorilla a lot. Simply wonderful. Joe Newton and you convinced me and it is a revelation. Why oh Why did I get the Prophet?
Nick it was wonderful big clear sky the first day and that star filled sky at night. Makes for great photos.
Hi David and thanks. We need to recharge our batteries and the hills are the best place to do it.
Alan I like to respect the Rangers and have never been bothered by them but don't seek to push my luck. The route would make a blinding day walk in winter.
Jay the reflections in the water and colour in the trees was amazing. Wish I had a top camera to get even more superb photos.
Mark I am looking forward to the rest of your report. Local can be great as you can steal away to catch a cloud inversion or fine sunset over the hills. I think the Peaks are superb and always enjoy walking there. I am a Lakes fanatic and Scotland is always my proffered choice but the Peaks have a special place in my heart.
James it has a wildness about it. We should plan a TGO training walk there if we get on. Any news yet?
I have not heard anything yet Martin, keeping my fingers crossed. I will definately be up for a training walk.
Lets hope we get on James. Training walks will be needed and the wife has been informed. I work on the principle if I am training it will be safer for me on a big walk. She like me to be safe so has to agree.
I'm glad you like the Gorilla. I love it - not for me for Winter for the reasons I've posted on but that's a very small window that it does not meet my requirements - otherwise, it's exceptional.
Maz it is exceptional. Odd minor niggle but nothing that worries me. My all round pack and long trail life envisaged with it.
I'm glad you like the Gorilla Martin. I've not been as vocal about it as I maybe should have. I was given one to test and immediately fell in love with it. It's not absolutely flawless and there are a lot of similar packs out there but it's very good and good value too.
Sing its praise from the mountain tops Joe. The Gorilla pack is just brilliant. Odd niggle but nothing to worry about.
That last photo is amazing :-)
It was amazing to see as well Sally. The water was a mill pond and the reflection superb. Special days when it is like that. Also makes me remember the best views are not always on the tops. Glad you like the photo.
Being only an hour away, I too reserve the Dark Peak for quick 2-dayers, also because it's over familiar these days, but shots like these keep reminding me of how good it can be.
The low-level return is not a loss by any means, it can be just as enjoyable as the ridge and better in murky weather.
Agree Geoff. If the weather is awful enjoy the views down below. I do the odd in the mist day but some of the best views are in the glens and valleys. The Peak has a lot of hidden gems and wild camp spots to be found.
Sing its praise from the mountain tops Joe. The Gorilla pack is just brilliant. Odd niggle but nothing to worry about.
I did say it was a joy to behold Simon. Defiantly not disappointed. We watched the stars for a while and enjoyed the night. Bivy under the stars soon for me as well.
Post a Comment