In this video my mate Andy and I head out on the bikes around Ladybower. We set off from Fairholmes and headed north along Ladybower, Derwent and Howden dams to Slippery Stones and the back down the eastern side to the Ashopton Viaduct. We then proceeded along the southern side of Ladybower before crossing the Snake Road. We then headed up hill to enjoy an awesome spot of downhill back to Fairholmes. Keep your eyes pealed at 15mins 15seconds 🙂 At the end of the video I have included a quick Drum N Bass remix that I made using Logic. Enjoy
Sadly I didn’t take many images today as my phone was locked away in my bag to stay dry. It rained for quite a while during the day as you can see from the video. I only took one image as we were walking up past Hag Farm pushing the bikes :-).
It was a great day out an I really enjoyed riding some great sections of Downhill on my bike. I’m complete newbie when it comes to proper downhill but I’ve got the bug now. After we had finished riding we headed to our usual haunt down in Hope… The Woodbine Cafe
My friend Ray and I decided to head out for a last minute camp when we noticed the weather was due to be favourable. We grabbed our army issue bivvy bags, picked up a few beers and headed out to enjoy what was to be one of the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen. The location for the wild camp this time was Bamford Edge in the Peak District. The music used in this movie is an unnamed creation that I made a few years ago with Propellerheads Reason.. I’m a big fan of Enigma so the track was made in a chilled out Enigma style.
Episode 9 of the Peak Routes Podcast features a walk in some excellent wintery conditions. I headed to Win Hill & Hope Cross in the Snow, it was a stunning day and I had great fun creating lots of media to share. I started at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn at Ladybower in the Peak District. I then head up to the top of a windswept Win Hill and through the snow drifts to Hope Cross. I then forge may way down through the forest and back along the banks of the Ladybower reservoir.
If you would like to download this episode or any of the others then you can visit the Podcast page of the site. You can also subscribe to get them delivered to you via Feedburner.
A walk starting at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn at Ladybower in the Peak District.I head up to the top of a windswept Win Hill and then through the snow drifts to Hope Cross. I then forge may way down through the forest and back along the banks of the Ladybower reservoir. View the blog post for this walk at Peak District – Win Hill & Hope Cross in the Snow.
Today’s walk was to be a relatively short one, I had limited time and I knew that my progress would be slowed slightly by the snow, the starting point was to be the Yorkshire Bridge Inn at Ladybower and thankfully the roads leading here were open today too. We have had a pretty heavy amount of snow in the last few days which has made a lot of roads impassable and many of the roads I used today were closed until 7am. Thankfully I managed to make it to the parking spot, getting kitted up and then get on my way without any problems.
Parkin Clough
Parkin Clough
The weather was stunning this morning, a very mixed bag with broken clouds and the odd snow shower. I made my way from the Yorkshire Bridge Inn towards Ladybower and then took the path along the dam wall. The path here had obviously seen a lot of traffic in the last few days as the snow was rather compact and it had turned pretty icy. Thankfully the fresh snow awaited me once I had crossed the dam wall and took the path that leads up Jaggers Clough. The last time I came this way was when I had Wild Camped at Wooler Knoll, walked down to meet my mate Andy at the pub and then walked back up and over to Alport Dale.
Parkin Clough
Parkin Clough Sign
The climb up through the forest at Jaggers Clough is sharp but thankfully rather short, I’m a sucker for a pine forest and it was looking nice today under a blanket of snow. The path was icy in places but nothing that would have required my crampons, the time passed quickly as I was concentrating on my footing and I reached the cross roads in what seemed like no time at all. From here it started to snow once again, I must have been the first person to come this way today as I had to cut a fresh through the artic landscape as I headed towards the tree line. The wind became much stronger as I reached the eastern flanks of Win Hill Pike to the point where huge snow drifts had formed, thankfully they were pretty manageable at this point so didn’t cause any problems.
Parkin Clough – Win Hill Plantation
Win Hill Plantation
The views from the top of Win Hill Pike were changing every 30 seconds or so, the snow was coming and going the every so often I would get a break in clouds. I don’t have a device that can measure wind speed or wind chill but it was pretty darn windy and cold up there today. I only stayed for a short while as the weather upped its game once again, the wind was whipping up the snow and the clouds were dropping a fresh covering. I headed off to continue my journey and noticed that the western edge of Win Hill Pike had turned in to one massive snow drift. The snow must have been 4-6 feet deep in places so I made sure that I stayed well clear once I had taken the a few images ☺
Win Hill Pike
Win Hill Pike
Win Hill Pike
Win Hill Pike – Trig Point
Win Hill Pike
Win Hill Pike
Win Hill Pike
As I made my way in a westerly direction I crossed sections of ice, drifts and patches where there was no sign of winter at all. The wind was whipping and swirling the snow in all directions until I eventually reached the relative cover of the Woodlands Valley Plantation. The snow at this point was around 2 feet deep, it was more suited to snow shoes today and I could picture Ray Mears in my mind as I forged my way towards Hope Cross.
Vale of Edale
Vale of Edale
Vale of Edale
Snow Drifts near Wooler Knoll
Walking near Hope Cross
The views from Hope Cross down the Vale of Edale were stunning once the snow had stopped and the cloud had broken. The sun came out to illuminate a spectacular winter wonderland and I decided that it would be the perfect time to have a spot of lunch.
Hope Cross
Hope Cross
While I was having lunch I met another couple of walkers who we from Norwich, they were staying at the Edale YHA and getting out everyday to enjoy the snowy conditions. They were the only people who I had seen so at that point and they seemed like really nice people. I spoke to them about ShareYourAdventure.com and also gave them one of the business cards that the creator Phil Sorrell supplied me with. I forgot to tell them about PeakRoutes.com though 🙂
Ladybower – Woodlands Valley
Ladybower – Woodlands Valley
After lunch I took the path from Hope Cross that heads down in to the forest, I had decided to take this route as I’d not walked this way before. On previous occasions I have headed along the roman road towards Alport and then picked up the path back to Ladybower. As my mission is to walk as many new routes in the Peak as possible I saw it as an opportunity to tick off another path.
The going was good through the forest although the path was rather tricky to follow in places due to the snow. When I came out on a freshly logged clearing I decided to ditch the path and head off piste straight down. The views along Ladybower from this angle are stunning.
Ladybower & Crook Hill
Ladybower
Ladybower
The route that runs along the southern edge of Ladybower is usually very easy, it follows a forestry track so the path is smooth and pleasant under foot. Today however the snow was around 1-2 feet deep as the accumulations hadn’t been whipped in to drifts like they had on higher ground. I pushed on through the snow while listening to the Bletchley Park Podcast.
Ladybower Sheep
I eventually made it to the point where the path swings towards the south and heads towards the dam wall. This section of path was very icy in places and I paused on a patch of snow to let a stampeding flock of sheep pass bye. I was in a world of my own gazing at views up towards Bamford Edge and I reached the road in not time at all. Al that was left then was to walk the final hundred or so metres back towards the Yorkshire Bridge Inn where my car awaited.
Ladybower & Bamford Edge
Thanks for stopping bye to read, view and listen to my exploits today. The YouTube video in this post was recorded and edited using my iPhone. A podcast version of this route will be available very soon on the Podcast page of the site, it will also be available from iTunes and many other podcast arching services via FeedBurner. Stay tuned.
I really love walking places I’ve never been before and seeing sights I’ve never seen. A lot of my inspiration has come from looking across a valley while out walking, seeing a feature on a map or hearing stories from other walkers. Today’s inspiration came when looking across from Margery Hill while I did a loop of Ladybower, I spotted a great rock formation off in the distance and the clumps of gritstone in question are located at Crow Stones Edge. I plotted a quick route last night, sent it off to my mate Andy and we arranged to meet this morning.
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At 09:30 this morning we arrived at the designated meeting point, the car park at the very top of the sealed road that leads along the edge of the Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs. We quickly got kited out and made our way up the gravel road towards Slippery Stones. It was a rather overcast morning with an icy cold bite in the air, luckily I hadn’t forgotten my hat and gloves today.
Howden Reservoir
Slippery Stones
There wasn’t another soul around today which was nice as we had the place to ourselves. Slippery Stones won’t stay like this for long, as when the weather gets better more and more people will venture back here. It gets rather busy at weekends during the summer months so it was nice to enjoy the silence.
Slippery Stones – Sheep Fold
We ascended up to Margery Hill via Cranberry Clough where we were met by some of the remaining snow. The wind began to pick up substantially which made me thankful that I’d remembered my gloves and hat. The views as we rose higher and higher got better with every step. The snow left in the cloughs and gullies made the landscape look amazing.
Cranberry Clough
Horse Stone
Cut Gate End
Upper Hey
Cut Gate End
Cut Gate End
We eventually reached the top of the hill where we turned north westward along the moors towards Outer Edge. The going was good due to the fact that the majority of the bog up there was nice and frozen. In wetter months this part of the Dark Peak becomes a bit of a boggy maze as you attempt to weave your way along the driest path possible.
Outer Edge – Trig Point
After a short stop on Outer Edge to update AudioBoo and to take a few pictures we then headed off the edge down to Crow Stones. Crow Stones was the reason why I had planned this route today as it was rumoured to have some of the greatest shaped stones in the Peak. I wasn’t disappointed as we were met by some fantastic looking gritstone towers. It never fails to amaze me how varying types of erosion can form these stunning shapes.
Howden Reservoir from Crow Stones
Crow Stones
Crow Stones
Crow Stones
Crow Stones
Crow Stones
After a short lunch break at Crow Stones we made our way across the moors towards Stainery Clough Head. There was lots of icy snow left in the gullies which made crossing them relatively simple. There were times where we disappeared into the snow up to our knees but nothing any worse than that.
Crow Stones and Derwent Edge
The view back across to Crow Stones with Derwent Edge in the distance was great when we reached Hoar Stones on Howden Edge. infact the 360 degree views were great today even if it was cloudy. The sky was rather moody with thick looking grey clouds, the sun did break through every now and then but not for anything more than a matter of seconds.
Holme Moss Transmission Tower
Spicer Hill – Wind Turbines
Barrow Stones
After walking along Howden Edge for a while we eventually turned southward and made our way back down towards the River Derwent. The Derwent is beginning to build in size here as it makes its way from Swaines Greave down to the Howden Reservoir.
River Derwent
River Derwent
Land’s Side
The path gets gradually better as you make your way down stream, it turns from a boggy track into a road fit for a four wheel drive. The going is good from here on in and it’s just a gentle stroll back down towards Slippery Stones.
Oaken Bank
River Derwent – Cranberry Bed
It was great to finally get out walking again as lately work and family commitments haven’t made it possible. We finished off today’s great wander by heading to our favourite cafe in the Peak District, The Woodbine Cafe in Hope. Thanks for taking the time to read, view and listen to this post. I shot some video footage today which will find its way online very soon.
For a long time now I’ve felt the need to walk the length of the River Derwent, simply because it has featured in many of my great childhood memories. I thought that I could call the walk “City to Source”, I’d walk from Derby all the way up to Swaines Greave high in the Peak District. When I finally decided to give it a go I went online and did a little bit of research. I found that there was already a way marked route that did exactly what I wanted to do, the route in question is the Derwent Valley Heritage Way.
Derwent Valley Heritage Way – Map at Heatherdene
The route stretches from Heatherdene on the banks of the Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District, it goes via Bamford, Hathersage, Froggatt, Baslow, Chatsworth, Rowsley, Matlock, Matlock Bath, Cromford, Belper, Darley Abbey, Derby, Shardlow and ends Derwent Mouth where the River Derwent flows into the River Trent. The route itself is 55 miles long and it passes some spots of great historic interest. It can be takled in one go over a few days or it can be done in multiple sections whenever it takes your fancy.
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Derwent Valley Heritage Way – Masson Mill
The section from Matlock Bath to Derby is of particular historic interest as it has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is a snippet of factual text (borrowed from Wikipedia :-)) to give you more information… “The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site covers an area of 12.3 km2 (4.7 sq mi) and spans a 24 km (15 mi) stretch of the Derwent Valley, in Derbyshire, from Matlock Bath in the north to Derby city centre in the south. Within the site are mill complexes, settlements including workers’ housing, weirs on the River Derwent, and the transport network that supported the mills in the valley. The site consists of the communities of Cromford, Belper, Milford, and Darley Abbey, and includes 838 listed buildings, made up of 16 Grade I, 42 Grade II*, and 780 Grade II. A further nine structures are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The buildings are a mixture of mills, workers’ housing, and structures associated with the mill communities. The Cromford Canal and Cromford and High Peak Railway, which aided the industrialisation of the area, are also part of the World Heritage Site.”
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The guide to walking the way describes the route from North to South, I chose to begin my walk at Derwent Mouth and walk northward up stream. It was rather an eventful wander which saw me eventually having to switch my iPhone off due to the failure of my Power Monkeys Extreme Battery Charger. I was using my iPhone to track my walk and also to take pictures. I will be back again some day so I can plot out a more precise map of the journey… For now though I will leave you with a selection of images from my walk with a few archive shots thrown in.
There are some times when just one day out on the hills just isn’t enough.. well.. I suppose one day is never enough really when I come to think about it. I have been doing lots of day walks in the Peak District lately so I thought it was about time that I chucked my tent in my bag and headed out for 2 days. As luck would have it I had 2 days spare so I consulted my mate Andy and a plan was set.
Andy decided that he could join me for 2 days of walking and I would Wild Camp alone inbetween as he had other commitments that night. We met up in Matlock yesterday morning at around 09:30, I chucked all my kit in his car and we made our way to Hope which was to be the start point of our walk on day 1. We had chosen to have another wander around the famous Edale Skyline Route which is a fantastic route which is ideal if you have a full day spare. We got on the way just after 10:00 and the first peak of the day was Lose Hill.
The Great Ridge from Lose Hill
Lose Hill stands at the end of the Great Ridge, it has amazing 360 Degree views and in my opinion has to be one of the top 10 vantage points in the whole of the Peak District. We arrived at the top in what seemed like no time at all and I quickly began to put my waterproofs on as the rain moved in from the west. A very friendly sheep came over to say hello, or more specifically try and extract some food from us. She had a nice rummage around my bag before deciding to give up and then wander off very displeased. I have since had a conversation with a handful of other hikers on Twitter who have come across the same scenario on Lose Hill, I posted a picture along with the ewes tag number and it turns out they had encountered the exact same one 🙂
Hope Cement Works
After Lose Hill we walked westward along the Great Ridge towards Back Tor, there was hardly anyone else about at this point which was surprising as this place is usually busy no matter what day you come.
Grindsbrook from Back Tor
Hollins Cross
After Back Tor we headed to Hollins Cross and then begun ascending up to Mam Tor. The rain which had been threatening most of the morning arrived for a short time here. Mam Tor was its usually busy self as the crowds love it here, it’s just so easily accessible from the carpark which is only a hop skip and a jump from the summit.
Mam Tor from Back Tor
After Mam Tor we crossed the road, headed along Rushup Edge over Lord’s Seat and then swung north west to Brown Knoll. It’s now time to stick in one of my disclaimers… A Bog Disclaimer. This section up towards the top of Brown Knoll can become very boggy indeed after rain, we have had some serious rainfall over the last 3 weeks so it was very moist under foot 🙂
After picking our way through the bog of eternal stench / misty marshes we eventually made it up to the trig at SK 1330 8511. I like it up here, it never seems to be crowded at all and the vantage point lower down at Horsehill Tor is superb. Anyway, back to today. The newly constructed path that leads towards the Pennine Way near Edale Cross has been well laid. Even if it looks rather sterile at times I’m 100% aware of the good it will eventually do as it keeps us off the peat.
We stopped for a quick lunch break after joining the Pennine Way, the view down Jacob’s Ladder to Upper Booth is was as stunning as ever. After our short stop we left the Pennine Way then swung towards Pym Chair, the next section across the boulder field to Crowden Tower was as boggy as ever. We crossed Crowden Brook and then made our way over to the top of Grindsbrook. We hit some traffic here as there were plenty of school groups out around this area today.
Win Hill
Next came Upper Tor with its marvellous rock formations, the rain really started lashing down at this point and I did feel for the groups of kids who were getting a soaking. Andy and I however stayed dry in our Goretex jackets. Thankfully the rain moved on towards Win Hill and I managed to capture a few moody looking images of the view in that direction.
Heading for Hope Cross
We had some impressive pace at this point and the march was on as we descended down Crookstone Hill. We reached the now famous (to me anyway) sign that points you in the direction of Hope Cross, I had to take another picture as this little rock has become the logo for PeakRoutes.com 🙂
Wild Country Zephyros 1
Once we got down to Hope Cross it was time for Andy and I to part company. As the rain arrived again heavier than ever, Andy headed down the Roman Road towards Hope and I sought cover in the trees. This really heavy burst of rain lasted around 30mins so I took the opportunity to check the map and decided where I would camp. I then continued on in the rain for a few more minutes until I reached Wooller Knoll, I quickly made my way back into the forest and found a nice little spot to pitch. The wind was fairly strong so I chose a spot that was back from the edge of the forest, the noise of the breeze rushing through the trees wasn’t so loud further in so it was ideal.
Wild Country Zephyros 1
This was the 2nd time I had used my Terra Nova Wild Country Zephyros 1 and I must say i’m very happy with it indeed. It cost me around £100 and it is perfect for what I want. It’s sturdy, pretty lite and relatively roomy for a 1 man tent of this price range. Once pitched I decided to relaxed inside for half an hour or so while I waited for the weather to pass. Thankfully it did and I appeared back out into rays of light streaming into the forest from over towards the west.
I made some dinner, drank some coffee and relaxed beside the tent while listening to some AudioBoos. I even recorded a quick Boo of my own which you can find below. It was great to have some quiete time and have a chance to reflect on my surroundings. I feel at home in the forest as my friends and I have spent many a happy night amongst the pines while Bushcrafting.
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I eventually decided to call it a night at around 22:00 and retired to the tent feeling thoroughly relaxed after a great days walk in great company.
Wild Camping in the Woods
I awoke a few times during the night, mainly because of my old Alpkit Matt deflating on me. I’ve used and abused my Alpkit Wee Airic over the last 6 or 7 years so i’m not surprised its finally given up. If i’m completely honest, it gave up a few years ago but i’ve just been making do with it :-). The rain had been intermittent throughout the night but thankfully the sun came out as I stuck my head out of the tent at around 06:30.
I made myself some breakfast, boiled more water for a few cups of coffee and then packed away. I recorded myself dismantling the tent which you can see in the YouTube Video that is embedded further up in the post. I stowed away the Zephyros 1 in its stuff sack, chucked all my gear inside my rucksack and left for another day of walking without leaving any trace of my presence at camp.
Vale of Edale
I appeared out of the forest and was blessed with stunning sunny views down in the Vale of Edale. It was around 08:00 and there was not a soul in sight. I had arranged to meet Andy at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn so took a few pictures and got on my way.
Ladybower plughole
I had a gentle walk down hill taking in my surroundings as I knew Andy wouldn’t be at the pub until around 10:00. The walk down through the forest is rather nice as the Ashophton Viaduct comes into view down at Ladybower. As we have had lots of rain in recent weeks I found that the “Plug Holes” were being utilised which is a impressive sight to behold. I must say that they do look like a gateway to another dimension or something straight out of a science fiction movie.
Accent up Win Hill
Andy was bang on time and he was getting kitted up by the car as I walked around the corner from the dam wall. I decided to stow my overnight gear in the boot of his car as I would no longer need any of it. We then headed off to ascend back up to Win Hill via the very direct path which heads up from SK 1969 8502. Its a sharp accent but it has to be one of my favourite little climbs in the entire Peak District, It would feel pretty punishing after a long day but we were still pretty fresh so we breezed to the top with ease (ish) 🙂
Hope Cement Works from Win Hill
Once out of the forest its only a short walk to the summit of Win Hill. The weather was being pretty kind to us and the rain was staying away. It was pretty blustery up top and I sheltered behind a rock while having some more food. I’ve got used to the sight of the Hope Cement Works now days but if we are honest its a bit of an eye sore. I have no idea about the history or future of the works but I can’t help but think it kind of spoils one of the nicest areas in the Peak.
The Great Ridge from Win Hill
After our short break on Win Hill we headed of the summit and begun walking towards Hope Cross. The sun was still showing its face every now an then and we made good progress as we picked up the Roman Road. We had chosen to do a shorter route today so it wasn’t long before we were making our descent into the Woodlands Valley and down towards the River Ashop.
Vale of Edale from Hope Cross
We had originally considered the idea of heading towards Alport Dale and then looping back via Rowlee Pasture. The sight of the deep water rushing across the ford where the Roman Road crosses the River Ashop put us off that plan. We decided to take in a new section of footpath that we hadn’t walked before, we swung back east towards Ladybower and followed the course of the River Ashop Silt Trap.
River Ashop Silt Trap
The walk through Blackley Hey Wood is rather gentle and pleasant. We were certainly ready for a more relaxed wander today as yesterday’s challenge route around the Edale Skyline had taken its toll on our legs a little. It wasn’t long before we reached the banks of Ladybower and begun walking along the forestry track that is also used by anglers. It was a nice coincidence that we ran into a family friend who is a warden with the Ladybower Fisheries who i’d been meaning to drop in on for some time. He had said months ago that I should call in for a coffee if I was ever passing, me being me I had never managed to find the time after a walk.
It wasn’t long before we were weaving around the final few corners and the wall of Ladybower dam came into view. We could almost taste the refreshments at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn as we walked past the Plughole’s and along the wall itself. We quickly chucked our gear in the car and headed to the bar to toast a couple of great days out in the glorious Dark Peak. Thanks for reading and I hope to have more Peak District Wild Camping posts for you very soon.
Episode 3 of the Peak Routes Podcast is now live and available for your listening pleasures. It documents my day out doing the 9 Edges Challenge. It was a big 24 Mile day that takes in Derwent, Stanage, Burbage North, Burbage South, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardoms and Birchen Edges. I’m currently writing the blog post but you can view the route map over on ShareYourAdventure.com
If you would like to download this episode or any of the others then you can visit the Podcast page of the site. You can also subscribe to get them automatically delivered to you via Feedburner.
I initially thought that this would sadly end up being a walk free week, work and other commitments had conspired against me it seemed. Thankfully situations and arrangements changed so I had Saturday free to go off and do whatever I wished. I had read an article a few weeks ago about a route called the 9 Edges Challenge, it was a charity event run by the Edale Mountain Rescue Service. I decided that i would give it a go as I’d got the whole day free, I opened up ViewRanger in my iPhone and began plotting a route. I hadn’t managed to find any route files or descriptive blog posts so I just plotted away as best I could.
The 9 Edges in question Derwent, Stanage, Burbage Upper, Burbage Lower, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardoms and Birchens. The start point was going to be Fairholmes at Ladybower then the eventual end point was Robin Hood near Baslow. My girlfriend Lisa very kindly offered to give me a lift to the start point, so that was all the pieces in place.
Derwent Dam Wall
Derwent Reservoir
I arrived at Fairhomles at around 10:00 and didn’t waste any time in getting on my way. I set off from the car park and headed off towards the Derwent Dam wall. I took the path off up towards the walls eastern side and then joined the road heading north. I then begun the climb up Walkers Clough at SK 17369090 towards my first edge of the day which is Derwent Edge, more specifically though my first peak which was Back Tor.
Walkers Clough
Lost Lad
The views today were stunning, I had been really lucky with the weather thankfully and the views in all directions were great. I arrived at Back Tor in no time at all, there was no time to hang around at all today so I was tramming along at full speed.
Back Tor - Derwent Edge
Derwent Edge
Derwent Edge
After Back Tor I begun heading south along towards Doverstone Tor via Cakes of Bread. Once again no stopping today so I moved straight on from there towards the Wheel Stones and then I swung south east towards Moscar. After a short little section eastwards along the road I turned back to the south again to begin the second edge of the day which was Stanage.
Stanage Edge
Stanage is the longest edge of the challenge, a haven for climbers and a very popular area especially at weekends. I decided to have a quick lunch break for 10-15 minutes on High Neb, I sat just off the main path on the edge and admired the views across Bamford Moor down to Bamford Edge.
Stanage Edge - High Neb
As i’m the sort of person the likes to have the hills to himself (selfish) I tend to avoid walking at weekends. I’d never been to Stanage at a weekend before and I was surprised at just how many people were out enjoying the outdoors today. There were hundreds of climbers tackling the numerous routes up this world renowned Gritstone Edge today, the jangling of clips and carabiners was a constant back drop to my wander along Stanage. There is some serious climbing to be had along here, I do believe that when doing the official 9 Edges Challenge climbers have to tackle a route on each Edge. I’m very in awe of anyone who can climb well, its something i’ve never had the oppurtunity to try seriously yet. I’d love to give it a go so would welcome an invite from anyone who wouldn’t mind a total newbie tagging along 🙂
Stanage Edge - Climbers
Upper Burbage
After Stanage my next edge of the day was Upper Burbage, I was making great time as I’d been going at a good pace for the last hour or so. I crossed the road at SK 26038300 at the Bridge over Burbage Brook and then joined Edge number 3. these next 2 edges are pretty short indeed. It was very long before I’d finished Upper Burbage and was heading on to number 4 which is Lower Burbage. I had been toying with the idea of stopping for a coffee or some form of refreshment at the Fox House Inn, As I crossed the boggy moor towards the pub I didn’t feel the need so I just kept going. I crossed the road and then headed down into the Longshaw Estate.
Lower Burbage
Lower Burbage - Quarry
It had been a long while since I ‘d last visited Longshaw, If I think back now it must have been back in 1997 while on a field trip with school. We had come to take depth measurements along the River Derwent and had made a side stop here. Longshaw was pretty busy today too but it wasn’t something I minded, the more people who visit the more work the National Trust can do to keep this area in good order.
Longshaw Estate
A short dash through Longshaw then I was back out on the road at SK 25947817, thankfully it was only a small road section down past the Grouse Inn. I then joined the footpath at SK 25407762 to head towards edge number 5 of the day which is the short but sweet Froggatt Edge. The midges were out in force in the forest leading along to the edge and I dashed through them quickly so as not to get eaten alive 🙂
Froggatt Edge
Froggatt Edge
I stopped for a short break on Froggatt Edge at the point where it eventually turns into Curbar Edge. The remaining edges of the day are all pretty short so I knew that the challenge was in the bag as I felt in top shape.
Curbar Edge - Highland Cattle
Curbar Edge - Highland Cattle
Curbar came and went pretty quickly, the only obstacle here was the herd of Highland Cattle that blocked the path. I saw it as a blessing as I’d been meaning to get up here and take some pictures of them.
Wellington's Monument - Baslow Edge
The 7th Edge of the day was the very short Baslow, there was a small group of Climbers and a couple of people Bouldering on the rocks below. At the bottom of edge number 7 I swung towards the east and headed straight for Wellington’s Monument at SK 2642 7369. A short burst of rain had arrived by the time I got here so I was pleased to be heading down through the forest at this point. I worked my way down until I came to the bridge across Bar Brook, the house at SK 26827346 has a very cool looking bridge over from the road.
Gardoms Edge
I crossed the road just as the rain had decided to turn to hail, no bother though as It was short lived as I marched on up to the 8th Edge of the Day. Gardom’s Edge was the penultimate Gristone offering of the Challenge and it was totally deserted, not a soul about as I made my way along it before heading down towards Robin Hood.
Birchen Edge - Forest
Nelson's Monument - Birchen Edge
In what seemed like no time at all I was down at the road and heading along towards the Robin Hood Inn. I passed by the pub and headed up the path just after it towards the final edge of the day, Birchen Edge. As I walked up the hill at the base of the edge I passed another herd of Highland Cattle before climbing up to the top. I walked the last few hunded metres along to the finish point while listening the Mark Knopfler’s song “Piper Till The End”. The heavy dark clouds all around me suddenly begun to part and the sun broke through in spectacular fashion, it was a perfect way to end what had been a thoroughly enjoyable day. I’d never been to Nelson’s Monument before and I lingered there for a while while recording some video and another piece for the Peak Routes Podcast.
Birchen Edge
Nelson's Monument - Birchen Edge
What a great day indeed. I’m not 100% sure how my route campares to the official challenge route but I did the distance and ticked off all the Edges. The day had passed so quickly and it seemed like a lifetime ago that i’d set off from Fairlholmes. According to ViewRanger it had taken me 6hrs 37minutes, covering a distance of 32.6km and with 994metres of height gain. If you would like to have a go yourself then why not download the route in the form of a GPX file here…. [wpdm_file id=5]
Peak District Routes 