Peaky!

SJ getting ready for adventure

The last couple of weeks have been fun and various forms of short exercise was completed. There was really little to shout about though. That was until the tail part of this week, when SJ and I searched for adventure in the Peak District.

The first place of beauty that SJ and I visited was Millers Dale, which is a valley on the River Wye in Derbyshire. We started walking along a stretch of the Monsal Trail, through some tunnels, before turning off and heading into Chee Dale. We soon found the lovely stepping stones we were looking for.

Returned to the trail and stopped at the top of a disused lime kiln for a spot of lunch. SJ had made these cheese, tuna and cucumber sarnies using Bruno rolls. Delicious! Better yet was the flap jacks and samosa. 

The afternoon was spent following the trail in the opposing direction before turning off route again and this time heading towards Priest Cliffe. This was an up hill scramble that awarded the sense of sight with wonderful views and the sense of smell with some seriously awful sheep poo! Challenging descent which eventually led back to out start point. Climbers could be seen scaling a rock face - we were pleased to have our feet firmly on the ground.

Day 2 started the way any adventure should - with a full English breakfast whilst looking at awesome views. We were staying at the Sir William Hotel and the food was awesome. As well as a Western menu they also had an Indonesian menu too. 

Western breakfast was yummy. Each evening and we would choose from the Indonesian menu. So awesome was the curry, SJ had it 2 nights running!

Todays adventure took us to Bamford Edge in the Hope Valley. This edge is an overhang of gritstone rock that sticks out north of the village of Bamford. Spectacular. As we scrambled our way to the summit, we encountered a large blue duffel bag which I just couldn’t resist opening. Inside was a (presumably) abandoned Halfords sleeping bag and tent. This really would make an awesome camp spot.

The rocks at the top were beautiful and reminded me of New Zealand’s pancake rocks. The edge and overhang were just mind blowing. We both got the heebie-jeebies as we stepped nearer and oh man, my stomach just felt weird sitting on the ledge. 

Continuing our trek and the weather improved with each step. Jonny, a random runner (and nurse) stopped for a quick chat and asked us to take photo’s of him on the edge. He took the picture of us both with the reservoir in the background. 

In the afternoon we had a slightly less challenging set of walks in and around the National Trust Longshaw Estate. We followed blue and pink walks that allowed us to see some spectacular views whilst walking through ancient woods, meadows, parkland and heather moorland. The streams and waterfalls were truly majestic.

Our final day in the Peak District saw me complete my 81st ParkRun. This was the Monsal Trail ParkRun which I completed in 27:02 and finished 78/186. This was a simple out and back run on an old disused rail line, however, there was a descent on the way out and an incline on the return.

After ParkRun we figured we would head back home. Only 10 minutes into a journey home and I spotted an outdoor camping type shop. We stopped and both ended up with new walking shoes. The shop assistant put further thoughts of adventure in our headspace too and before we knew it we had decided on further activity in Castleton. 

SJ's butt on route to Hollins Cross and Mam Tor

Reached Castleton and was spoilt for choices. I figured we could go and check out the castle (ruin), however, English Heritage entry fee’s were extortionate and I wasn’t prepared to pay after shelling out on our new boots. We decided we walk up to Hollins Cross instead. This was a steep walk and it was hard to believe that this took us to the lowest point on the ridge. 

After reaching Hollins Cross we ventured further and reached the summit of Mam Tor. Being a Tor, I figured we had climbed a mountain (felt like it), however, we had not. We had climbed 1,696 feet though up a hill known as ‘mother hill’. After a quick Google, I note that this hill is also known as ‘shivering mountain’. 🤔 

We took a slightly less challenging descent back down. At the base we saw a pond teaming with toads (not dissimilar to the Tregaron Mountain variety), which was real pretty. Quickly shuffled past a sign welcoming us to the Devil’s Arse before taking a picture of the castle we didn’t visit. Peveril Castle was a keep built in 1176 by Henry II and now lies in a state of ruin. Ended our adventure with a light meal before heading home.

Oh, for more adventure. And we all know, adventure awaits...