We set off from Stockport on Sunday 7th October from Torkington lodge with the sun breaking through on what was promising to be a bright sunny day. By the time we were approaching Castleton the view over the valley below was breathtaking with the sun shining on the low mist that covered Castleton and Hope Valley, it was simply stunning.
We set off on our first climb of the day to Mam Tor up the steps and made our way to the trig point where we all stopped to admire the views of Hope Valley, High Peak and Win Hill.
Any chill in the air had disappeared, the sun had well and truly broken through, temperatures were rising and we had lovely views of the peak national park and beyond.
We continued to follow the path from Mam Tor to Hollins Cross and after dipping into Hollins Cross we continued along the ridge and with a quick steep scramble up to Bac Tor. We stopped and basked in the autumn sunshine for a coffee break. The sun seemed to be lifting the mood and everyone was in good spirits.
From Back Tor we continued another long and gradual climb to Lose Hill and continued a steep descent from here down across meadow and a few muddy paths where we passed some highland cows.
We encountered some steeple chase runners passing us on their way UP Lose Hill!! (The mind boggles)
We cut over the train tracks and arrived in good time in Hope where we Hi-jacked our usual pub. Campbell had also managed to sign up a new member that joined us for the rest of the walk. The landlady kindly gave us permission to have our lunch in the pub gardens while we had a cool well earned drink. The wasps were unwelcome guests and after a lunch we headed off South on the road beside the church. We took a right turn onto the public foot path where we followed the water back through fields with views of the remains of Peveril Castle on our route back into Castleton. It seems we picked a busy day as the 21 mile Steeple chase began and ended from Castleton square.
We arrived back in time to see some of the runners crossing the finishing line with a brass band playing and plenty of Bradwell Ice cream on the menu. We took a short break to take in the atmosphere and rest our legs. Because of the lovely day and making good time we continued our walk through rocky Cave Dale with a steady stream of water running over the rocks.
This was our final climb back up through the limestone way where we stopped again and sat in the sun for a chat and a few laughs before turning right heading towards Rowter farm and over Windy Knoll back to the cars.
We all had a lovely day out and the weather was nothing short of perfect for a lovely day out with plenty of laughs along the way!
Joanna Winterbottom
