Been a quiet winter on the trekking front with the move to the south coast. The only outdoor options there are the south downs, B&Q or the beach. Not real wilderness. So despite knee and hip injuries, we headed to the Peak District for a three day trek. Starting off at the usual spot in Hope, we did the first slog up besides Win Hill, with rucksacks fully loaded. From there you head north and follow forest trails above Ladybower reservoir. At 400 metres plus there was still snow and the view out towards Kinder and Bleaklow was quite awesome and feeling more like Scandinavia than UK. The plan was to stay slightly lower and in the forests. There was a lot of passing sleet but the odd glimpse of spring sun.
After heading further north besides Derwent and Howden reservoirs, we found a great camp spot. Just below Ridgewalk Moor and by a river with good tree shelter.
The following morning we carried on a track above the camping spot and then followed a horseshoe round below the moor. We found a couple of shelters, worth remembering for future. Then we arrived back at the reservoirs. Having walked in the rain for a few hours, we were glad to get back to Hagg Side where we pitched. This large forest still had cloud lingering from the rain. There were great views of Lose Hill, the Edale Valley and Woodlands Valley which Snake Road or more simply the A57 follows. As the rain clouds cleared, we also had a sunset.
Just warming up...
