David and Jacinta's Walks- 2023

Meall Clachach from Killin   Having arrived on Sunday afternoon, we decided to do a walk from the door of our Airbnb on Monday and chose an obvious one from the Cicerone guide that Rachel had given us at Christmas. David, as ever, was on the lookout for a potential bakery and there was the rather delipidated "Wee Bake Shop" opposite our base up for sale. The Wee Bake Shop Putting the temptation to call the mobile number displayed in the window, we walked down to the start of the walk- flat, and along the shore of Loch Tay. Many of the trees along the shore had rather exposed roots, suggesting that the level of the loch varied quite a bit. Lochside trees, exposed roots We made our way up to the cemetery of Killin and walked up to the Moirlanich Longhouse- an historic dwelling, which was an ideal spot to sit and have a snick of David's pretzel blondies before the steep climb that awaited us. Jacinta at the Moirlanich Longhouse The path up the hillside zigzagged fairly steep...

Marsden, March Hill and Pule Hill- David and Paul As Paul was back from New Zealand and had lent his car to Laura, we met at Marsen (for the convenience of rail travel) to start our training for September's trip. It was easiest to do a walk that we both knew well, and set out along the canal towards Standedge Tunnel and beyond. At Hay Green we took the somewhat neglected path up to Lower Green (up to Lower Green? Yes!), passing a new gate that had replaced a rather frail stile that Jacinta and I had passed back in March, just over a month ago. New gate on the way up to Lower Green We passed a number of workmen on the March Haigh Reservoir dam- they were wiring up several sensors which should be able to provide 3-D images of the dam and any movements. Up on Standedge we had our lunch and took in the view of the Castleshaw Reservoirs before descending to the foot of Pule Hill. Castleshaw Reservoirs and a clear if chilly view The ascent of Pule Hill (flattened perspective!) The ridge ...

Gradbach and Roach End   A sunny day, and we decided to go to Gradbach and do a part of a longer walk taking in Danebridge and Roach End. We hoped to see the bluebells promised in the new book of walks. We had a quick coffee at Gradbach Mill (after taking heed of the frost warning) and followed the path towards Danebridge. Warning of frost on the way to Gradbach Mill! Sights of interest included a redundant stile, and the best ever What3Words for a defibrillator. Redundant Stile Defibrillator Location The lambing season had started in earnest and the first that we met were at the top of the steep ascent from Danebridge towards Hanging Stone Farm. First lambs of the season We passed a couple of granny sheep looking after a full nursery of lambs before reaching the farm. Grannies and their charges We passed the Hanging Stone and turned up to the ridge at the far north end of The Roaches, where we stopped for lunch. On the pleasant ridge path to Roach End we had a clear view of Shutli...

The Edge and Snake Path The weather improved on Saturday so we set out to do a walk which had not featured last year. When we arrived at the layby on the Snake Pass it was already nearly full. The first section of the walk has changed due to the immense forest clearing that has taken place, but we wove our way, sometimes a little precariously, down to the river crossing and on up past the pools which in the summer are very popular. Fairbrook Naze from the Fair Brook ascent   It is always a good walk up to the top and to the Kinder plateau and we had the place almost to ourselves. Above Fair Brook, north-east Kinder plateau background right Nearing top of Fair Brook Most of the ascent done- steep section hidden by perspective At the top of Fair Brook, the longish walk around to the large cairn on the Pennine Way (via Fairbrook Naze) was fine and again one has the impression that fewer people come to this part than elsewhere on Kinder. Fairbrook Naze with Snake Pass in middle distanc...

Shining Tor and Errwood- Again! When it's damp and uninviting, and you are meeting Ann and Julian for a walk, at least starting from the Pym Chair car park is a reasonable idea. Hats off to Ann who spurred us into action- at least two people would have agreed just to go for a coffee! We walked up to Shining Tor, where we had a quick snack and a drink in a break from the rain and drizzle. Surveying for rain, and a dryish spot to sit We then went down and around Errwood, taking a slightly new route, including another break for lunch, sitting on a broken-down wall. The weather remained damp all the way around but at least we were out and about and gaining a little fresh air. We were all rewarded with a nice cuppa and a slice of lemon cake back at BOF. 6.7 miles, 380m ascent.

Moscar, Stanage Edge and Bamford Edge This was the first walk (Walk 10) chosen from "Day Walks in the Peak District" as recommended to us by friends. Easter Sunday was forecast to be dry and somewhat sunny so we went off to Stanage; being a Bank Holiday weekend, most of the parking spots were full, or nearly so but we were able to park at our usual spot at Moscar Lodge and started the route at Point 8 in the book. We worked our way up to Stanage End in the heavy mist and early morning chill. At High Neb the mist and we were able to go down to the Hollin Bank car park in the clear. Stanage- after the mist cleared At the car park we grabbed a welcome cup of coffee from the Peaky Grinders horsebox and continued with the rest of the route. A nice cup of coffee (and a crafty Kitkat) The next section (first in the guidebook) was across fields and woods, and led us pleasantly away from the edge and towards Bamford Road. Start of the way across open fields and away from Stanage Elega...

White Edge, Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge We had a nice, but slightly delayed, meet with friends at their fantastic rental in the western peak. We suggested a variation on a walk that we'd done a number of times- walking along White Edge and following the edge, past (another) Hurkling Stone , the first that we knew of being on the Back Tor walk  and then down to Curbar Gap. Unfortunately, the Citroën coffee van wasn't there but we made the most of the views while we had lunch at the bench just south of the Curbar Gap road. Our return was along the tops of Curbar and Froggatt Edges, with a drink at The Grouse Inn along the way. The top of Froggatt Pinnacle (?) It was great to catch up with our friends and to enjoy a walk of just over 7 miles with 350m ascent.

Holmfirth, Upperthong and Lots of Reservoirs  After consulting Mike Dale's "Adventures in the Northern Peak", we decided to go to Holmfirth to do something different and, at 10.5 miles, we chose what seemed to be a reasonable walk in a new area. After a lovely coffee at the Holme Coffee House and a trip to the Co-Op for provisions, we started on Stage 1 of the walk. Essential rations... when in Yorkshire Stage 1 went from Holmfirth to Bilberry Reservoir, starting from the main road and going up the (very steep!) side of Victoria Park. There was a fair amount of twisting and turning down lanes and footpaths on this leg, including a walk though Upperthong. Door to waterworks in Thongsbridge The houses were interesting and the views were good- there was a constantly changing perspective on the Holme Moss Transmitter, familiar from Black Hill walks. We got to the Digley Reservoir and had lunch in a good spot above the reservoir. Outflow from Digley Reservoir After lunch, th...