Wednesday September 6th

Fairholmes, Howden Edge, Margery Hill and Slippery Stones

It was the start of the September heatwave and we wanted to take advantage of the lovely weather, so we went across the Snake Pass and up to Fairholmes again. We walked up past the Derwent dam, taking a moment to admire its castellations and the reflection below it, then up to just short of the Howden dam.

Derwent dam with reflections below

There is a steady ascent to Nether Hay. We weren't in a hurry and took the time to look back over the heather-clad slopes above the reservoirs and towards Bleaklow.

Up on Howden Dean, someone had been artistic with the cropping of the heather- making either a serpentine or intestinal pattern.

Artistic cropping?

Approaching the top of Howden Edge.
Lose Hill, Back Tor, Mam Tor and Kinder in the background

We took the path close to the edge of Howden Edge, which provided the maximum atmosphere for the day.

Howden Edge, Margery Hill on the horizon

After Margery Hill we dropped down to Cut Gate and then descended the bridleway to Slippery Stones and thence back beside the Howden res to Fairholmes.

10 miles, 700m ascent, 5¼ hours.


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