Friday December 29th

 Castleton and Mam Tor

At this time of year it's all about seizing the opportunity and the weather window, if they appear. We went to Castleton, had a coffee at the visitor centre  and then walked up past the three Blue John mines- Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and the Blue John Cavern. Then it was up onto the moorlands leading up to Mam Nick. It was cold and quite windy, but nice to be out- although a Saturday during the Christmas Holidays meant crowds, especially as we neared Mam Tor. We always feel that it's great to see so many people out, enjoying the Peak District and we know that, in a week or so, we will have the place (almost) to ourselves. At the top of Mam Tor it was blowing a gale and we didn't hang about. A party of three, which we had initially met at the Treak Cliff Cavern and then a couple of times more, were kind enough to take some pictures of us, with the lovely light illuminating The Peak to the east.

In the chilly wind, descending Mam Tor

We went down to Hollins Cross and then, rather than descend via the old Mam Tor Road, we went down more south-east to the Hollowford Road which led us back to the centre of Castleton- which really is a most picturesque place.

Mam Tor from the path down to Hollowford Road

We had lunch in the car and then home for a lovely hot shower.

No sheep pictures today, but here are some ducks in Castleton instead.

Castleton Ducks

4.6miles with 360m ascent.


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