David and Jacinta's Walks- 2023

Hayfield, Lantern Pike and Little Hayfield- Jacinta Solo A lovely sunny day after all the rain at the beginning of July- such a change after all the lovely sunshine in June.  I decided to go on a solo hike- a first and chose Lantern Pike as it is close and familiar. After a coffee at the van in the car park, I set off up Lantern Pike. Hayfield from ascent of Lantern Pile It was breezy but warm and the views over towards Kinder were excellent as ever. Summit Direction Indicator I carried on until the 5 way signpost and then made my way back through the bracken to reach the river at Little Hayfield. Descent path to Little Hayfield Ducks at Little Hayfield  It was great to see some of the Hayfield Well Dressing and to read about the work that goes into making these boards. Well Dressing Board at Hayfield I stopped to eat my lunch in the  sun, surrounded by greedy jackdaws who sampled everything on offer, from bagel to grapes. Probably about 6 miles.

  Hayfield and Lantern Pike The forecast wasn't good, so we chose a local "old faithful" walk with plenty of options and (very important) a friendly café- Lantern Pike from Hayfield. The first section, along the Sett Valley Trail, ends at the Sett Valley Cafe where we stopped for a coffee, toasted teacake and peanut butter crunch- all very nice. The next section follows the Pennine Bridleway up towards Lantern Pike but, as the weather seemed to be deteriorating and it was pretty windy, we skirted the exposed summit. We did get a decent view of Kinder, though. Water was flowing down The Downfall, which had been pretty dry the last few times that we'd been up there. Kinder from below Lantern Pike It had been a good walk so we took the shortest route back to Hayfield, crossing the stream by the refurbished mill at Little Hayfield. Crossing the bridge at Little Hayfield Mill Even though it was a relatively modest walk, we were glad to have got out for a walk of 4.3 miles,...