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| Snow squall approaching Mam Tor |
For the second year in succession I will be running some open guided
walking weekends. These weekends will be based in Hathersage in the
Eastern Peak District and will be accessible using rail transport.
Build some hill-walking fitness and discover the beauty and
wildness of the Eastern Peak District in winter - all in the company of some
new friends. It’s wonderful walking: the hills rise above the valley shales to
crests of dramatic bare gritstone. There is a fantastic network of footpaths
woven through the valleys and over the high moors. The views are wide - across
to the whale-back of Kinder Scout in the west and over the limestone White
Peak, southwards.
All the walks are accessible by public transport from
Sheffield.
I've two weekends on offer:- 3rd and 4th March
- 24th and 25th March
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| A sketch map of the relevant area around Hathersage. |
The Weekend – Basics:
On Saturday and Sunday we’ll have walks of about 5 hours
around Hathersage and the Dark Peak. There will be ups and downs, but the
challenge and the pace will be inclusive - group walking, not personal
training. In Winter Walking expect all sorts of fun - mud, puddles, rain, snow,
blustery winds, etc. These things will not deter us. The choice of route will
be made on the day to make the best of the weather conditions. Sunday’s walk will finish around 15:00hrs to
allow people to make rail connections home.
Getting there:
We’ll be based in Hathersage, easily accessible by rail from
Sheffield. The walks are planned to make
the weekend accessible via public transport. Often we take a local bus or rail
trip to the start of our walk.
What you need:
Most importantly you need a pair of boots with good tread to
keep you secure on muddy paths, grass and possibly snow. Wear a waterproof
jacket and warm clothing layers. Waterproof overtrousers are important if the
weather's wet, hat and gloves if it's cold. Trekking poles can help.
Carry a small rucksack with spare clothing and some warm
layers to put on when we stop. I suggest carrying a small flask with a hot
drink and food. We'll stop in cafes or pubs, but sometimes there’s nothing
en-route and it's good to be able to snack in between stops. It’s possible to
buy a packed lunch in Hathersage.
The Nitty-Gritty
Cost:
The cost for guiding is £30 per person for 1 day and £50 for
both days. (I'll do well if I have a big group and less well if only one person
turns up!) This won't include rail travel or a packed lunch. The maximum number
in a group is 16.
Accommodation:
There is a range of accommodation available in Hathersage
and more out of town for those with their own transport. Joe will not book
accommodation for you, but will help with suggestions.
Evening meals:
These are not included. There is a range of pubs and
restaurants in Hathersage. Those staying on Friday night can make their own
arrangements, but Joe will co-ordinate on Saturday and join everyone for the
meal.
