2018 Winter Walking Weekends in the Peak District

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

I'll be happy to organise other weekends if there is a demand for them.

  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.