Winter Walking Weekend - March 24/25th 2018

This late winter weather in the Peak District has been a mix of cold snaps with snow and generally wet and gloomy intervals between. Saturday on the March Winter Walking Weekend threatened rain, but started off fairly spring-like. We took the train to Edale for a walk up on Kinder Scout. Our path followed the Pennine Way over the low southern shoulder of Grindslow Knoll.

The gentle rise out of Edale

Cresting the rise heading for the distant objective of the Swine's Back on the horizon

We were making for Jacob's Ladder but by the time we reached the top of the packhorse trail it had closed in and we took out our waterproofs.

Leaving Kinder Rocks on the slabby plateau path

Fortunately it wasn't windy so we weren't being battered as we climbed up to Kinder Rocks where we sheltered under the rocky overhangs for a British picnic. From here we turned eastwards to follow the plateau edge to the Woolpacks, an area of curiously sculptural gritstone rocks; natural sculptures standing out from the peat.

In the labyrinth of the Woolpacks

On the edge at Crowden Head

After this we left the main path to experience the plateau properly and were lucky enough to startle an arctic hare, still in its white winter coat. We tracked it for a while and were rewarded with further sightings as it scampered over the hags and groughs of this very special landscape.

Heading for Grindslow Knoll

Descending to Edale

We rejoined the path above Grindsbrook then contoured round to Grindslow Knoll before dropping back to Edale for the train.

Rare have been the days of early springtime but we got lucky on the Sunday. From Bamford station I committed my poor group to the vicious ascent northwards out of the village to reach Bamford Edge, with its lovely views across to Win Hill and the upper Castleton valley.

Passing an old quarry in the way to Bamford Edge

Above the Castleton valley with the distant Mam Tor 

 In sunshine we followed the edge, taking in more fabulous views over Ladybower Reservoir.

Walking Bamford Edge - view over Win Hill

Ladybower Reservoir from Bamford Edge

 The path from here circles towards the east. After crossing the deep Jarvis Clough we walked up to the bronze age Hordron Edge stone circle where we picnicked in nicer conditions than yesterday!

In Jarvis Clough

Spring Grouse

After this we headed up to Stanage Edge which we followed southwards past Crow Chin. We were joined by a grouse which wandered, clucking and chuntering at our feet. At this time of year they can be incredibly tame.

Descending through woods

The meadows leading to Hathersage

 Our weekend was ended with a stroll down the hill from Dennis Knoll to reach Hathersage.