The Peaks Three Peaks

On Saturday 14th March, we planned to meet at Yorkshire Bridge at the early time of 9am. This may not seem difficult for most people, but is quite a challenge for Henry, who struggles to be on time for anything, especially on a Saturday morning. We arrived at 8.40 (!) to an almost empty car park and lots of drizzle. First to arrive was Gill with Forest, the most energetic of the lot; our furry team mascot. Next to arrive was our newest recruits - James and Karen. Once we had all arrived, the ten-strong team mentally prepared ourselves for the day's walk - the most ambitious length walk yet.









The walk began with a gentle stroll down to the river before we crossed over onto the side of Win Hill. Quickly, we were reminded of how steep the ascent up the side of Win Hill was - conversations ceased and were replaced by desperate gasps for air. Inspired by the thought of fantastic views over the valley once we reached the top, we plodded on up, everything looking a little different to when we walked up in the dark. Approaching the top, we realised that the cloud was so low that we wouldn't be rewarded with stunning views of the Castleton cement factory. With no real reason to hang around at the top, we took a couple of photos and pressed on along the ridge towards Crookstone Barn. When we arrived at Crookstone Barn, Henry gave us his obligatory 'local facts talk'. Crookstone Barn is a small activity venue which is run by a charity that specialises in bringing children over from Chernobyl to extend and enrich their lives.

Dropping down into the valley, we crossed the river Ashop and A57. Before we continued up the hill, we had our first stop where Joe applied much needed Compeed and Vaseline to his sore feet. We marched on up the steep road (more like a track), up to Lockerbrook Outdoor Activity Centre where Henry delivered his second 'interesting' fact: "This activity centre is run by the Woodcraft Folk. A youth organisation set up by some hippie Scouts." As we reached the top, the cloud lifted and everyone stopped to take photos to share with friends to try and convince them that this walking malarky is actually good fun! We descended what Leanne believed to be a track, following her ever-so convincing encouragement that this would lead the way to our lunch spot at Fairholmes. Fortunately, she was correct! We stopped for lunch (round one) before carrying on towards the stunning, yet terrifying Derwent Dam.


Next was the final Peak in our Peaks Three Peak challenge; Back Tor. Henry admitted that he didn't have a map and wasn't entirely sure where the correct path was as we headed up the hill. We knew the general direction and took a path that went up and up. It was at this point that stopped for a second time for Joe to check on his feet. The pain had now reached an unbearable level, leaving him with just one choice: walk without boots. We yomped across reeds, heather and bog - the route was a little more rugged than anticipated as Henry had lead us 'off piste' once again. However, our main focus was Joe stomping barefoot across spiky heather and squelchy bog. Upon reaching the top of Derwent Edge, we enjoyed the well-deserved stunning views over Derwent and Lady Bower. Stopping at Back Tor allowed us a moment to re-fuel with a second lunch and the time came for Joe to put his boots back on. Wincing, he stood up and on we went.
"We need to move quickly!" he said with a grimace, "as my feet are still numb from the cold." We followed his recommendation and, with thoughts of a cold beer in our heads, we powered on. Pausing for some photos along the amazing Derwent Edge, we made it to the final path junction. With one final guess, we headed off on a path in the general direction of the pub. After descending down a very steep track, we reached the Lady Bower Inn and the home straight.

The home straight was probably the toughest mile of the day's thirteen; a long plod along the pavement running adjacent to the busy valley road. As our muscles began to tighten, we reached our destination; Yorkshire Bridge Inn. In our tired state, we reflected on the distance we had covered - an admirable distance, but still only half of what will be covered in two weeks' time when we take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks. I guess Joe is going to need a better pair of boots...


Three tips:
1) Always take a map
2) Stop and take in the surroundings
3) Get your boots worn in (before a hike that lasts longer than an hour)