On a sunny Sunday morning 11 of us joined our eager co-leaders Gill and Paula at the car park below Mam Tor. Ascending the paved pathway up to the trig point on Mam Tor we paused for breathe and a quick photo opportunity. With splendid views of the vale of Edale and the impressive bulk of Kinder Scout to our left we hiked along the undulating ridge via Hollins Cross and Back Tor. After a break for refreshments we finally ascended Lose Hill, dodging the centipede of fell runners coming in the opposite direction.
As
the weather was so beautiful, and our progress swift, it was decided to
extend the hike by a mile and a half to descend into Hope where the
kindly landlord of the Woodroffe Arms allowed us to eat our lunches in
the sun on his picnic tables whilst sampling his Greene King IPA etc.
After a leisurely lunch we picked up the lovely and tranquil riverside
path to Castleton passing through the town before following the
signposts to Cave Dale, which proved to be quite busy. Emerging from the
enclosed dale we proceeded over field paths and tracks reaching the
road and our cars just before 4pm.
I'm
sure I speak for those attending when I pass on our thanks to Gill and
Paula for a splendid sunny day's hike out on the Great Ridge and in Cave
Dale.
