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It's a beautiful day to be in the Peak District. Beautiful blue skies and sunshine. It's a walk I was hoping to do a few weeks ago with the Moulton Men's Group. Unfortunately I had to pull out due to the Knee op and the Kidney Stone issue. The knee was still in recovery mode and the Kidney stent had been unceremoniously 'ripped out' the day before. So today is something of a recovery mission. A bit of a test if you like, just to see how things pan out. Just the two of us today , well three really as I mustn't forget 'Archie' the dog. He's 14 now and shows no signs of slowing down. Just a bit deaf but otherwise 'as fit as a Butcher's Dog'. Not that 'Biff,' his owner is a Butcher, he's a Surveyor of some kind. We are just one of many cars and Camper vans parked up on the road to Castleton. We could have parked in the shadow of 'Mam Tor' but opted for a stretch on the 'flat' before starting the ascent 'cold', so to speak.Over the hill in front of us there are around 9 Para-gliders circling the thermals on the hill in front of us. The sharp eyed of you might just spot them on the photo above perhaps?
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| 'Mam Tor' |
Mam Tor, meaning ‘Mother Hill’, is a 517 metre high hill near Castleton in the High Peak area of Derbyshire. It is one of the most famous walks in the Peak District, this is confirmed by the vast amount of people heading up it! Mam Tor is also referred to as the ‘Shivering Mountain’ because of its propensity for landslips caused by unstable lower levels of shale. You get a good view of the road that is now completely closed off due to a land slip. In 1979 the A625(Sheffield to Chapel En Le Frith)was finally closed off.
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| Losehill Pike in the distance |
The Geology of the area makes it a haven for Walkers, Climbers and Cavers. Nearby are Treak Cliff Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern. Just about the only places to find the famous 'Blue John' Gemstone. A semi precious mineral and form of fluorite. I would actually call it 'Purple' but they seem to prefer to go with 'Blue'.
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Yay! We finally make it to the top of 'Mam Tor,' and of course I have to have the obligatory photo sprawled over the Toposcope. If I looked pretty knackered in the photo, It's because I am! It has been a tough Old climb, especially for someone who has recently been told his kneecaps have worn out. In my head I've got the Tom Petty song 'Learning to Fly' going round and round. Particularly the line that goes 'Coming down is the hardest thing'. Despite the struggle, and all the people it has been awesome. At times it has felt almost like a pilgrimage. Something quite ethereal about the whole experience. As you might expect the views are pretty special too. Looking North you can see the Edale Valley to Kinder Scout and Derwent Moors.
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| Arthur wept, seeing no more worlds to conquer |
Continuing along 'The Ridge' we pass the Brockett Booth Plantation before reaching Losehill or 'Wards Piece'. Coming in at 476 metres it is much smaller than Mam Tor. It is known as an 'Ethel' one of 95 in the Peak District. (over 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level but including various lower hills). I was right too, it was very hard on the knees coming down. At least I remembered the knee supports which helped. It is pretty much all downhill now, all the way back to Castleton in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Despite being a hugely popular tourist spot, Castleton retains it's classic charm. We enjoy a short stop off at one of the many pubs in the area. I've certainly lost my Beer drinking mojo of late , a pint of Shandy goes down well though. We follow the road out of Castleton back to the starting point. It really has been an uplifting walk. I'm really pleased to have done it with little discomfort.
I suppose it had felt as though I had something to prove to myself a few weeks ago. There was a lot of disappointment at having to cancel the original walk. That feeling seemed to disapear though on the day. I was able to be fully present, 'In the moment' you might say. The panoramic views really do take your breath away. Not that I had much at times...A real challenge an a pleasure. In total distance of 7.1 miles and 1,544ft elevation. I'm now off to find a cave!
Peak District Caves and Caverns are numerous and renowned for their unique and exceptional underground scenes. We visited the nearby 'Giants Hole' in Castleton. We weren't properly equipped for caving but did have lights and were able to stand up for the most part. My walking partner is a very experienced Caver and said it would be fine. We followed the stream that flows into the entrance through the cave for about 50 metres or so. It then started to get a bit cramped, and a little uncomfortable. It felt OK though and I was pleased to test my fear of confined spaces. Maybe something that I will do more of in the future perhaps?
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