Walk: 10am to 2pm, 8.8 miles and 1200ft of ascent
Well the first thing to comment on was the fact that it was flipping freezing when we started the walk. We'd all checked the weather for the day to ensure that it wasn't going to be foul, but none of us had checked the temperature forecast and as we left the car we were really cold, my hands felt like they were going to drop off. That said, it's no surprise as the car was showing 3c as we left it!
Anyway, off we went and to be honest within about 15-20 minutes of relatively brisk walking we were ok. We had crossed the dam and then headed north-west along the edge of Ladybower Reservoir, the southern one that is, and we'd walked 3.7 miles before we really hit any ascent. Yes there had been some slight inclines but nothing to write home about.
However, the walk up to the old Roman Road near Hope Cross was a challenge, the path was very rocky, plus you spent half of your time getting out of the way of mountain bikers; yes this area is very popular with those on two wheels. What does wind me up a little though is that the walker is always expected to move aside for the biker; yes it's easier for us to adjust our path but I never like someone to just 'assume' that they have the right of way.
So, after a brief drink stop (needed after that constant climb) we picked up the main path past Wooler Knoll, along Hope Brink and and to Thornhill Brink where we set ourselves down for a short while to have some lunch. The area was quite busy to say the least, lots of groups of teenagers doing their Duke of Edinburgh, and at the other end of the scale plenty of walking clubs made up of those who might not have a job to get up for in the morning should we say. Pensioners of course, not those on benefits...doh.
After enjoying the views from the summit of Win Hill it was downhill all the way (well what else would it be?) and the relatively short walk back to the car. The weather had been very nice so having around 90 minutes to pass before we needed to head back, we ventured down into Bamford to the Yorkshire Bridge pub for some well earned refreshments. Not a bad few hours if I many say so....
Well the first thing to comment on was the fact that it was flipping freezing when we started the walk. We'd all checked the weather for the day to ensure that it wasn't going to be foul, but none of us had checked the temperature forecast and as we left the car we were really cold, my hands felt like they were going to drop off. That said, it's no surprise as the car was showing 3c as we left it!
Anyway, off we went and to be honest within about 15-20 minutes of relatively brisk walking we were ok. We had crossed the dam and then headed north-west along the edge of Ladybower Reservoir, the southern one that is, and we'd walked 3.7 miles before we really hit any ascent. Yes there had been some slight inclines but nothing to write home about.
However, the walk up to the old Roman Road near Hope Cross was a challenge, the path was very rocky, plus you spent half of your time getting out of the way of mountain bikers; yes this area is very popular with those on two wheels. What does wind me up a little though is that the walker is always expected to move aside for the biker; yes it's easier for us to adjust our path but I never like someone to just 'assume' that they have the right of way.
So, after a brief drink stop (needed after that constant climb) we picked up the main path past Wooler Knoll, along Hope Brink and and to Thornhill Brink where we set ourselves down for a short while to have some lunch. The area was quite busy to say the least, lots of groups of teenagers doing their Duke of Edinburgh, and at the other end of the scale plenty of walking clubs made up of those who might not have a job to get up for in the morning should we say. Pensioners of course, not those on benefits...doh.
After enjoying the views from the summit of Win Hill it was downhill all the way (well what else would it be?) and the relatively short walk back to the car. The weather had been very nice so having around 90 minutes to pass before we needed to head back, we ventured down into Bamford to the Yorkshire Bridge pub for some well earned refreshments. Not a bad few hours if I many say so....
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