JOHN MERRILL'S WHITE PEAK CHALLENGE WALK - 25 MILES

JOHN MERRILL'S ORIGINAL AND FIRST DAY CHALLENGE WALK IN THE PEAK DISTRICT - 25 miles.

Circular walk from Bakewell taking in Monsale Dale, Robin Hood's Stride, Monyash, and the Wye Valley. The cream of the White Peak.

Noe walked by over 40,000 hikers who have raised more than £100.000 for a variety of charities.

Special badge and signed certifiate for successful walkers.

A5. Placed in plastic wrap around cover and signed by author

The start of the Day Challenge Walk series.

The fine traditional market town of Bakewell is the central point of the Peak District, and a logical starting point for a challenge walk in the area. My aim has been to create, along with all the others Day challenge walks that have followed —

|. A circular walk, using footpaths as much as possible.

2. A walk that could be accomplished within a day— 10 hours.

3. A challenge, making the route as rugged as possible, but one
that is within everyone's capability.

4. To combine as much scenic variety and history in the 25 mile
circular route as possible.

Bearing these points in mind, the walk takes you through limestone scenery — plateaux and dales; across gritstone moorland and past rocky outerops; and along river valleys and dales. The paths are in the main well defined. Several of the well-known areas such as Monsal Dale will be seen from different angles providing stunning views. En route are numerous historical sites and ancient monuments. You pass through several villages where there are shops, cafe’s and inns o ‘help you’ on your way!

I first walked the route over three mornings just before Christmas in appalling conditions—wind, cold and rain. As I walked I checked the route, making careful notes. I have since walked it thirty-two times—ugually in eight hours—and can assure you that it is a splendid circuit! 

By the end of 2020 more than 42,500 people have completed the walk in an average time of IO hours. The longest on record is 16 hours, and the fastest — running—is 4 hours 14 minutes; this was their third attempt! Many have used the walk fo raise money for charity, and so far approximately £185,000 has been raised for various charities.

The challange originated in 1980 as a challenge walk from my "Trailblazer" outdoor shop in Bakewell. All that remains for me to say is - have a good walk.let me know how you get on, and may the sun shine all day, and may your feet remain dry and blister free!