JOHN MERRILL'S DARK PEAK CHALLENGE WALK - 24 MILES, 3,300 FT OF ASCENT.
ABOUT THE WALK & MY STORY -
Many people who have walked some of my other day challenge walks
frequently asked for another in the Peak District. I had already been
thinking along these lines, for the other one is basically a "White Peak" challenge. The Dark Peak offers numerous permutations and for the last year I have pooling my thoughts as to a route. At first I wanted to do Kinder and Bleaklow but in reality the routes were too long and not really safe for the less experienced in bad weather. In the end I decided upon Hathersage as the start and finish, for it has all amenities including a Youth Hostel and campsite nearby.
With the start finalised I toyed with several route options before
finalising this route. Unlike my other walks I decided to do it anti-
clockwise, and for me I saw many of my favourite places from the other side, creating a walk which abounds in wide views all the way. I
finalised the route on paper by Christmas but because ofso many other books to complete it was five months before I could do my inaugural walk; and what a day I chose—mid May and continuous sun all day. I ended up very sunburnt and with two large blisters from my new boots, but a walk I will remember with great affection for years to come.
I left Hathersage car park at 9.30 a.m. and adopted a steady pace as
I began the climb via North Lees Hall to the top of Stanage Edge.
Incredibly there were few about and all day I saw hardly anyone—they didn't know what they were missing. My route took me over High Neb and down to Moscar. Here followed the next gentle but long ascent along the incomparable Derwent Edge past the Salt Cellar to Back Tor. Next came a long descent which in its latter stages is quite steep to the aptly named Walker's Clough and Derwent Reservoir. As I walked along Derwent Edge I could see the summit pinnacle of Win Hill, knowing this was my last peak of the day. To get there involved a short ascent and descent via Lockerbrook to the River Ashop. Here the final ascent began, steep at first but from Hope Cross more gentle as I walked the spine of Win Hill to its rocky crest. Standing on the summit the view took in the whole of the route. Footsore I descended to Thornhill and on past the incredibly attractive Bamford Mill into Bamford and the first shops and pubs on the walk! The final three miles were across the fields ascending and descending back to Hathersage.
I was sorry it was over—a fantastic walk with breathtaking views all the way. I can only hope that on your walk you en joy such fine weather and see the beauty of this area at its best. Have a good walk and let me know how you get on.
Happy walking! John N, Merrill
More than 38,000 walkers have completed the route!
A5, Placed is a wrap around plastic cover and skigned be John Merrill
Successful walkers can obrtain a special embroidered badge and signed certificate from John Merrill.
All walkers added to Walkers Roll of Honour page.