JOHN MERRILL'S HAPPY HIKER CHALLENGE WALK =- 26 MILES 2,600 ft of ascent.. White Peak Challenge Walk No. 2.

ABOUT THE WALK MY STORY -

Twenty years ago I wrote my first 25 mile, day challenge walk, which
explored the White Peak avea of the Peak District National Park. Since then thousand's of people have followed im my footsteps, often combining the walk while raising money for charity. Over the years i have written forty day challenge walks. Lurking in my mind was the quiet side of the white Peak and two years ago i finally sketched my idea on paper. There it remained on my pile of walks to do and write about. Two years Later, almost to the day, i blew the “dust” off the plaw and set off on a delightful summy warm September day and pieced it together.

The Peak District is a unique and remarkable walking wonderland,
which still creates awe and humbleness at its beauty and diversity.
Amazingly, i saw only one person out walking, ascending towards
me from the River Dove, near Pilsbury. Much to my astonishment as
we approached each other, he said, “Hello, Mr Merrill’! We both commented on the quietness of the area. And here Lies the beauty of this walk - a wonderful exploration of the white Peak, passing through several “Legendary” villages rich in folklore and history. the views are extensive and from Longnor, the halfway point, the route is “remote” before descending to the incomparable Lathkill Dale and people!

The walk is one to be enjoyed and is a full day's walk with much to
explore and see on route. Alterwatively, as Lowgnor is the mid point
with inns, shop and bed and breakfast, an ideal stopping place for
making it a weeRend walk.

The River Dove is Derbyshire’s western boundary and as you cross the river you Leave the limestone walls behind and enter the gritstone country, briefly. Having traversed the Limestone plateau, on your return, past remnants of lead mines, you return to a majestic dale and Lead mining. But there is a sting iw the tail, for although you ascend some 2,600 feet (8OOm) on the way, the final 1/4 mile is a steep ascent back to Over Haddon......... it ts supposed be a challenge! Whichever way you do it, I hope You experience perfect weather like me, and enjoy walking in my footsteps around the Happy Hiker Challenge walk.

Happy walking! John N. Merrill

A5 Walk Guide, placed in a plastic wrap around cover and signed by John Merrill.

Succesful walkers can obtain a special embroidered cloth badge and signed certificate from John Merrill.

All names added to my Walkers Rollon Honour page.