THE PEAK DISTRICT - THREE COUNTIES CHALLENGE WALK - 28 MILES, 4,800 FT. OF ASCENT

ABOUT THE WALK & MY STORY -

I kept putting it off, but I don’t really know why - perhaps I was afraid to break the spell - but the walk was around my favourite area of the Peak District. I had had the idea in mind for several years but kept putting it aside. Then one day, I decided to do it at the weekend - the first day of “summer time”! That was a joke, it was cold and cloudy, but thankfully it never rained.

The plan was simple, to start from Tittesworth Reservoir and ascend
the hills along the western side of the Peak District. And, to return via
one of the highest inns and highest village in Britain. I was walking
before 9.0 a.m. - no one about and I saw no other walker for three
hours, until Shutlingsloe with a party of thirty on top! I pressed on to
Tegg’s Nose and to Lamaload Reservoir. I knew I was over half way but time was marching on and seven hours out I ascended Shining Tor. Now its downhill I thought! Onto the Cat & Fiddle and the descent to Three Shire Heads. Then it was ascending to Flash before the final
miles back to the reservoir. With three bars of chocolate and a banana eaten all day. I entered the reservoir car park as dusk was approaching - 10 1/2 hours of non stop walking.

I leant against the car happy and exhilarated. I don’t know why I waited so long to do it - its fantastic - one of my most rewarding days in the Peak for many a year. Although I knew the whole route from different walks I had never done it as a whole. I can only hope that you experience such a day on your circuit through the finest hills of the Peak District, that straddle the three counties of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire; I know you are in for a truly exceptional day......

Happy walking!
John N, Merrill

A5 Guide book, placed in a plasic wrap around cover and signed by John Merrill.

Special embroidered cloth badge and signed certifcate from John Merrill for succesful walkers.

All names added to Walkers Roll of Honour page.