Day 49 - Edale to Torside reservoir - 16.2 miles

As if one day of walking with me from Abergavenny to Hay-on-Wye wasn't enough to put her off, Pam decided to join us again for the first day of the Pennine Way. 
As a sign of her commitment she was up at something past five to catch the 0635 train from King's Norton to Birmingham, then to Manchester, then to Edale to join us for the walk. And bring Monty as well. Fantastic! 

The official start of the Pennine Way is at the Nag's Head so first, we found our way there.
Monty already taking an unhealthy interest in my socks!!
On the way, we passed a new building
commemorating The Mass Trespass. In 1932, 400 ramblers marched on Kinder Scout and after tussles with gamekeepers, 6 were arrested and imprisoned for 6 months. Following public outcry, the rights of public to use footpaths were enshrined in law and the Peaks became the first National Park in the UK. Power to the people!!

In gorgeous, early morning sunshine, we 
set off up the hill.
It being a Saturday morning, it was always likely to be popular but I wasn't expecting the number of people.
The first real challenge, Jacob's Ladder.
a pavement of limestone slabs laid in steps which rise steeply towards the ridge
...almost at the top.

From the ridge, with amazing visibility, we could see for miles in every direction.

Pam attempting to scale Edale Rocks  along with gravity defying dog!!
The view from the top of Edale Rocks
Then on to the trig point at 633m

Impressive rock formations all along the ridge.


No sooner had we found a good sheltered spot for our picnic lunch at the top of the intriguingly named Kinder Downfall that we were joined by an inquisitive sheep and her lamb - no doubt learning the ropes.

There was no question, she was after my smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich, salt and vinegar crisps and cherry tomatoes. Clearly, this is a sheep that normally shops in Waitrose!!

Then on across Featherbed Moss to cross the Snake Pass.

and up Devil's Dyke 
where Pam spotted some pond skaters 
before we reached Wain stones and I heroically pointed the way forward
to the enraptured audience.

So, what to do when morale starts to drop at the end of the walking day, .....time for the Opal Fruit challenge........trying to guess the flavour of an Opal fruit without seeing the colour of the wrapper.
After four days, my success rate has been a grand zilch. So I was heartened when my expert companions were similarly unsuccessful!!
More training necessary!! Yeeahh!!
Then on we went on the long downhill between Joseph Patch and Sykes Moor

until eventually we come out above Torside and started our long descent
to Torside reservoir where Pam's daughter Natalie and Robin were waiting to give us a lift to our hotel in Glossop and a well deserved supper. 

Monty received the Man of the Match award.
.Total distance walked so far = 639.2 miles
Total ascent so far 76 950 feet

If you'd like to leave a comment, correct me on any detail or just nudge, it'd be great to hear from you. If initially it comes up as Anonymous, please just add your name at the bottom so I can see who it's from.

email: david.LL.thomas@gmail.com
mob: 07850109100

If you'd like to contribute to any or all of the great charities I'm supporting, here are the relevant links.

Parkinsons UK   - My dad had Parkinsons in his latter years and the research work this charity funds and the support it provides to patients and their families is invaluable. - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas215

Just Wheels UK  - this is a small charity set up to provide wheelchairs in a rural community in Tanzania. It does this through funding training, education and the local fabrication and servicing of bespoke wheelchairs. My nephew uses a wheelchair and as he grows I can see the life changing freedoms that proper wheelchairs can bring to both users and their families.- 

- RNLI   - these are the brave guys who selflessly head out to sea to help others. I volunteer at Littlehampton RNLI shop and often meet families of those who’ve had first hand experience of their loved ones being saved from the sea. Having sailed for years I can say thankfully we’ve never had to call on the RNLI's services but it’s amazing what it does to know they are there 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas216

Comments

  1. Anonymous29 May 2022 at 15:30

    Absolutely loved the day with you and Sally - and so did ‘Monty - Man of the Match’! Pam

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous29 May 2022 at 15:34

    … and good to know that in my 2 days walking with you I have done 5% of your total so far. Put that way I’m even more impressed by your stupendous effort!! Pam x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous30 May 2022 at 13:38

    Amazing and Hilarious at times!
    Guess who

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David's 2022 Walk3 June 2022 at 01:24

      Monty!?!?!? I recognise your handwriting. Your pawprints are all over it!!

      Delete
  4. Anonymous10 June 2022 at 22:36

    Hi what an adventure your having. The scenery is amazing. No RNLI up there! Chris 🦶🦶

    ReplyDelete

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