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I slept in a little in the morning waiting for the last of the rain to pass and then set off with the sun finding its way through clouds from time to time to brighten the landscape. And so I set off on the Pennine way, walking up the hill I could see the pass coming down from Mam Tor, where I’d walked late yesterday afternoon.

There was some sun first thing in the morning, which made the walk along the valley from Edale delightful. I had great views back to Edale particularly from the top of Jacob’s ladder. The cloud came over then, but it was still a very enjoyable walk over the top past waterfalls and too many rocky outcrops to count. After an hour or so, distant views of Manchester could be seen in the distance.  Eventually a steep drop-down brought me onto moorland. The last time I was here, I could see about 3 feet as there was a lot of weather about. Today though the sun was struggling, and occasionally managing, to breach the cloud cover. It was  a very pleasant walk.

Walking over the moors was a delight. I crossed miles of flagstones placed there to protect the peat bog with white flowers sprouting everywhere in the heather. There were beautiful views of far away hills in all directions.

Walking up the next big hill, I took a detour to a rocky outcrop, where  I met two guys who I’d chatted with earlier who took my picture. A short while later, I reached the top for more magnificent views of Lancashire and beyond in the sunshine. In fact, I liked Bleaklow so much, having walked half a kilometre down the wrong track I returned to look at the view again. It was still a grand view.

Finding the right path I began the long descent down stony narrow paths. It was very beautiful, but I’d have been better at it if I were a goat. The goat path took me down to Torside Reservoir. I walked over its bridge and before long I was climbing in the hills again. I remembered a fabulous spot to camp. To get there. I climbed three steep rises, the third the longest and the steepest. I was tired by now as there had been nowhere to stop to eat. All I’d eaten was trail mix and my emergency pork pie. At 8 o’clock, I arrived at the spot, by a stream sheltered by two hills , filtered some water and doubled up on food, including a hot chocolate pudding I’d been saving.

I was delighted with the day. The scenery was beautiful. I’d seen a deer and the rain stayed away.

Day Summary

The Pennines begin with a bang. It can’t get any better than this.