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Published: June 16th 2006
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Finding the Edale YHA was indeed a challenge. From the train station, thru the small town, crossing the fields (avoiding sheep dung) and taking in the sight, all around me was beauty...except I have been walking for the past 40 minutes looking for my accomodation! And having a spoilt compass and no map didnt help...only the general sense of direction kept me walking and believing.
Luckily the hostel didnt disappoint too much, except for the terrible location, the staff, food and lodging was great! Armed with a map (and a spolit compass), I set off to explore the mountains at 3 pm. Although called "The Peak District", there wasnt much of pointed mountain tops, compared to Lake District. The name "Peak" actually comes from the early inhabitants of the place.
Had a good walk in the hills when it started to drizzle, the thought of losing my way in an unknown territiry and walking alone for the past 2 hrs prompted me to quickly head south for the main road. Luckily the rain didnt get heavier...walked along the main road to reach back to the small village of Edale, where I had a superb dinner at The Old Nag's
Head, ordering the Old Nag's special, which was chunks of delicious tender lambs stew in Yorkshire Pudding, fresh from the farms next door? Thats wat happens to Mah-Mahs that stare at me! Chit chat with these two Australians, Brad and Claire, who turn out to be guides from Tasmania! Cool! Watch the France vs Switz match too...
Anw my room had these 4 brits, who are in their seventies already, and still walking strong. In fact, for most part of my walk for the next 2 days, most of the people I met are retirees or semi retirees, well over their sixties, and still going strong and confident. Really inspired by them. One of them told me his friend had this knee replacement op and another had hip replacement...ouch...for the love of walking huh!
The second day, I decided to tackle The Edale Skyline, which is an 8 hr, 20 km walk, on ridges, crossing open moors and farmland. The starting part was the most tiring...i decided to whack all the way to the top of the hills behind my hostel to get to the path as I was pretty far from the start...shack. Like they say, going
up your lungs collapses and coming down your knees turns to jelly. The slope was close to 45-60 degrees for some part, no walking paths what so ever...think the sheeps must be thinking what the heck i was tryin to do! I was totally exhuasted by the time I reached the ridges. Luckily the view of Edale was marvellous from the top, whcih made the starting worthwhile.
Walked for a good 3 hrs alone, till I saw another lone ranger, who was gg to cross the wide Edale Moor, which can get real nasty in bad weather and poor visibility, and one can easily lose their way if they dont have a good compass and map (that leaves me out totally). The marshes along the way didnt help too.
Began to rain when I reached the second quarter of my walk along Hollins Cross and Lose Hill. The view was supposed to be fantastic if the weather was good =(. Was losing too much time taking photos and orientating myself for the first part, and hence I had to hasten my pace. For the third quarter, from Win Hill to Hope Cross, I was in the good company
of a couple from Nottingham, who were doing a recce for their walking club. Was really nice talkin to them. Made it back to the hostel for dinner, and the chicken pie was fantastic! Guess I was really too hungry after a hard day's walk, with the elements full force on me. Germany scored in the 91st min against Poland...finally!
Third and last day, decided to take a slow walk up to Hollins Cross again, and this time the view did not disapoint. The town of Castleton and Hope was clearly visible, fantastic view! Conquered the famous Mam Tor, and there was some peope paragliding. Had a good view of the White Peak Area, which I hope to tackle the next time round, as well as go cave exploring! (And thanks Mark for your offer and recommendations!)
Walked back to the train station with this couple who were absolutely entertaining, had a good laugh and walk with them! Was a good hr before my train arrives, decided to go into a pub, The Rambler, to have a drink while waiting and watching soccer. Guess I was too tired, woke up to find myself 15 minutes to get to
the train station!
So here I am, back from the Peak, with loads of photos and a pair of tired knees...Next stop, to Sicily on Monday!
Cheers!
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