A party of 15 and 2 dogs alighted from the train at Whaley Bridge station and immediately made for the very small passenger shelter in order to don waterproofs. We made our way out of Whaley towards Toddbrook Reservoir and to the tiny hamlet of Taxal. A walk beside the River Goyt followed, to the wall of Fernilee Reservoir where the party was momentarily distracted by several cars of various shapes and sizes awaiting the start of a local hill climb. The rain abated as we made our way alongside the reservoir and when we reached the wall of Errwood Reservoir the sun was shining. Here we stopped for a late coffee/first lunch and were joined by Elen and Scout, who preferring a more energetic start to the walk, had caught a train an hour later than the main party. A gradual climb followed until we reached the old railway line which contoured round the hillside affording good views of the Goyt Valley. A second lunch was taken in the shelter of a wall, before our last climb to Beet Wood. With Buxton spread out below us all that remained was a gradual descent across a waterlogged golf course and a stroll through Serpentine Gardens to the official start/finish of the PDBW in the old market square. As the heavens opened once again we posed for a photograph on the ancient cross. Several members decided to head for home a this point whilst the rest, joined by Charles, enjoyed a meal in the King’s Head.
Thanks to all who came.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported this challenge during the summer, either on foot or by providing transport. The first Stage was walked on the 7th June, and collectively 115 people and 3 dogs have taken part since then. 32 individuals have walked the various Stages, covered 190 miles and climbed 24,903 feet, which is only 4125ft less than the height of Everest! Thanks again to all.
Sean.
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