Sunday Walk 3rd June 2018 – report. – Castle Mountaineering Club

A party of five left Edale station under blue skies and followed field paths to Nether Booth. A short stretch of road brought us to the old holloway path, now becoming overgrown, which led us to Clough Farm where we joined the track to Jaggers Clough. At this point the leader was under some pressure to make this the first stop of the day, but ignored the hints, and encouraged the party to make the gradual but very stony ascent to Hope Cross, where we found a wall to lean on in the sun, and watch numerous mountain bikers appear from the direction of Hope Brinks. The views up the Edale Valley and across to the Great Ridge were superb. Refreshed, we followed the grassy track which eventually led to the summit of Win Hill. The obligatory trig point photo on this occasion was not possible, as it was surrounded by a large group of walkers (posing for a photograph of course), so our photo was taken away from the summit, with a backdrop of the reservoirs and the Eastern Edges. Needless to say on a day such as this the views in every direction were stunning.
We descended to our lunch spot, under yet another wall, admiring the views down the Hope Valley, before continuing to Thornhill. We were soon at the garden centre, where, without hesitation, the party turned left into the café for a cuppa. Revived, we then attempted the most challenging part of the walk, crossing the busy main road, before following the riverside path back to Leadmill Bridge. On the way we were entertained by several flotillas of Mallard ducklings, one of which contained a rather unusual white (albino?) chick. Red Breasted Mergansers and Canada Geese were also keeping cool in the shade.
Thanks to Lin, Chris K, Andy and Rosy for their company on a very pleasant walk of 11.5 miles.
Sean.