White Peak circuit 1st February-Report

[mike doyle]

Five of us drove out to Earl Sterndale in mist.
“It will soon lift “we thought (according to the met office it had already lifted). But, of course, it didn’t!So we negotiated the muddy trail with no views.
Approaching Parkhouse the dramatic hill was invisible beyond the rising ground at its base.
As planned, we traversed the base to reach the east ridge of Chrome Hill which we ascended by its slippery slope. The summit ridge with slippery limestone pinnacles was traversed with care and we then continued along the muddy trail past Stoop Farm and the grassy descent towards Booth Farm where we climbed to the airy summit of Hollins Hill.
Sitting there with visibility down to a few feet in the stubborn mist we stopped for lunch. Afterwards we continued along the concessionary path on the edge of Hollins Hill. Towards the end of this we at last got some limited views into the valley below, but Chrome Hill and the higher ground remained hidden.
Passing through Hollinsclough we returned through the upper Dove valley to the western base of Parkhouse Hill, which alone amongst the surrounding tops, was now visible. However, after our experience on Chrome Hill we had no appetite to repeat it on Parkhouse Hill with its steeper slopes-so we continued south eastwards to High Wheeldon, which we climbed by its steep south eastern approach.
All that remained then was to return to Earl Sterndale by High Wheeldon’s north eastern approach and the impressive Aldery Cliff. There was a moment of drama, however, when one member of the party slipped and fell while negotiating a rocky obstacle- fortunately without injury.
An odd form of enjoyment, but good to get out and complete the route in a different area of the Peaks with the company of those who came and shared the experience.
One to repeat in the spring or summer in better conditions!
Mike D

[Author]

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