The early start and forecast of rain for the afternoon didn’t put off thirteen members and a dog from meeting up at Bowden Bridge. All seemed to be straining at the leash as we setting off at a brisk pace for the heights of Kinder. The climb up past the reservoir took the group to William Clough which contained a babbling brook to walk by and blooming purple heather decorating both sides of the path. With 1345 feet ascended and some wild but dry moorland crossed the group stopped for elevenses at the twin trig points of The Edge (one collapsed and was replaced). Ali used her tried and tested technique to leap up and sit on top of the upright trig which itself stands about a metre above ground level – another one ticked off.
The next stop was Kinder Downfall where some of the group scrambled down to investigate the whereabouts of a cave. The River Kinder which flows over the downfall to give the Peak Districts longest waterfall was best described as a trickle. Lunch was taken at Kinder Low before the descent past Edale Cross (made from local gritstone and is believed to be medieval in date and was probably erected by the Cistercian monks of Basingwerk Abbey at the southern boundary of land which they received from Henry II in 1157 – something to add to your general knowledge!).
A right turn shortly after the cross took the party over paths and fields, with far reaching views over surrounding hills and valleys and on to Manchester. Then it was back to the start with a few teasing drops of rain falling just as we got back to the cars.
All in all a great days walking with the additional bonus of the weather staying clement. Thanks to all who came along.
Andrew
Fiona’s pics
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