Not Quite Spring in the Peak District

Yesterday Sue and I enjoyed a brief stroll from Upper Burbage Bridge, over Burbage Rocks to Burbage Bridge, returning over some slightly boggy ground on which Higger Tor marks the high point.

Only 6-7 km, in around an hour and a quarter, but a good dose of fresh air after a lengthy visit to ‘Outside’ in Hathersage, and a reminder that winter is not over – there was a cold wind and we could see hail showers, though none got us.

Higger Tor is the high point above Sue’s head (above) and I am pictured there, below.

Mission accomplished:  Sue now has some new boots, Superfeet, and replacement t-shirts, so she won’t be evicted from the GR10 (Pyrenees) party…

Thursday 25 April 2013 - Lantern Pike

The long days of April bring with them the pleasure of enjoying our regular evening walks .... in daylight.

Tonight's 7 km stroll up Lantern Pike from the Pack Horse in Hayfield was certainly a pleasure. The six of us who turned up were blessed with good company, fine views to the sunlit edges of Kinder Scout above Hayfield, and a lovely sunset.

It was warm, but not quite warm enough to sit outside the pub when we got back to Hayfield.

It's an easy route to follow - Sett Valley Trail to join the Pennine Bridleway just beyond Birch Vale, then climb the track until turning left beyond a wall to gain Lantern Pike's summit, where today the inaugural batch of Timperley Crunch Biscuits was scoffed. Continue onwards to rejoin the track that skirts the hill to the east, and follow that almost as far as Blackshaw Farm. Turn sharp right (about 340 degrees) as if in fear of the Blackshaws, and follow the thin paths, above Little Hayfield, all the way back to Hayfield. Allow about 2 hours.

Gayle - you'll notice the old phone lives on. I tried to change it today but the need to 'prepare', and the prospect of a lower tariff in May, meant the attempt stalled.

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Trekking in Greenland - The Arctic Circle Trail, by Paddy Dillon

Sue and I had the pleasure last night of attending a talk/slideshow by Paddy Dillon at Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group’s weekly get together.

The presentation was slick and precise, as must have been his packing in order to get 18 kilos of gear and food into his 50 litre rucksack for the 7-10 day route that comprises the Arctic Circle Trail.

You can get a fair idea of what it’s all about from the Cicerone website, here, and Paddy Dillon’s own website, here.

It’s for seasoned backpackers who are able to carry around 20 kilos or more.  It’ll cost you €600 for the flights between Copenhagen and Greenland, plus the cost of getting to Copenhagen and back from wherever you live.  All you’ll need to buy once you get there is fuel for your stove.

The season is less than three months, from mid to late June, to mid September.  The mosquitoes die down with the first frost in mid August, so the best time for the trip could be late August/early September.

Some people camp, and it may be wise to take a small tent, but most stay in the small red huts that punctuate the 100 mile route.

Paddy will be at a Backpackers Club event in Ulverston this weekend, and I’m sure will be delighted to chat to anyone who has a penchant for this sort of trip…

It was good to meet Paddy.  We’ve used a few of his guide books and wondered what he was like: a consummate professional.