Peak District Hiking – Kinder Scout & Mam Tor

Organiser – Gary Box
Where – Dalehead Bunkhouse, Upper Booth, Edale, Hope Valley S33 7ZJ
When – 31/8/2012 – 2/9/2012
Cost – £52.00 (includes 2 nights accommodation and all guided hikes)

Summary

Our accommodation for this weekend will be Dalehead Bunkhouse, somewhere I have used before and ideally located for a hiking weekend in the Dark Peaks. It sleeps 20 people in three dorms. One dorm has 3 bunk beds, another 4 bunk beds and the final room has 6 single beds which can be pushed together to make 3 double beds if couples prefer. We will need to bring our own sleeping bags or duvet, pillows and towel.

The bunkhouse also has recently refurbished shower blocks, a meeting room / dining room, kitchen, drying room and a cosy lounge with a wood burner.

There will be some car sharing options from London that we will announce nearer the time but since all walks will start from the bunkhouse door you are also welcome to book a train from London if you prefer. Trains from London St Pancras run to Sheffield and then you need to change and catch a train to Edale. We can collect you from Edale station.

The walks planned are two classic Peak District hikes. The first is a 10 mile (16km) walk to the Peak District’s highest point, Kinder Scout. From the bunkhouse the route will closely follow the train track towards Edale before gaining height towards the moorland plateau where we will see some interesting rock formations. Once we have reached the summit of Kinder Scout we will head to Kinder Downfall, the tallest waterfall in the Peak District. In summer months is may not be more than a trickle but after rain it can be really impressive and if the wind conditions are right water can be blown back on itself which is an unusual sight. Our route then heads south on the Pennine Way before we reach Jacob’s Ladder, a relatively steep staircase. From here it’s a short and simple walk back to our accommodation.

The second walk will be the very popular Mam Tor which is often referred to as shivering mountain on account of the loose shale at the lower levels. Again starting from the accommodation door we will head south for a short distance before turning east up Rushup Edge., a ridge that will lead us to Lord’s Seat (546m). Mam Tor (517m) follows shortly after when the spectacular ridge continues to Hollins Cross, a popular viewpoint. The ridge is a great place to stop and watch hang gliders who seem to fill the sky on weekends in the summer months. The ridge continues to another viewpoint at Lose Hill (Ward’s Piece) before we descend towards Castleton. There might be time for a short pub stop in Castleton before we head back to the bunkhouse in a westerly direction passing a number of show caves on the way, namely Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern. The total distance of the walk is just over 11 miles (18km).

What to bring

• Hiking Clothes & Boots
• Sleeping bag, pillow & towel
• Small rucksack
• Food for breakfasts & packed lunches.