It couldn’t have been better weather for mid-October. Pockets of morning mist over Peak Forest reminded one of us of a Japanese painting. For a time walking took second place to foraging due to the enthusiasm of a recent fungi course participant.
The scarlet waxy cap is as delightful as its name. We saw an attractive flower, penstemon, our expert commenting however that it isn’t keen on the Tidza climate. We trod warily around Eldon Hole ignoring a fixed rope possibly there for those wanting a closer look. On top of a hill the earth seemed to have swallowed a steam engine leaving only the top of the boiler visible. It’s probably been there since mining stopped. A short walk had been intended but no one demurred when a suggestion was made to extend it. In late afternoon we sat, shed a layer, sunbathed and surveyed the scene knowing there wouldn’t be another walk in such perfect conditions for several months.
A fortnight later a fierce wind did blow but everyone seemed happy with the planned route from Castleton to Mam Tor. A group of cheerful scouts from Cambridge were at the summit, their next mission being to find the’ lonely tree’, so-called by their leader.
The tree juts out at an angle from Back Tor and is clearly visible from the valley. The wind was gale force for a few minutes at the end of the ridge making it difficult to remain upright but one member revelled in the wildness. Lower down we found a sheltered spot for lunch then enjoyed the easy stroll back from Hope by the river.
An unforgettable moment of our walks will be when the young scout had looked out in wonderment from the top of Mam Tor and turned to us saying, ‘This is the highest place I’ve ever been to !’
Helen Royle. 872507