I looked at this route as a training route for the Leeds to Skipton 30miler, but the fact that it is a linear walk was both the appeal and the problem. I wanted to do a BHF walk this year, so this seemed the ideal choice, and the timing was great.
I signed up for the 7am shuttle bus from the finish to the start, so was up at 5:30 to get ready, drive to Cromford, and get signed up. I lost a bit of time scraping the ice off the car, and with a bit of cautious driving in the dark, I was in the queue after registration in time to catch the 3rd bus out to the start.
We arrived at the start in Hurdlow just in time to see the dawn.
I signed up for the 7am shuttle bus from the finish to the start, so was up at 5:30 to get ready, drive to Cromford, and get signed up. I lost a bit of time scraping the ice off the car, and with a bit of cautious driving in the dark, I was in the queue after registration in time to catch the 3rd bus out to the start.
We arrived at the start in Hurdlow just in time to see the dawn.
The sun was dead ahead, with not a cloud in the sky. Lots of icy patches underfoot. On with the sunglasses, time to put the hammer down in order to keep warm.
The narrow path made things frustrating in terms of overtaking slower walkers. Luckily after the first proper break stop things thinned out a bit, so I could make some good time.
The scenery soon settled down into open White Peak plateau. It was pretty similar all the way out to Harborough rocks.
The scenery soon settled down into open White Peak plateau. It was pretty similar all the way out to Harborough rocks.
Looked like there might be some good bouldering/short climbs at Harborough Rocks.
This marked the start of a change in the scenery. Through a cutting and along to Middleton Top
After the visitor centre at Middleton top, the route plummets through a beech woodland.
I really felt for the older guy hauling himself up the steep path, slippery with wet leaves. I was having to hold the pace back, but a few loonies came running past downhill.
After a short flat section, I passed Black Rocks, and started to descend once again.
I liked Black Rocks. I think I'll be back for a better look around.
I liked Black Rocks. I think I'll be back for a better look around.
Final sharp descent down to High Peak Station, then back along the canal to the car.
If anyone is looking to train for some big hills, this would be a great place to do it.
If anyone is looking to train for some big hills, this would be a great place to do it.
You can see from the pace / altitude pace how steep the end was. Glad we were walking towards Cromford - in previous years, the walk was reversed.
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