Members : Linda Crossley, Joe Flynn, Alan (H) Jones, Alan (L) Jones, Iain McCallum, Lorna Marsland, Lester Payne, Alan Peck, Phil Ramsbottom, Jim Taylor, Chris Thickett, Peter Walker, Nigel Rosenbaum, Frank Williams, Margaret Williams, Keith Williams (16)

Guests: Peter Harrison, Zoe Rosenbaum, Harry Rosenbaum (aged 2), Dave Swindlehurst. (4)

The weather forecast was accurate for once - the walk was blessed bright sunny weather all day. After assembling at Hope Station we crossed the fields to Aston and then climbed up the track to the top of Whin Hill. The views from the top were fabulous - Eastern Edges, Derwent valley, Kinder and Bleaklow all lay before us. After a short pit stop we tramped along the ridge to Crookstone Barn. Just before this point Alan(L), Peter, Frank and Margaret decided to take the lower route to Hollins Cross via Jaggers Clough and Backtor Bridge.

The main party carried on along the southern edge of Kinder before dropping down towards Edale below Ringing Roger. We were well spread out by this time, so some Joe, Chris, Keith and Lester had lunch at the The Nag's Head while the main party lunched on a knoll above Edale. On the Knoll young Harry grew quite bold for a while until Alan(H)'s dog barking brought about his rapid retreat into Zoe's arms.

Across the valley, hang gliders and para gliders floated in the gentle breeze above Mam Tor and Rushup Edge. Down in the valley the cars sparkled in the sun light. Despite the crowds, the bar in the Nag's Head was strangely quiet and drinks could be had immediately. Where was everyone?

At Edale, Peter Harrison, Zoe and Harry left us travelling back by train. The rest of us made for Hollins Cross on the old pack horse trail from Edale to Castleton. Linda joined joined us at the Cross. From there we followed the ridge to Back Tor and Lose hill. A very busy route. It was pretty windy by the time we reached Lose Hill so we had to hunker down in a hollow below the summit for our break. Our descent took us down past Lose Hill farm to the valley then across the river Noe at Killhill bridge. From the bridge we walked along the river and then for a short stretch along the road back to Hope Station.

A very enjoyable meet. Distance about 13 miles.

Thanks for your support.

Congratulation to Lester who travelled to the meet by train!

Route : Hope Station - Win Hill - Crookstone Barn - Crookstone Moor - Ringing Roger - Edale - Hollins Cross - Lose Hill - Lose Hill Farm - Killhill Bridge - Hope Station.

Map : OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 1 Dark Peak

Meet at 9.30am for 9.45am start at Hope Station - Off the A625 (GR 181832). Park at the station or on the approach road. A train service is available - from Manchester Piccadilly 8.02am arriving Hope at 8.57am.

Refreshments are available from local cafés and the Nag's Head Inn in Edale.

A good tramp around the hills bordering the Edale valley. Distance about 12/13 miles on good paths and tracks. The route can easily be modified to suit the conditions. ETA in Edale at the Nag's Head Inn is between 1pm and 1.30pm. If anyone wishes to join the walk at Edale I am prepared to give them a lift back from Hope Station to Edale.