Members: Jim Gregson, Sandy Gregson, Bob Kelly, Iain McCallum, Dave Wylie, Keith Williams (meet leader).

Guest: Katy Rice

A fine and sunny weather forecast raised expectations, which were not entirely met at first given the amount of cloud and cool wind. However, this was probably as well for the first hour as we made the steady ascent up to Sandy Heys. Thereafter it was largely a matter of walk, talk, duck and dive through the peat first to the Fair Brook then on to Seal Stones and Blackden Brook. A good pace was maintained throughout but by one o’clock diversions were opening up with some members feeling an overriding need for sustenance while others preferred to get over the top in the hope of getting out of the wind into a sun trap on the southern edges.

The party re-grouped above Grindsbrook and with better going underfoot was able to maintain the steady pace to Pym Chair and Kinder Low trig point where we joined several score tourists out to catch the sun which was gaining strength all the time. A quick trot to the Downfall by three thirty, twenty minutes back to Sandy Heys and we were on our way down to the valley, which was reached just after five. By this time the sun was indeed cracking the flags.

Although the turnout was expectedly low, the party was well-matched and kept together with everyone finishing strongly and feeling that they’d had a good day with 16 miles and 3260 feet ascent under their belts.

This is a route like Cleopatra – of infinite varieties and variations, ranging from a short amble to a good day covering 16 miles but with little climbing beyond the initial thrutch.

Meet at 9.15am for 9.30 departure at SK0434 8673 which is on the little road on the south side of the Kinder river.

Route

By road to Farlands Booth then White Brow and the bottom of William Clough to Sandy Heys. Purists will want to follow the edge NW to SK 0674 8991 thence E along The Edge to Fairbrook Naze, Seal Edge, Blackden Brook to SK 1226 8804. A 180 deg compass bearing for 12 minutes should see you above Grinds Brook on the southern edges then W above Upper Tor to SK 1060 8763.

South now to SK 1052 8783 where the Edale – Kinder Gates path is followed above Crowden Brook for about 1 km. At this point those who want to miss out the Kinder Low section may head NW to the Gates, returning to the valley via Sandy Heys. Others wanting their money’s worth will continue W past Pym Chair to Noe Stool and the trig point on Kinder Low (633m). From here the route is N to the Downfall, NW to Sandy Heys then down to the reservoir and the road.

Eight hours for the full monty – home for tea providing that it’s not cracking the flags!