Saturday 9th May 2009.
Distance - 18.5 Miles
Total Ascent - 4330 feet
Time - 7 hours 13 Minutes.
Well what can you say about the Kinder Round, Arguably the best walk that Kinder Scout has to offer as you get to see all of it in one walk. If you decide you want to do this walk be warned it's a very tough walk and will have stiff legs at the end.
Im one of these people that hates getting up at weekends, When I've been at work all week the last thing on my mind is to get up at the crack of dawn.
A facebook buddy of mine that on this forum sent me a picture last week of a shot of Kinder Reservoir he took early last december with the hills reflecting in the water and a vale of mist just above the water, The picture was nothing short of stunning, and remarked that I never take photos like that because I can never get out of bed.
So with looking at the mountain weather forcast it gave a sunny start clouding over in the afternoon, so what better way than to set the alarm and try and catch a sunrise on Kinders plateau.
Setting the alarm for 3.30AM was very painful but what I witnessed that morning was absolutely fabulous the clarity was amazing.
So with boots on left Edale in the dark at 5.00am as I made my way up Gringsbrook Clough.
Grindsbrook Clough at first light.
As I neared the top of Grindsbrook clough the sun was just starting to rise. Kinder at 5.30AM
From Grindsbrook Clough I made my way over the Woolpacks with good views towards Brown Knoll.
The trig point at Kinder Low at 7.00AM
I now made my way over Kinders western Edge
Looking down towards Kinder Reservoir and Manchester.
Looking towards Ashop Head.
I arrived at Kinder Downfall, It was a great feeling being there and no one around. The water today was being blown back onto the plateau, If you look closely you can see a rainbow.
Kinder Downfall becoming a upfall.
After 3.5 hours walking and still not meet one single person I reached Ashop Head where I turned eastwards to follow the long Kinders Northern Edge.
The Boxing Gloves on Kinders Northern Edge.
A view of Kinders Northern Edge.
You get some cracking views towards Bleaklow and the Woodlands Valley.
As I neared Crookstone Knoll I finally meet my first person on my walk after 5 hours 50 minutes. And he was only there because he was lost.
From Crookstone Knoll I now headed southwards where there are cracking views towards Win Hill and Ladybower Reservoir.
Another view from Crookstone Knoll looking towards Win Hill and Lose Hill.
So following the southern edge for the last time I passed the Madwomans Stone ( Lying in waiting for Dazza's sarnies) I finally reached Ringing Roger and the view towards Grindsbrook Clough. Was that over 7 hours ago that went quick.
From Ringing Roger I descended down to The Nab and it's stunning view over the Edale Valley.
And finally back to the Edale Valley.
Where that pint was more than welcome.
So 18.5 miles walked in 7.5 hours ending a truely remarkable day.
Would I set the alarm for 3.30AM again, You bet I would.
Hope you enjoy
Mark