Sort of. Kinder is a path not so much well trodden on here as possibly eroded. So in terms of regular routes on Kinder this will be one of my last ones. We've a walk a over the plateau planned which I'll post as I'll have new hi res pictures and you need that mud in all it's glory
Ofcourse if we wander around Kinders lesser travelled parts (and we intend to) the reports will be here as usual. This report is one of the most popular routes so I'm not adding much new. Ofcourse if when walking we see something unusual or it's particularly striking then expect a report as usual or at least a post to the Photo section.
This report also introduces the elevation profile. Something I'll try and include on all reports from now on. Photo bucket is still crying into it's beer so this will probably take two messages.
Still on with the motley, if we have any left (points for whoever gets the reference).
Date of Walk - October 10th 2009
Conditions - Generally good weather. A little cloudy but dry. Need I add it was windy up top?
Distance - 7.95 miles. Good paths or at least a very clear route ahead.
Fitness factor - Oh yes. We had the Lake district factor with us.
So I give you the OS Map, courtesy of Crown Copyright, and the elevation profile.
We start in Edale village parking up and making use of the facilities. It now seems the cafe by the station will be open most of the year as well. Bonus! We need somewhere to get our Fentimans (they still haven't sent me a cheque
)
Oh you may be wondering about the Lake District factor. Basically after going to the lakes (trying to get more often next year) we're probably as fit as we are all year. So we now had a modicum of fitness. This walk would normally be a bit tiring. Following our exertions in the lakes this was a walk in the park. It's not often I can say that about Kinder Scout! Though the mud factor was low which always helps.
Even though this was October it looks like the Church in Edale was preparing for Remembrance Sunday (have you got your poppy?)
Now it was near the time the students came back across the country so Edale was much busier than I'd expect for an overcast October day. As the bridge out of town adequately illustrates.
Most appeared to be going up Ringing Roger via the Nab. Well good luck to them I thought. I knew it was windy up top (thank you MWIS) and I was sure their walking boots would be fine. I wasn't quite so sure about the V necked sweater, cotton short-sleeved shirts, tracksuit tops, trainers, regular shoes, trousers or jeans would be quite as suitable for the conditions. No I'm not making this up.
The way ahead was nice and clear though.
It's not especially clear on this picture but either someone was lost(ish) or they thought walking Grindsbrook Clough meant walking the stream bed. Here is a waterfall with no real path. So I've no idea what they actually did. Though I saw them walking the stream later on so they must have made it.
Still it takes all sorts. Slight lunacy seemed to be a factor all day it seemed. Plenty of regular walkers around but more than matched by the jumper'll be fine even in 30mph damp winds brigade.
Eventually we reach the start of Grindsbrooks rocky bits (tm).
I alluded to this in a previous report. We accept Grindsbrook is actually a fairly easy route up. Nice and enjoyable the steep bit you expect never really comes. Looking from a distance though definitely gives you that "Whoah" feeling.
In part I think the fact the Grindsbrook is so diverting takes your mind of the actual climb.
That and when you actually get to the steep bits (tm) you're more concerned about a steady footing, using your hands if needed and just making sure you don't get wet to worry about the climb itself.
So when you actually get to the top you sort of wonder where the steep bit (tm) actually went.
Part 1 of 2.
© Dazza 2009