Chapel en le Frith


Is it really mid October? Glorious sunshine and temperatures reaching 20c. If this is global warming, bring it on.

Ten of us, including John from Thames Valley Group, set off from the station and immediately we climbed towards Combs Edge. Down again to the Goyt Valley where our solitude was rudely interrupted by 300 runners doing the Windgather Fell Race. A slight detour on to the disused railway line to avoid the runners and then a climb on to Burbage Edge for our first (and only) trig of the day. Descent down Berry Clough before heading towards Shining Tor where we again met up with the fellrunners coming the other way. We seemed to be having more fun than them!

To my surprise we did not summit Shining Tor but descended down Shooters Clough to Errwood Reservoir and we stopped for a photo opportunity at the ruins of Errwood Hall. On to a spiritual sanctuary before a walk above Fernilee Reservoir. At this point Jackie, our leader announced we had finished our climbing for the day and it was all downhill from here - why do all leaders tell lies? Perhaps Jackie just doesn't see them as hills.

A couple of stiff climbs later we pass Combs Reservoir on our left before finishing with a walk along the railway back to Chapel. In total 21.5 miles and an estimated 4000' of climbing.

Jackie's walks are gaining a bit of a cult following - you know you are going to be in for a demanding day out. If you fancy giving one a try, and I can recommend them, she is leading again on 24th October from the Cat & Fiddle pub. See you there?

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