Training - walk 1

The family thought I had taken leave of my senses as I crept out of the house at 830 on Sunday morning. A few lone strangers were on the platform at the local train station. The Sheffield train from Piccadilly was a different experience; young students kitted up in walking gear; older walkers with gear that looked like it had seen many walks. It was overcast in Manchester but as soon as we got to the outskirts of Stockport the sun came out. Edale station arrived sooner than expected; the countryside looked familar; but it had been  26 years since I had last got the train to Edale and I felt I needed some reassurance that it was the right stop! It was cold but bright in Edale; the National Trust tea rooms were open and the coffee was a welcome boost after the early start. My friends arrived from Sheffield and we set off at quite a pace through the village. By chance We met a couple and their baby who were friends of my Sheffield friends and they joined us as we set off up the path to the top of the Ridge. The ascent was steep and muddy in places: but we seemed to arrive at the first summit pretty quickly. Views were spectacular over Edale and Castleton. We had another steady climb to the top of the ridge and found a sheltered place for lunch! Food featured highly in the plans for the walk; a flask of beetroot soup was filling and warming. Cheese and potato pasties were the carb boost I needed. I slipped into a bog; but managed to wash my peaty hands in a stream. There was a sprinkle of snow on the top of the ridge; enough to turn into an icy snow ball. The descent to Edale was steep and the rocks slippy and uneven. I was glad I wasn't carrying a wee baby in a sling. She slept for most of the walk; and I am sure the movement up and down the hills was comforting and reminiscent of being back in the womb. We were back in Edale just after 230 and decided to walk up Mam Tor before we met other halves and family in the pub. The path to Mam Tor was initially hard going; thick mud and no easy way to avoid it. Flapjacks kept us going and some left over Christmas chocolate!  I've climbed Mam Tor a number of times in the last few years; usually in pretty bleak weather. The view from the top was the best I have ever seen. We were back in Edale at 5pm. 10 miles walked with a 650 m climb. The Old Nag's Head has fantastic beer and a great menu for hungry walkers. As we drove home again; we had an incredible view of a badger crossing the road in front of the car. My 18 year old walking boots had kept my feet warm and dry; my 48 year old bones were a bit achy and tired. We had shared stories and reminisced about old times - a perfect day!