Join me for an informative, exciting and very scenic guided traverse of the Great Ridge above the Vale of Edale.
There is some very varied terrain and a number of modest summits offering beautiful views along the way. The route I have devised is also a perfect opportunity to share my local knowledge and discuss geological and industrial history.
While there are steep sections to tackle, we will also walk along valley level paths that provide a vantage point to admire the ridge from below
The distance is 16km, or 10 miles, with 500m of ascent.
This is expected to take 6 to 7 hours at a moderate pace.
Limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS
at £33.00 per person.
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Our day will begin at the Penny Pot Café in Edale, a bustling and friendly spot to fuel up with a hot drink and perhaps a snack before setting out. The is a steady start to the walk, heading through the pleasant village of Edale before taking the a network of simple valley level paths. Views of the Great Ridge from Lose Hill to Mam Tor begin to open up and showcase the undulating landscape that will soon be beneath our feet.
A gradual climb will bring us to the first summit of the day, Lose Hill. There are wonderful views across to neighbouring Win Hill and the Hope Valley, as well as the panorama of the Vale of Edale with the rest of the Great Ridge extended westwards in a crooked but welcoming display. Lose Hill is a spot that is synonymous with the Ramblers Association and Right to Roam activists, and legend has it that it was also a strategic landmark in a battle that took place around 600AD.
The traverse of the Great Ridge will then begin from east to west, following in the footsteps of hikers and ancient ancestors alike. As we cross Back Tor, Barker Bank and Hollins Cross, there are lots of interesting historic and geological facts to discuss that I intend to captivate the imagination of those in attendance and help us to imagine how different peoples have lived and worked in this rugged rural environment over thousands of years.
Limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS
at £33.00 per person.
The crest of the Great Ridge will begin to make a steeper climb as we approach Mam Tor, which referred to as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Peak District" by some. We will find ourselves looking upon visual evidence showing us that this hill was once the site of a Bronze Age fortification, and the land to the south (mainly) has been extensively mined over the centuries due to a wealth of natural resources.
Mam Tor translates to "Mother Hill", and it is also known as "The Shivering Mountain", but I will of course explain more about these names and why they have been given to the hill as we climb to the top. The summit is usually a very busy place to be, but what a view to enjoy!
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The Great Ridge traverse does not end here! The gift that keeps giving will then lead us along to Rushop Edge, the highest point being Lord's Seat, where there is a totally different perspective looking south over towards the Limestone Trail, and the western reaches of the Vale of Edale. It really is a spectacular panorama to behold.
We will soon find ourselves heading down towards the valley again on a gentle gradient that allows for yet more epic views, and provides a superb opportunity to observe the glacial landscape before us and point out several features of interest. One of my personal interests is the geology behind how the Peak District, particularly this area of the Dark Peak, came to form and how it has been shaped by the forces of nature over millions of years to become the playground that we can enjoy today. I hope you will share in my enthusiasm and build a mental picture of the brutal processes that have occurred in and around what is today known as Edale and the Great Ridge.
Limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS
at £33.00 per person.
This professionally guided activity is limited to
6 PARTICIPANTS at £33.00 per person.
It is necessary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to take part in this activity. There are many steep sections as well as uneven rocky and loose terrain, bog, tussocky ground, mud, puddles and the overall distance is to be respected given the altitude gain!
If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss things further before making a booking.
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​Our start point is the Penny Pot Cafe in Edale (CS33 7ZA), which is right next to the train station and main village car park. We will be meeting before 09:00 to leave on the hour.
There are regular services to and from Manchester and Sheffield, and also a limited
bus service from Buxton (the 62). Please check seasonal timetables before committing to a plan.
Various accommodation in the vicinity of Edale, Castleton and Hope,
including camping, hostels and B&B's. It is advisable to book accommodation
well in advance to avoid disappointment. Please ask me if you need any advice on
where to stay, or if you need information about transport links to this area.
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Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on my experience leading walks.
The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on
individual fitness levels within the group. As mentioned, it is necessary to have
previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to participate in this activity.
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It should be mentioned that weather in the Peak District can be unpredictable at all times
of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple
weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity.
Unless there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, walks will go ahead regardless of conditions.
Limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS
at £33.00 per person.
What to expect when booking a professionally
guided activity with Moors to Mountains.
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I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation and always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.
All Moors to Mountains activities are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or assisting an individual across a section of uneven terrain.
My promise is to deliver a high level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.
As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting. There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.
All Moors to Mountains outings include some rewarding physical challenge, whether it be distance or terrain.
I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.
Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the
Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.
(please click above to view)
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Once a place has been booked on any activity...
I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where necessary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.
Cheers, COLIN.
