A Murky Weekend in Edale, Peak District (Feb 2025)

Edge of Kinder Scout above Edale

Well the weekend started well, with a very very hearty meal in the The Old Nags Head, washed down by some lovely beer. Big portions!

The next day dawned rather grey and, well, quite cold really. Still, we suited and booted and headed off up Kinder Scout.

As the snow flurries intensified, and it got icy under foot during the scramble up to the top, some of us started to wonder whether we really were doing the right thing. But when we got there it was fantastic. The best time to visit Kinder Scout!

Semi-frozen bog on Kinder Scout

Everything was frozen so you could walk over the bogs. Well up to a point. That point being when Zahida fell through the ice and had to be rescued by two Knights in shining dayglo! 

Rescue underway on Kinder Scout

Interesting rock formations along the edge of Kinder Scout

Still the rime covered plants and frosty rocks were very easy on the eye. We got back early, a short walk but a strenuous one. Plenty of time for some very convivial pints in the The Old Nags Head afterwards.

Then it was back to the spacious and warm bunkhouse for a meal with a fancy starter that had been provided by Jane. But Jane herself was back at home with a twisted ankle from playing a sport so fashionable that we all had to look it up.

So Claire stepped in to make the sophisticated dressing and we had a wonderful meal with some huge chicken thing from Viv that had an African heritage.

The next day it was up the Great Ridge to Mam Tor. It was actually rather a busy stretch of path. Lots of paving slabs with slippery ice and a biting wind,  but again much beauty. Lots of people as well though!

Altogether a rather strenuous but extremely rewarding weekend. To (almost) quote our newcomer Margaret “Such a beautiful place with lots of people like this, I mean,  who would not want to!”

Chris