My Longest Walk Yet!
My feet were sore, and even my legs were tiring. After walking around 17.8 miles it's to be expected though. To be honest, I didn't plan on walk this far, it just sort of happened. I mean I had just spent £7.40 on a train ticket so I wanted to make the most of my time there. But anyway, less about money, more about the walk...
Although I had bought a return ticket for Grindleford, I alighted the train one stop before at Hathersage. As I understand this is only not allowed if it's an advanced ticket. From here I walked into the centre and up the main street a little before turning down School Lane. I followed this road all the way up to Hooks Car Park, at the foot of Stanage Edge. Here, I got off the road and followed the path up on to the edge. I could see people climbing of the rock face as usual, enjoying the same good weather I was.
Once on the edge I began to walk roughly eastwards, and the before the main path turned to go more northwards got off the edge and continued on a smaller path still going east. This crossed two small lanes before rising up onto Higger Tor. From here, I walked to Mother Cap, then down through the wood to the Surprise View car park, across the road, and then down to Burbage Brook.
Crossing over the brook, I followed up and out the other side of the valley, crossed another road, and then took the path round to Longshaw House. Going up and around the back of the house, I followed another path all the way to The Pole National Trust Car Park but carried on past it following signs for the Grouse Inn.
Once I reached the Inn, I went past it and then through a gate into a field. Crossing two fields diagonally, I turned left to follow the path alongside the edge of a wood, passing another car park. This path led downhill, sharply at one point crossing a small stream, before rising upwards and emerging at a road. This road was crossed and then I followed a path to and then along Froggatt and Curbar Edge. This path crossed over one road, took me past Eagle Stone, before a right turn took down into the village of Baslow.
From here the walk was slightly interesting as I followed the road back to Grindleford Station. Although perhaps not as nice as walking on the edges, it was good to see some of the places close up which generally I've only through a car window whilst whizzing by.
All in all the walk was very enjoyable and definitely made me feel like I'd made the most of my time. The length was tiring, especially seeing as my longest walks previously were about 10 miles tops, but it's nice to know I can manage it, and means that longer walks in the future are possible. Anyways, thanks for reading and if you like what you see please visit my blog again :)
