My usual camp spot, suggested to me some time ago by the very excellent Chrissie Dixie, proved to be impractical because of the high winds – so a lower and more sheltered spot was called for.
I wasn’t expecting the wind to be so, er, windy – in fact when I arrived in Edale there was just a gentle breeze, but as I climbed higher the wind got much stronger. After a quick squint at the map I dropped down and wandered up Grindsbrook Clough where I found a lovely flat spot, right next to a water source. Nice.
My tent was up and I was safely and cosily snuggled up in my Akto just as darkness fell. A cheating tea of bread & cheese and Heinz Tomato Cupasoup followed by mince pies & custard (well it WAS Christmas Eve!) sorted out my hunger pangs.
The evening was spent reading (Laurie Lee’s ‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’) and listening to the Radio 4 type wireless. All was well.
Although it was a breezy, wet night I slept through it all, not waking until 7.30am. After a quick breakfast of porridge and numerous mugs of coffee, I packed up and headed back to Edale and my car.
I was surprised how many walkers and even runners I met on my walk back to my car. One runner passed me, having run DOWN from Kinder….he must have started early, wherever he came from.
I was back at the car by 10am, and home by 10.45am. Then it was Christmas Day with my family – great fun!
Nice one JJ
ReplyDeleteThanks Dawn, but it doesn't compare to your Christmas expeditions!
DeleteEnjoyed your report John. Hope you have an excellent 2020 with some great expeditions.
ReplyDeleteGreat to 'hear' from you Neil - I hope you're well! I've got a few little trips planned for the year - including the Challenge of course.
DeleteAre you 'on' this year?
No not this year John. I did the WHW last July, after not starting the TGO as I dislocated a rib the day before the start.
DeleteI was hoping to do a long walk from Mull of Galloway back to Shetland this May but have had knee problems, I am awaiting X-Ray results, fingers crossed.