Converging on Castleton - 28th Feb

Joining the Ramblers Society (never thought I would?!) has given me links to the East Cheshire group who walk midweek – an advantage leaving weekends free for other things.

This walk was the first of three longer ones I have done recently – the others were mostly misty so no pics!

An early start to drive over to Mam Tor NT car park was thoroughly rewarded with an interesting 10 mile walk over the southern side.

 

It was a very cold day though sunny.

X – marks the start of the walk

This is our descent looking west from Lord's Leap

Here looking north across to the Kinder plateau

As we descended south through Perrydale, the terrain is more White than Dark Peak.

Road sections were required to avoid a much longer circuit.

The curious long-necked black sheep?

Climbing back up to Eldon Hill, our leader showed us the 'Eldon Hole'. This limestone pothole is about 60 metres deep and was well known in the 17/18^th Century.

We peered into it from the safety of the fence.

Eldon Hole

Our walk then gained height to the reach the easterly track way-marked the Limestone Way. A tricky stony descent down Cave Dale saw us arrive at Castleton.

Ramblers – well wrapped up against the biting cold wind

Descending Cave Dale with some ice underfoot

After a tea break in the town, we headed west and climbed past the tourist Speedwell and Treak Cliff Caverns.

Being shadowed by the para-gliders

Uphill finish

Looking back east to Hope and the cement works.

I had visited here as a boy scout whilst camping at Hathersage.

It seemed a great adventure as an 11 year old from north London – 1962 I think?!

Happy memories!