The route is almost walked, with only Stage 1 (17.5 miles) left to do, which I intend to walk this Wednesday (Hayfield to Hathersage). It is quite sad, in a sort of nostalgic way, that this journey through the Peak District is coming to an end. My first trip to the area was in April 2005, since when I've walked almost half of all of the footpaths. What was once unknown has become an old friend, with many memorable walks in all weathers and some very memorable evenings in some local pubs whilst researching the area. I particularly remember an evening at the Old Royal Oak at Wetton when I had two days of walking during some of the hottest days of the year, exploring the Manifold Valley, Thor's Cave and Dove Dale. Then there was Hayfield when I stayed at the Kinder Lodge and walked, again in warm weather, across Kinder Scout and Lantern Pike. Some of the best walks I have done over the last 2 years include the limestone dales, in particular Lathkill Dale and Monk's Dale, and also my first walk across Kinder Scout with its incredibly deep peat hags and groughs and plunging escarpment. Then there was Chrome Hill, Froggatt Edge, Bretton Clough, Win Hill, Derwent Edge, Stanton Moor, Flash, Pilsbury Castle...
It's almost time to move on to a new area, although I've also got to write Yorkshire Water Way Vol 2 and Walking Weekends: Lake District this year. Here are some highlights from Stages 2 - 6 of my new walking route "The Inn Way... to the Peak District".
Stanage Edge (above), along Stage 2 (Hathersage to Baslow)
The Peacock at Rowsley along Stage 3 (Baslow to Youlgrave)
Stage 4 (Youlgrave to Tideswell) Magpie Mine
Stage 5 (Tideswell to Castleton) Cressbrook Dale
Stage 6 (Castleton to Hayfield ) The Great Ridge
Cheers
Mark Reid
