Saturday - Kinder Downfall

A good day of walking. We set off from Edale in the sunshine with stunning views from the Pennine Way across the sun drenched valley below.

Reached Upper Booth which was our first large landmark in good time but along the way I used both a guide book and an OS map to keep track of smaller reference points. My map reading skills are good but it does no harm to pay close attention even on a clearly marked route.

The first steep climb on the Pennine Way is called Jacob’s Ladder. Ingrid and I took it slowly and steadily making it a satisfying challenge but not too exhausting. The next leg of the journey took us across to Kinder Low, where the sandy terrain looks lunar like and the wind howls. Once we had spotted the trig point it was on to our target -Kinder Downfall. This leg involved scrambling across rocks, around bogs and through ditches - very different to the well-established paving slab path that we had used earlier in the trek but we were both in high spirits.

We decided to have a picnic at Kinder Downfall but as soon as we had settled down to eat we heard a ‘Baaaa’ before being ambushed by a group of horned sheep. Their arrival took me quite by surprise and the pair of us descended into fits of giggles. The group of three nudged and poked at our bags in search of refreshments but I’m afraid I didn’t share! 

We made a swift descent back down to Edale, not because of the hungry locals, but because the weather made a turn for the worse. We managed to only get a small soaking before we reached the shelter of Penny Pot Cafe and enjoyed hard-earned hot drinks and sweet treats.

My muscles ache now but I feel satisfied with what I have achieved today. I’m pleased with the route that I chose as it involved a variety of terrains presenting different physical tests - being able to adapt to different environments will stand me in good stead for the Yorkshire Three Peaks as the landscape changes from mountain to mountain. 

All that’s left to do today is settle myself in front of the warm fire, find a good whisky and get a hearty meal. 

Sunday - Win Hill trig point

Took a shorter route today but plenty of uphill to ensure it was a worthwhile training day. Managed to let go of the instructions Ingrid had printed out so had to chase it up a pretty steep hill as it blew away on the wind. With a full pack and in sturdy walking boots it was not easy!

As we approached Win Hill trig point the winds really lifted and both of us struggled to stay on our feet. I was knocked to, and fell, to the floor several times. Thankfully both of us found this funny and used it as an incentive to reach the trig point - even if it took crawling on our hands and knees!

The walk back along the ridge, on to the forest and then back down to Hope was blustery but as we reached lower ground it calmed. Used different muscles today as it was a battle against the elements to stand up and move forward.

It’s been a worthwhile weekend. I’ve polished my rusty navigation skills, traversed a number of terrains and exercised plenty of muscle groups in the process.  

CV

Not your average Sunday afternoon I can promise. 

A 'bungy jump' was always on my 'things to do before you die' list - but as I was making my way to the suspended platform in Queenstown, where I would voluntarily plunge the 134 metres with my only hope of survival resting in the elasticated rubber cord, this dream was very much a reality. 

After watching my peers jump before me, it wasn't long at all before it was my turn next. As the video (right) shows, all you receive prior to the jump is a short briefing from the instructors (along with some cheers from your group pals) before all that is left is me, my sanity and my courage. I had, naturally, written 'Bpositive' on my forearm and showed it to the camera seconds before my jump.

My Nevis bungy jump was without doubt the most exhilarating experience of my life, the 8 second free-fall was unbelievable and the sense of pride, once I realised I had survived the jump, would stay with me for the remainder of my trip and beyond. 

JR