Report contributed by Sarah, pictures by Sarah and Simon.
It’s March 2022 and almost two years since the last IOG trip away. Finally, things are sufficiently back to ‘normal’ for us to organise a trip away. So, off we go to the Peak District where we headed to a lovely property in the Edale Valley. We could escape to the hills straight from the front door with Kinder Scout behind us and the Mam Tor Great Ridge in front of us.
As we gathered at the property on the first night, greeting some friends that we hadn’t seen very much in the last two years, talk moved to the important things. Where were we going to walk tomorrow and who was going to the pub! Those that wished to, quickly headed off to the pub for food and a drink, while others stayed behind in our welcoming temporary home.
We awoke on Friday to a small amount of drizzle that cleared by late morning. Simon led our group along the valley and then up onto Kinder Scout via Crookstone Moor. After a very cold and breezy lunch stop at Ringing Roger, we carried on along the Kinder Plateau, returning to the valley via Grindslow Knoll. Lou’s group headed over the Great Ridge to check out the Broken Road. Dinner that evening was cooked at the property, wonderfully co-ordinated by Lou, Anne and Jo.
Saturday greeted us with bright sunshine. Different groups headed off for different walks. Members who were staying locally joined us as well as two members who joined us just for the day. Simon led our group over the Great Ridge, past the Broken Road and then down into Cave Dale. After having a welcome stop in a tea shop in Castleton, we headed back over the Great Ridge back to Edale. On Saturday evening we were booked into The Old Nags Head for dinner, which was a great evening.
Sunday was another bright and sunny day. Simon led our group back up onto Kinder Scout to explore the Plateau in the other direction towards Crowden Tower and Woolpacks before heading back via Brown Knoll. Other groups headed off in different directions, with one group catching the train to Hathersage and walking back to Edale. Dinner that evening was again cooked at the property, wonderfully co-ordinated by Kate and Miriam. After dinner, we had a quiz that had been prepared by Ian, which was great fun.
And then around came Monday morning and time to leave. A wonderful time was had by all and talk has already turned to booking the same property again next year.