First Day of the Year = First Walk - whatever the weather!
Andrew, United Kingdom
The alarm woke me, it felt early – way early. Last night was a great New Years Eve non-party yet it went on until the early hours and who’s idea was it to go for a walk on New Years Day? Oh that’ll be me then!
We were to meet, friends and friends of friends on the shores of Ladybower for a fun day out on the tops and as the Landrover drew near to the meet we were in convoy with the rest of the team.
It was not long before we were booted and suited and on our way. Today’s walk would take us south east along the reservoir shore and then up through Grindle Clough heading for the Derwent Moors. If were lucky we would see Red Grouse and if we were really lucky Mountain Hare in their winter white however the conditions are typical of the day – thick mist with 20m visibility, nothing new there then!
It wasn’t long before we were striding out on the slabs between the Tors of Wheel Stones, White and Dovestone (thanks National Trust – it’s good to see our membership is being used wisely) and when the path ran out I looked back to see walkers dodging the bog while I just waded through - remind me to teach them the delights of waterproof boots and Grangers boot care.>
We’re making good progress, in fact we’re fast so I call lunch in the shelter of Back Tor before we make our way down through the cairn for ‘Lost Lad’. Our final path down to the water takes us to a perfect view point for the Derwent Towers. The Dams were made famous by the RAF for WW2 training.
Back at the cars before the light goes with just enough time to shake a few hands and wish a few Happy New years until the next walk.
