Stage 1 Edale to Crowden

After a full English breakfast at the Rambler Inn we set off for the start at about 9. Today we were joined by my brother and sister in law. First stop was Edale Cafe to fill our flasks then a quick photo at the official start of the Pennine way. The first bit is relatively easing walking although we were soon in the mist. Next is Jacobs Ladder and as the name suggests the real climb starts. This was slow going. What I hadn’t expected once we were at the top was how rocky and boulder ridden the path was. At this point we certainly had our heads in the clouds which totally took away any view. By our 1pm lunch stop we were not half way. The path became flagged and even and the sun started to break through. Kinder low complete , it’s over high peak, across Snake pass (A57) up Devils Dike on Bleaklow moor. It’s miles of wild moorland and very pleasant walking. As we neared the end we were fooled into thinking the steep down hill was around the corner but still the path went on and even climbed. This was the point when things went a little awry. I realised my foot was blistering and my sister in law pulled a knee muscle and twisted her ankle. Progress became even slower on the downhill climb to Torside reservoir. Once safely back to the road the hotel chef picked us up within minutes of calling them. He had to break off cooking! The manager said there were considering calling mountain rescue we were so late. Hopefully tomorrow will be faster. It was great share this day with Garry and Lynn and a shame to say goodbye as they headed back home.

Rambler inn review – acceptable room, nice size, but bed way too soft. Character building. Food typical Uk pub.