High Peak Marathon

Day One

It was 08.30 on Saturday 11th November, we set off from Upper Booth
(280m) in the direction of Edale. Our plan was to walk the High Peak
Marathon in two days, in daylight. Arriving at Edale we headed south
to the first hill of the day. Upon reaching the col, Hollins Cross
(400m), it was clear it was going to be a very windy day, and it most
definitely was. Following Barker Bank (426) to Lose Hill (476m) we
could see our next hill and views of the Hope Valley. Dropping down
into the valley we crossed the River Noe at Killhill Bridge (170m).
Rising again to Win Hill and then to the trigpoint on Win Hill Pike
(426m). From here there were fantastic views over Ladybower Reservoir
to the north, however we were getting blown off the top so we
descended once more through a wood and down and amazingly steep set of
steps to Yorkshire Bridge (163m). Tarmac bashing east we then headed
north across Moscar Moor to Moscar Lodge. It was spitting at this
point so we moved as fast as we could into the punishing head wind
north west to the crosspaths under Lost Lad at Bradfield Gate Head
(510m), it really was two steps forward one step back kind of style.
Finally, losing height and light we descended to the edge of Derwent
Reservoir and circumnavigated to Slippery Stones (290m). Arriving at
17.30 after 32km of walking at 17min/km.


Day Two

Morning. 08.30. We meandered the valley upto Bleaklow Hill (630m)
following the River Derwent. Somehow we lost the path and so the GPS
was turned on and we did some bogtrotting up and 'cross the top until
we hit the staked path which we then follwed with slight deviatedion to
the Pennine Way which for some completely unexplainable reason we
headed in the wrong direction on. We turned round. Marching down
Bleaklow over Snake Pass (512m) and upto Mill Hill (544m). We then
headed onto the Kinder Plateau through the wind and rain closely
follwing the edge around the Kinder Downfall, where we again lost our
way and made an unexpected but non-the-less pleasing visit to the
Kinder Low (633m) trigpoint. Again, stumbling in circles we
eventually got on the right path. Now, sheltered from the howling
wind, we wandered leisurely down the steep descent of Jacobs Ladder
and then along the final few fields to Upper Booth. Again, arriving
at 17.30 after 28km at a pace of 18.6min/km.

Tour Britannia

Tour Brittania
Originally uploaded by Nicholas A T.

Went to marshal the grand Tour of Britain this morning - it was the most exciting 2 minutes of the day. Fairly good turn out as you can see on the left of the shot. It wasn't the best spot we were in though because it was on a decline, so the pace was pretty quick.

It's That Way Ted

It's That Way Ted
Originally uploaded by Nicholas A T.

Arrived back home yesterday afternoon from the Emerald isle, there's a dozen photos in the links bit with more to come once we get our act together. It's good to be back, I missed the traffic and crowds too much to be honest with yer. Its a grand place though is Ireland, well worth a lo
ok if you get chance.

Day 4 - The Final Push

Today we walked from just outside kenmare to kilarney. it took us all day, 9hoursish, with the sightseeing and resting taking 4 and a half hours of that. we finished at about 6 o'clock reaching a grand total of 95 kilometres! everyone's very happy and so are our feet. today was the sunniest day and we're all nicely burnt, except sean who is quite clearly of arabian descent, but dont tell him i said that. anyway - the flight is noonish on wednesday so i should land around noonish if that makes any sense. over and out.

Day 3 - Sneem to Kenmare

covered 14.7 miles today in just over 5 hours, not including 3 and a half hours rest, absolutely beautiful! thats a 2.9mh moving average and 1.7mh overall average, for those who are interested. also picked up NINE sats on the gps with 2meters accuracy, AMAZING! not many clean streams today though because we were closely following the coast by kenmare river, so unfortunately i had to drink tapwater once we reached the campsite, downer. anyway last day of walking tomorrow, and its raining now so hopefully it will be nice! guten nacht.

Day 2 - caherdaniel to sneem

lovely weather, hot all day and warm all night. nice big fire by the sea and some chips, which were a treat of course! walked for 7 hours and covered 11.4 miles. over and out.

Day 1

weather was nice yesterday but got misty towards the end, went to the beach and to see a traditional irish band. showers today but exceptionally warm. covered 21.4k from waterville to caherdaniel in 8 and a half hours, taking in the views of course. we're camping next to kenmare river, which is very cold.

Flight to Ireland

Flight Stats Gps was nearly confiscated by an air hostess but some nifty hiding solved that problem. Total time 42:15 Max speed 504mph Trip odometer 265mi Avg speed 327mph Temp on arrival 16° Weather wet

For the next week I will be blogging from southern Ireland via mobile phone. Im off to the Emerald Isle in search of gold at the end of a rainbow, but will also be taking part in a Gold D of E expedition following the Ring of Kerry, with Val, Rach and Sean, supported by the glamarous Mr. O and his assistants Jon and Sarah...
... i will also be setting a book into the wild at John Liverpool airport on Wednesday morning... and this time it will hopefully be found.
Stay tuned!

Myself, Dan and Ben went for a scramble up Tryfan yesterday. C'est fantastique!
Took some nice shots, check out My Photos.
Ate at Petes Eats - enjoyed a nice cup of tea.
And got eaten alive by a variety of tent dwelling blood suckers.

Weekend in Wales
Last weekend was rather good - went for a mini expedition in Wales with the A-Team minus 2.
Early Friday afternoon we rendez-vous(ed) with a Mr Duane who transported us across the border into sheep land we then proceeded to our sleeping spot where we rested for the night.
On saturday it rained quite a bit but you know.. can't help that. So we went for a wash in a river and enjoyed a natural jacuzzi massage after a days gruelling march, we then stood in a field for several hours in the rain.
SUNDAY - we went to the seaside and strolled in the menai straits. awesome.