Walking weekend in the Peaks

[nanila]

15/52: The Peaks


We went on holiday to the Peak District with our walking group (yes, we are OLD) at the end of January. The usual suspects were augmented by some new faces, but the basic strategy remained the same: Pub on Friday night, Strenuous hike on the Saturday, pub on Saturday night, "Easy" hike on Sunday, home on Sunday night.

This time we stayed in Ilam Youth Hostel. Up until last year, this converted mansion was very basic. Post-renovation, it's now rather swish. Sure, you still sleep in bunk beds, but it's pretty easy to pretend you're lord/lady of the manor.

Chrome Hill

Chapel attached to Ilam Youth Hostel


Chapel side door ("1618")



Surveying the grounds from the Italianate gardens


Route-planning in the games room


Many sheep watched us begin our ascent


Starting up Chrome Hill


Steep!


Very steep!


Last of the decorum from the race to the top


At the top! WIN!


Oo-er, god-light


Traversing the ridge




I will sit here until I attain enlightenment


Descending


Tumulus


Lunch spot




Spectacular view from lunch spot


Back to the road before the last peak


Had to stop here for a pint, of course


Eeyore


Puffing up the last peak


Kicking back at the top of the peak






Getting close to the end

Dovedale Canyon

Anyone for Pooh-sticks?




Bunster Hill




The sheep are always watching. Always

Comments

[holyschist]

That looks awesome! We tried a local hiking group, but they were all counting calories and were all "Oh no, we can't go to pubs! Beer has too many calories!" while we think hiking should totally be followed by hamburgers and alcohol. Your weekend format sounds perfect!

...that last sheep is a little scary.

[ironed_orchid]

For serious? Surely climbing up and down hills cancels out the calories from beer and hamburgers.

People are puzzling.

[holyschist]

Especially the way these people were hiking! It was pretty hardcore (honestly, too hardcore for me--I like being able to take pictures). But they were very concerned about calories. They all boggled at us when we pulled out sausage and cheese for lunch (I think that's good hiking fuel!).

[nanila]

Even if it doesn't cancel, I reckon we earned them.

[nanila]

It was awesome! We started out last year with five people and have gradually expanded. Er, in terms of numbers, not sideways. Even though we all like beer. :D

That sheep watched us for at least 10 minutes without moving.

[holyschist]

Granted, that was probably because the sheep was thinking "........" but still, creepy!

[ironed_orchid]

That is some very photographic countryside!

[nanila]

It's good to be reminded that the usual dull grey raininess is what keeps it so gloriously green.