Peak Christmas
Deck the Van with Boughs of Holly
With some work to do on the van I figured we’d probably be at home for Christmas but it didn’t take long to get bored of living without any furniture. Instead we decided to take a little holiday, although I’m not quite sure what we are taking a holiday from. We headed into the Peak District and the picturesque village of Edale for some time on the hill.
The Newfold Farm campsite is one we use regularly. Yes, the facilities are a little on the rustic side but the showers are hot and it is ideally situated for some stunning yet relatively easy walks. Across the road is the Old Nag’s Head which has a fine selection of beer and food. It’s no so long ago that we’d find ourselves all alone on a campsite over Christmas, but it’s becoming a popular option and the site was fairly busy with vans and even a couple of brave souls in tents.
Fairytale of Kinder Scout
Short days and unstable weather meant keeping the walks sensible, both in length and by following routes we already knew. Christmas day saw us heading up Golden Clough, initially easy as the path has been laid with stones. Edging higher and the path degrades into patches of rock garden and at other times a peaty bog before returning to steps near the top. The wind hit us as we crested onto the the plateau and coats were pulled tight and gloves donned.
With the wind in our faces we followed the path along the edge towards Grindsbrook Clough and it is here that the true beauty of Kinder opens up before you. The Gritstone rocks, shaped by millennia of wind and water erosion form fantasy shapes that fire the imagination. Faces, animals, stacks of pancakes, you can see almost anything if you stare long enough. The wind was soon joined by rain, but that’s all part of the winter walking experience and wrapped up in protective clothing we were warm and dry.
A spot out of the wind gave some respite as we munched on mince pies. It was Christmas day after all.
Taking the rocky descent down Grindsbrook Clough towards Edale is always a joy, clambering over rocks brings out the inner child and all the while accompanied by the river racing down, tumbling over rocks, slowing and forming gentle pools before racing onwards over small falls. Ascending or descending, this is one of my favourite paths. It’s not particularly difficult and it doesn’t reach great heights. It is just a beautiful and peaceful place to be.
We had planned a second second walk following the classic route up Grindsbrook Clough and across to Jacobs Ladder for the descent before heading back along the Pennine Way. As we reached the top of the scramble the ferocity of the wind made itself known. We decided that discretion was the better part of valour and changed to an alternate route, but the wind over Grindslow Knoll turned us around and we opted to do the reverse of our previous day’s route, heading down the easy pathway of Golden Clough and into the welcoming arms of the Nag’s Head.
(Rudolph the Red Nosed) Rain Dear
Waking to low dark clouds and heavy rain, we were indecisive about whether to head out or not. The forecast was for the rain to clear for a while, so we chose a route out over Mam Tor, across to Hollins Cross and down. An easy walk, but we met many more people on this route, gone was the solitude of Kinder. Not a surprise, Mam Tor is always busy – it’s an obvious peak and there’s a car park near the summit. We’ve often come up here when camped on Broken Road, so know it well and know it’s not the place to find solitude, even in a raging storm.
Scrooged
The weather was becoming increasingly inclement and it became clear that we would not be doing much walking over the new year period. We decided to call it a day for now and left for home and this time I really am going to do those jobs on the van that need doing.
Happy New Year to our readers! Wishing you safe travels in 2023.
GPX routes on dropbox:
Golden Clough Loop from Edale, 5 MilesMam Tor Loop from Edale, 6.5 Miles