Day 18 - Alport to Hathersage

(Photo: view down to Bakewell, early in the day, from above Haddon Hall)

Fri 9 Apr
Distance: 16 miles (Tot: 321)
Number of people on Froggatt Edge: 423 (approx)

Oink (as I have always called my uncle - I have no idea why) got up extra early on his day off this morning to cook us breakfast*, which set us up nicely to be striding out again just after 8am.

The day seemed to start rather slowly, perhaps because we had to walk a mile and a half around the houses (or "right round the Wrekin" if you're from the Midlands) to get less than half a mile up the driveway of Haddon Hall.

Things then got a tiny bit faster as we pulled steeply up through some woodland and then across fields on easy terrain.

Before we reached the delightful Edensor we had excellent views over Chatsworth, and the sun was starting convincingly to burn through the high haze.

The manicured grounds of Chatsworth gave a bit more easy walking (and Mick couldn't help but think that on such manicured grounds there should be a golf course!) - and also saw us saying "hello" to dozens of people strolling along, most of whom tried their hardest to ignore us.

The pull out of Baslow, up to Baslow Edge seemed to be almost verticle, but perhaps that was an illusion based on having stopped for a shopping-faff just before we headed up the hill, combined with the growing heat of the day.

Baslow Edge was absolutely gorgeous, and it was up there that we heard feet running behind us and the words "let me make a donation". After a chat with mom and daughter of the family we had just passed, we carried on with smiles on our faces and a spring in our steps at such a pleasing encounter (and if you're reading this, we're sorry we didn't ask your name so that we could thank you more personally).

By the time we got onto Froggatt Edge we were flying, making up for earlier dawdling. Hoards of people were up there too - and quite rightly, as where else should one be if in the area on such a lovely day? The views were stunning, the gritstone rocks shapely and the terrain pleasing indeed. All in all it was a good place to be.

Nothing lasts forever though, and at the end of the edge we dropped down to follow the river to Hathersage. We could have taken a higher route, but the riverside was pleasant enough and it allowed us to go through the town, without diversion, to pick up provisions for the next couple of days.

Just a short stroll of a mile or so took us to North Lees Campsite, where we found a 'Site Fully Booked' sign and that Phil, Dave and John (see previous post) had also ignored it and pitched anyway. Of course, I was my usual nervous self as we pitched Susie, without permission, at the thought of being thrown off at an inconvenient hour of evening. Happily the office has just opened and we're now all legitimate, so I can relax and enjoy a long evening (we arrived at 1530).

So, another fantastic day enjoyed, and rumour has it that this good weather is sticking around for a while.

(*thank you Oink and family (particularly to George for giving up his bed for us))
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