People travelled by car and bus and met at Haddon Hall carpark at 11am. The sky was absolutely crystal clear and the briefing, and a first drink, was held under the shade of a large tree.

We started the climb on the west side of the A6 on pastureland and reached Dark Lane in around 30 minutes. This to be our first ‘hydration stop’ under the trees – but we were beaten to the shade by a small herd of cows plus a flock of sheep! We managed to get through this crowded area to our first stile, where we found suitable shade. Carrying on from there we kept on the high ground, overlooking Lathkill Dale, and arriving at The Lathkil Hotel just before noon for a very late ‘coffee stop’ and all of us found seats, under parasols, for a refreshing break.

On leaving the Hotel we continued on a north westerly track, basically aiming for Sheldon, Having, another ‘hydration stop’ under some trees we were passed by the first group of D of E walkers – all carrying very heavy rucksacks including camping gear. Continuing in the same direction we reached our nominated ‘lunch stop’ around 1pm, under another clump of trees and with a good view of The Magpie Mine.

As we left there to reach our next stile, we met a larger second group of D of E walkers, once again heavily loaded. As we crossed the stile, we witnessed every member of this  D of E group lying flat out under the shade of the trees.

Descending the steep bank down to Kirk Dale and turning right onto the lane to Bakewell. Here was another drink stop where the group split, with some going over the steep assent to Dirtlow Farm, whilst others continued on the lane, rejoining after about half mile.

Our next waymark was Lower Cowden Farm, and another shady drinks stop, and then taking the footpath on the left. Here we had superb views of Ashford in the Water and Ashford Manor. Continuing on this path we crossed Crowhill Lane and Stanedge Road and shortly thereafter Bakewell’s church spire appeared directly in front of us. Finally, just a matter of walking through the churchyard and down to the main street of Bakewell.

It was getting rather hot, especially over the last couple of miles but everyone survived! On our final approach to Bakewell we saw the 3pm Transpeak bus arriving and very surprisingly a number of the group still had sufficient energy remaining and RAN AND CAUGHT THE BUS. The remainder went to cool down with a drink in a local café. Dave.

   Pictures by Dave M.