South of Horwich

On our last outing to the Lakes, EtU had mentioned that he fancied an day trip outing in hills in the South. To this I guessed he meant the 'Peak District' and not South South, with a bit of interrogation, we located a it little more precisely to Edale. I think he felt he'd missed the 'views' on is last trip on YJ's 70@70 primarily with the issue of it being in the pitch-black and mist.

So the 20-odd mile route around the Edale Skyline was agreed on.

Our starting point was the NT car park near Mam Tor and we were going to head in a clockwise direction. This is the half-way point of the fell race of the same name that is held in March every year. That also runs in a clockwise direction, but starts in the village and climbs up to Ringing Roger on the other side of the valley to begin with.

Our first summit was Lords Seat, followed by a much easier traverse across the peat courtesy of the new stone path to the trig point on Brown Knoll. Memory fade on TF's part had failed to pick up the original racing line, but in hindsight it was likely that the 'stick to the path' route that we opted for (see gps trace) could now prove faster.

Very overcast skies meant that photo opportunities didn't materialize until we were on the far side of the valley. Whilst SN was busy snapping the views

TF and EtU were trying to persuade YJ to climb Pym Chair

By this point, the route was becoming very busy with a steady stream of walkers/runners. Usually we hardly see another sole out. After negotiating the 'Wool Packs' and 'Crowden Tower' we stopped for a bite to eat and to analyse our progress.

A group decision was made to miss out Win Hill and aim for Losehill. By now the sun was out and it was a bit warm getting to the summit

A final last slog up to Mam Tor and back to the car park in just over 7.5hrs and just under 18 miles.With the opening of the new by-pass going round the Airport, our journey time to and from the 'Peaks' was just on an hour. A second trip has been proposed. We'll keep you posted

TF