Back on the trail! Buxton to Glossop (25th March 2015)

I travelled up to Buxton on the 24th, staying overnight at a delightful b&b called the Old Manse(http://www.oldmanse.co.uk/). Highly recommended, especially with the poached eggs. To while away the hours, I walked around the town and also took a walk up to Dove Holes. Caught the bus back and found the Buxton Tap House (http://www.buxtonbrewery.co.uk/tap/) where I delighted in trying all kinds of beers! Thirds mind, I've a long walk to Hebden over the next few days! 

Train up...

Buxton Tap House

After an uneasy night's sleep, I awoke, got ready and steeled myself for going up Kinder Scout and the Pennine Way to Glossop. Only to be told, it might not be advisable to go up with the backpack and on my own. After much internal debate, I decided the safer option was probably best and set out on the road to Glossop via Chapel-en-le-Frith and Hayfield. Looked to be around 14.4 miles of road walking. Yuk! 

Left Buxton via the A6 and it was a real slog on or besides a main road! I quickly get into marching mode and in due course, I arrive in Chapel-en-le-Frith just before lunchtime. I wander around for a little while, taking in the views and sights, while also noticing the black clouds heading over Kinder! Perhaps I was right to be taking the road to Glossop! 

Views looking out to Kinder

Viaducts on the road out of Chapel-en-le-Frith to Chinley

After Chapel-en-le-Frith, I take the A624 road to Hayfield and Glossop. It has some pavement, but mostly was a slog on grass verges besides a very busy road! Thank god for the little b-road that appeared about 3/4 miles before Hayfield! It was getting rather hairy at times! But some of the views were breathtaking...

Eventually we get to Hayfield, a nice little village which used to be home to a large mill. Had a wander around and a drink before heading out on the last stretch to Glossop. Today's been a hard slog. I really don't like road walking at the best of times, especially on A-roads. 

The church at Hayfield

Finally, with weary feet, I arrive in Glossop, a nice, small town situated on the A57. Dinner then bed early methinks! Weather looks shocking for tomorrow's walk to Marsden. *edit* So much for bed early! Couldn't get to sleep til 2am..! 

Plans for the year ahead...

Hello all, sorry I haven't posted in a while, but what with Xmas and the New Year, plus a couple of health scares, I'm only now finding the time to blog! 

This year's plan is to either do the entire Pennine Way, or to do some of it and then divert either to the North-East coastal path (I've a hankering to visit Holy Island...) or to go over some of the Lake District to Carlisle. While I love walking on moors and hills, I do also like visiting places I've never been too, and the further north on the Pennine Way you go, the less towns and villages to pass through there are.

However, time will be a huge factor this year due to various circumstances at home. So, it may be that I will not be able to walk as much as I would like, or that I will have to do longer hikes per day, which I really don't want to do. After that 72 miles in 3 days last year, I was really struggling for weeks afterwards!

Anyway, all being well, I'm hoping to be back up in Buxton at the end of March, beginning of April to attempt to get to Hebden Bridge in 4-5 days.

Ciao!