Join me for an informative, exciting and very scenic guided traverse of the Great Ridge above the Vale of Edale.
There is some very varied terrain and a number of modest summits offering beautiful views along the way. The route I have devised is also a perfect opportunity to share my local knowledge and discuss geological and industrial history.
While there are steep sections to tackle, we will also walk along valley level paths that provide a vantage point to admire the ridge from below
The distance is 17km, or just under 11 miles, with 750m of ascent, which is expected to take 6 to 7 hours at a moderate pace. It is necessary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to take part in this activity.
Limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS
at £35.00 per person.
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Our day will begin at the Penny Pot Café in Edale, a bustling and friendly spot to fuel up with a hot drink and perhaps a snack before setting out. The is a steady start to the walk, heading through the pleasant village of Edale before taking the a network of simple valley level paths. Views of the Great Ridge from Lose Hill to Mam Tor begin to open up and showcase the undulating landscape that will soon be beneath our feet.
A gradual climb will bring us to the first summit of the day, Lose Hill. There are wonderful views across to neighbouring Win Hill and the Hope Valley, as well as the panorama of the Vale of Edale with the rest of the Great Ridge extended westwards in a crooked but welcoming display. Lose Hill is a spot that is synonymous with the Ramblers Association and Right to Roam activists, and legend has it that it was also a strategic landmark in a battle that took place around 600AD.
The traverse of the Great Ridge will then begin from east to west, following in the footsteps of hikers and ancient ancestors alike. As we cross Back Tor, Barker Bank and Hollins Cross, there are lots of interesting historic and geological facts to discuss that I intend to captivate the imagination of those in attendance and help us to imagine how different peoples have lived and worked in this rugged rural environment over thousands of years.
Limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS
at £35.00 per person.
The crest of the Great Ridge will begin to make a steeper climb as we approach Mam Tor, which referred to as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Peak District" by some. We will find ourselves looking upon visual evidence showing us that this hill was once the site of a Bronze Age fortification, and the land to the south (mainly) has been extensively mined over the centuries due to a wealth of natural resources.
Mam Tor translates to "Mother Hill", and it is also known as "The Shivering Mountain", but I will of course explain more about these names and why they have been given to the hill as we climb to the top. The summit is usually a very busy place to be, but what a view to enjoy!
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The Great Ridge traverse does not end here! The gift that keeps giving will then lead us along to Rushop Edge, the highest point being Lord's Seat, where there is a totally different perspective looking south over towards the Limestone Trail, and the western reaches of the Vale of Edale. It really is a spectacular panorama to behold.
We will soon find ourselves heading down towards the valley again on a gentle gradient that allows for yet more epic views, and provides a superb opportunity to observe the glacial landscape before us and point out several features of interest. One of my personal interests is the geology behind how the Peak District, particularly this area of the Dark Peak, came to form and how it has been shaped by the forces of nature over millions of years to become the playground that we can enjoy today. I hope you will share in my enthusiasm and build a mental picture of the brutal processes that have occurred in and around what is today known as Edale and the Great Ridge.
Limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS
at £35.00 per person.
Limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS
at £35.00 per person.
​Important details about this specific activity.
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The entire route accrues 17km, or 11 miles, with 750m ascent, and is expected to take 6 to 7 hours​.
A steady, moderate pace is required to complete the activity in good time.
It is necessary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to take part in this activity.
There are steep hillside slopes on grass and loose stone throughout the day. If an individual is for any reason unsure of their ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss things further before making a booking.
If the walk leader observes a concern with fitness levels of an individual participant,
it may be necessary for that person to return the start of the activity for their own safety, where it is safe to do so.
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This activity requires sturdy boots or trail shoes with stiff soles. NOT trainers, approach or trail shoes with soft soles.
Please refer to the Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.
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Certain breeds of dog are welcome to attend by prior arrangement only.
Children and young people over the age of 14 are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian by prior arrangement.
Please bear in mind that the activity duration is calculated based on average walking speeds over the types of terrain encountered and previous occurrences of this specific route. The activity may be completed in a quicker or longer time than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group.
As mentioned, it is necessary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to participate.
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It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. It may be necessary for the walk leader to change the itinerary of the route for safety or other reasons, meaning that is is not possible to included certain advertised objectives.
Unless there is a safety concern posed by the weather forecast, activities will go ahead regardless of conditions.
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Please see the Moors to Mountains Terms and Conditions before booking.
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Meeting point and transport information.
​The activity meeting point is The Penny Pot Cafe in Edale (S33 7ZA). This is adjacent to Edale train station, and there are reliable train services from Manchester or Sheffield. There is also plenty of parking available close by.
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Participants should meet at the time advertised on the booking page. You will be contacted if there are any changes.
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Lots of various accommodation is available in the vicinity of Edale, Castleton and Hope, including camping, hostels, B&B's. It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Please ask me if you need advice on where to stay or transport links.
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What to expect when booking a professionally
guided activity with Colin from Moors to Mountains.
A friendly and supportive group ethic is promoted on all activities.
It is normal for participants to feel anxious or nervous about joining a guided walk for the first time, meeting new people or just stepping out of their usual comfort zone. This is normal. Please try to remember that other people in the group will likely be feeling the same, and I can assure all participants that they will be making new friends and feeling comfortable in the surroundings in no time.
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Knowledge and enthusiasm is shared throughout the activity.
Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation. Whether we are visiting a site with interesting geology and natural features or perhaps somewhere of historic significance, I like to make sure participants go away having learned something new. And as an environmentalist and lover of the outdoors, it is my mission to try and pass on my passion and knowledge to all who sign up to a Moors to Mountains activity.
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Safety, motivation and attentiveness is guaranteed.
All Moors to Mountains activities are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that is allowed will depend on the terrain of each specific activity. Suitable group sizes allow me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity, whether this is to answer questions, provide some guidance or physical assistance.
My promise is to deliver a high level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.
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It is not a race, everybody is here to enjoy the activity!
The benefit of booking onto my activities for small groups for many participants is that the reasonable pricing makes joining a qualified, knowledgeable and experienced Mountain Leader to be more affordable. However, participants in each group are likely to be of mixed abilities. All participants will move together as a group and support each other throughout the activity. If you are a very fit and fast hill walker and would like to experience more of a physical challenge, I am available for private bookings that may be more enjoyable for you than my usual group activities that are at a moderate or even gentle pace.
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I am qualified, insured and experienced in the mountains and hills of the UK.
As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council and Mountain Training Association. I will only ever operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. I have also volunteered with my community walking group for since 2011, where I have organised and led innumerable walks and expeditions across the whole of northern England, many areas of Scotland and Eryri/Snowdonia in North Wales. I also have a lot of personal experience in walking, wild camping and completing solo expeditions in these areas.
In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting. There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.
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​Once a place has been booked on any activity.
I will personally contact each participant by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. The booking system will email participants a ticket but there is no need to present this when attending an activity. Participants will be sent thorough information and a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where necessary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.
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Thank you for reading and I hope to see you on the activity.
COLIN - MOORS TO MOUNTAINS.