|
|
|
      |
|
|
Hiking
and Biking in the Peak District - Nov 2006
Another
hiking trip saw Karl and I spending a few days in the Peak District, and
this time we took mountain bikes. Karl had bought a new whizzo Specialized
bike with adjustable suspension, but I wasn't jealous -
much! It was
strange staying back at Castleton Youth Hostel as the last time I was there with my
school aged 13. It hadn't changed too much,
but I was disappointed that the large dormitory that I
stayed in
all those years ago, had been chopped up into
smaller dorms.
On
the
first day we decided to take the bikes out and chose a rough route,
vaguely following the advice of a Youth Hostel worker and avid mountain
biker. We charged hell-for-leather out of Castleton very soon realising
that we should probably kill the pace if we were to survive the whole day.
At a steadier pace, we made it up to Mam Tor and then headed back across into Edale. After
lunch my poor legs were struggling, although Karl's legs seemed to be in
better shape! We enjoyed the fast downs, not so much the ups, and Karl got
to well and truly christen his new bike! On our return he wanted to wash
off the  mud
and wax it, but sadly there were no such facilities at the hostel.
The
next two days we decided to hike and rest our legs a bit. We mainly hiked around
Ladybower Reservoir, near Edale. Thought not particularly high, the route
was very scenic, passing through woodland and moorland. The second walking
day took use through the start of the Pennine Way, bringing back some fond
memories. Since my last visit, huge paving slabs had be laid out through
the peat-bog areas. Whilst keeping us drier and protecting the land, it
did rather detract from the orienteering aspect of the hikes - i.e. we
couldn't get so lost!
|
|
 
|
|