David Robertson reports:
On the weekend of the 10-11th May, a group of mighty MACs began their epic journey covering the length of the Peak District, from North to South.
Sally Hale, Andy ‘the map’ Mellor, Nick Gant and David Robertson all set off from Marsden on Saturday morning, sights set on Castleton for the overnight stay and pint(s) of beer. Heading along Butterly reservoir, the route soon joined the Pennine Way with the first checkpoint at Black Hill. Some epic views in the glorious sunshine were enjoyed before our first refreshment stop at Crowden, with Caroline Robertson as support crew for the day. Continuing south, we ventured across Bleaklow towards Higher Shelf Stones and the B29 ‘Overexposed’ crash site. Next on the list was Kinder Scout, before making our way down Jacob’s Ladder and heading down to Edale. At this point, Sally very understandably expressed her views that Edale is an excellent place to finish a race, being in the middle of the valley! Thanks to David’s route planning, and the even split of two 50km days, we still had one last climb to make – up to Mam Tor (the only trig point where it was too busy to stop for a photo!) with a final descent into Castleton.
Accommodation was at the YHA Losehill Castleton. With beautiful grounds and plenty of sheep within them (and the car park) it’s a great place to stay. Just be sure to close your windows when you leave your room. They will eat your snacks.
As we trudged to Ye Olde Nags Head for dinner, thoughts turned to the plans for day 2. Andy, having held the Dark Peak OS map for the whole day, took great pride in carefully stowing it away before unfurling the White Peak OS map, ready for its maiden voyage for day 2! Cherry, joining us for dinner, would be our support crew for day 2, enabling Caroline to join the run down to Ashbourne.
Day 2 (Sunday) began with equally beautiful weather, however tired legs soon brought home the realisation that this would not be an easy day! With the car loaded with supplies, including frozen water bottles(!), the five of us made our way out (or should I say ‘up’!) of Castleton. Within minutes, the scenery completely changed from day 1. The rugged outcrops, blankets of heather and gorse along the moors soon replaced by rolling hills and green fields.
Moving onto the Limestone Way, we made solid progress, soon joined by Emma Fitzgerald after a pit stop at Miller’s Dale. Cherry, having an adventure of her very own, not only managed to get a parking space in the car park but also witnessed the start WW3 as fellow visitors bid to obtain the space she would soon leave behind!
Having thought that the challenging terrain of day 1 was a thing of the past, the route to Ashbourne presented a number of its own challenges! The monotony of the 5-6 Tissington Trail section was hard work on fatigued legs and tired heads, whilst the “bas***d rocks” of Monk’s Dale (as Emma rather aptly named them!) were similarly challenging!
The route began to head along the River Dove, taking in the spectacular scenery through Wolfscote Dale, Milldale and Dove Holes. As we neared the stepping stones, the crowds began to form, not for the Peaky Plodders sadly. As with day 1, day 2 had one last challenge – the steep climb up to Thorpe Cloud! With almost 100km in the legs by that point, the final climb of the day was a challenge. At least it was very well received by the plodders, who were quick to congratulate me on the route planning…
A few rolling hills on the way into Ashbourne and we had our first navigational error! Andy, clearly thinking about his post run snacks, missing the turn and heading for the finish at the Sainsbury’s checkouts!
With the main road closed in Ashbourne, the Peaky Plodders made a ceremonial entrance into the market square, ready to receive their wooden medals to commemorate the achievement!!
Huge thanks to Caroline and Cherry for crewing on days 1 & 2 respectively. The frequent stops were a huge boost and were very much needed in this heat! Thanks also to Emma for joining on day 2, and to Nick, Sally and Andy for their company throughout the trip. I’ve been thinking about this challenge for a few years now and to finally do it with you was a real privilege.
Plans are already in place for a Peaky Plod ‘East to West’ so keep a look out for that if you’re interested!
P.S. Apologies for the war and peace’s turns out condensing a two day event into a couple of paragraphs is almost as hard as running it!
More photos if you’re interested here:
