Lord's Seat and back to Mam Tor

Well, today we decided to get out of the ever-so scenic Sheffield and back into the lovelier parts down here in the 'south'. It should be made quite clear that this decision had been made regardless of the weather - it just so happens we always seem to pick the most perfect of days...

After getting the train to Edale (there and back for £5!!!) we got off and found our way along the road to Barber Booth... at which point this little trail starts us on our actual walk.

Looking back towards Grindslow Knoll - sitting just in front of the Kinder Plateau. Must make this my next hill!

 After quite a steep but easy climb we made it to the top of Rushup Edge, where we got our first views down the entirity of the Hope Valley... quite a sight. Instead though, for now, I'll just show you all a picture of this lovely sign...

The lovely weather we were having, was in fact due to hills behind this signpost. For the whole walk we could see the thick grey clouds nudging up against these western hills - thankfully they stood up well to said cloudy onslaught and the cloud gave spectacular misty,distant, views Manchester-way. Anyway, we soon came across this...

Swim?

 But actually it wasn't all that bad - what with that nice path that goes around the left hand side - which was fortunate for Keri as I don't think she appreciates having to carry me through puddles like this (or any puddles?)...

So, after navigating the vast oceans, I finally found myself at a stage to show you the scenery...

From right to left along the ridge: Rushup Edge far right, leading quickly onto Mam Tor, then following that left you come to Back Tor (dark hill at top left) and Lose Hill at the far end.

 This was our highest peak on the walk - Lord's Seat. Whilst being a few tens of metres taller than Mam Tor, it is nowhere near as imposing - although obviously gives spectacular views. At this point a sausage roll and scotch egg were well deserved... so this was the scenery for our first snack...

Keri - enjoying the post-snack views over Hope Valley (left), the Great Ridge(centre) and Castleton (right).

 As we approached Mam Tor the (apparently) usual crowds came into sight. In theory, we were supposed to turn left down by the road here... but who can resist a quick addition to the walk to take in Mam Tor again? - especially when we were in need of a good dinner spot.

Mam Tor - again.

 So... as always... back to food. This was our chosen dinner spot (below). Quite a good one if I do say so myself and a nice challenge for me to try and point out all the more well known places in view... from the shores of Ladybower to Stanage Edge and our guesswork of where Eyam was. I have to say, it doesn't get much better than enjoying this view with homemade cheese scones, Thornton's caramel slices and the sun on your back... try it...

Lunchtime views...

 Next up are our posing photos on top of the busiest hill in the world.

Keri (and some wind) and a fair few strangers. Bet they never walked as far as us!

My ever-so handsome self. Some excellent camera-work too from the woman.

And it's all downhill from here. We walked down the far side of Mam Tor towards the great ridge before circling back to meet our planned path back to Edale. Turns out that just because it is a popular route, it doesn't mean there will not be a stream running all the way down the middle of it. Still, I managed to spot this lonely tree in between slips and slides and thought that it certainly deserved a photo of it's own.

And finally, here is a panorama of the valley. I thought I should end on something that summarises the walk and what better than a view of (nearly) everything...

Hope Valley (not displayed all that well this small!)

We got back to Edale with about an hour to spare before the next train - PERFECT for Keri's sit down, cup of tea and cake at the cafe (as promised, as that is her reward for taking me on these walks). The Penny Pot cafe is right next to the station and is a very nice little place with amazing treats for equally nice prices. I think they'll be seeing us again! I should also note that there is a very modern and interesting National Trust place, all sorts of cool stuff in there...

And this brings us to the end of our walk, next time I'll try and make it one that doesn't involve Mam Tor... although can't promise.