Crowden to Blackstone Edge Reservoir
After a lovely night’s sleep in my tent, I was ready to set off on the climb up Black Hill. There had been some rain showers overnight and there was a little bit of cloud, but that was soon going to clear for a lovely sunny day!
The climb up towards Laddow Rocks was stunning. The bilberry was starting to flower, which gave lovely pops of colour amongst the heather.
I climbed up onto Laddow Rocks. The views were beautiful. This was where I first felt the force of the wind. I was very glad that it was blowing me onto the hill!
The view back down the Clough was beautiful. It definitely made the battering by the wind worth it!
I then left Laddow Rocks to join the paved path up to Black Hill. The expanse of moorland was so quiet and peaceful. I felt so calm up there.
The Pennine Way then took me to over Dean Clough and to Wessenden Head. It was lovely to look back and see where I’d been!
I then took the track to Wessenden Reservoir. It was a nice track, which made for easy walking and I could enjoy the surroundings. This was the busiest section of the day, as lots of walkers and dog walkers had come out to make use of the slightly more sheltered trails.
At the reservoir there was another Peak and Northern Footpath Society sign. It was also very nice to see a little green marker for the Peak District Boundary Walk. I walked the Peak District Boundary Walk when I was 21, and was one of the first people to walk it as a multi-day hike. It was nice to reminisce about that trip and how far I’ve come once then!
I then continued to Marsden Moor. Along the way there was this beautiful waterfall. The overnight rain meant that it was flowing fast!
The climb up to Marsden Moor was short but sharp. I took it steady and was glad to reach the top. The Pennine Way then took me to Black Moss Reservoir, where I had to cross the dam. It was here that I really felt the strength of the wind. There were 35mph gusts forecast today, and it felt like it was gusting for most of the day! Walking along the dam, I had to lean into the wind to stay upright. It was amazing to feel the force of nature.
Along the path, there was this Curlew photo stand. It’s part of a project by the National Trust, where they are trying to monitor the condition of the peat bog. You can place your phone in the stand then take a photo at the same location and send it in. Unfortunately, the sight wasn’t very pretty this time, as there has recently been a wildfire up here.
I stopped in a sheltered spot near Brun Clough Reservoir for a snack. Here I met Deborah and Bob. Deborah had been following me along the Pennine Way, which she was recce-ing for the Spine Sprint in June. We had a quick chat and she continued on her way.
I crossed the road and continued onto Standedge, where I found another Trig point. I caught up with Deborah and we walked together for an hour or so. It was lovely to have her company. Deborah got into ultras after years of horse riding. She lives in Suffolk so makes the trip up once a month to recce the route. She started with the Peak District Birthday Bash, then Edale Mountain Rescue’s Nine Edges before deciding to take on the Spine Sprint. It was so inspiring to hear about her journey and see her determination. Bob would come on the recce with Deborah, driving to different rendezvous points along the way, and walk back up the trail to meet her. It was lovely to see his cheery face walking towards us every now and then.
Deborah finished her recce at Nicky’s Cafe, and I continued on towards the M62 crossing. This crossing always catches the wind, and it definitely did today. It was definitely a case of one foot in front of the other and keep trying to go forwards!
On the other side they have been laying some new flagstones on the path. They’re looking very nice!
I then headed up to Blackstone Edge. The views were beautiful. The massive blue skies were amazing.
I found the trig point on Blackstone Edge, then hid down behind a rock, for a break. The wind was still really strong and it was nice to have a little bit of respite.
The Pennine Way then took me down to the road, where I finished for the day. Tonight I’m staying with Pam. Pam and I did our Girlguiding Level 3 walking assessment together. I’m really looking forward to seeing her.
Today has been another great day on the Pennine Way. The views have been amazing. The winds have been high all day, but it has felt so powerful to walk against them. I love the feeling when nature throws its best at you.
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