The Yellow Peril outside Bargate CottageIf we'd taken heed of the weather forecasts for this particular weekend in Castleton 1st-3rd February we probably wouldn't have gone. "Snow", they said. "Stay at home. Dangerous. Stay in". Weather forecasts have long ceased to be reasonably accurate but the decline in accuracy of the reports has been in inverse proportion to Nanny-State warnings not to do ANYTHING when there's a Severe Weather Warning attached to it. Just in case. A more accurate report which would then leave us with the necessary information to make our own judgement is, it seems, at odds with the weather people's desire not to get sued.
However, go we did and it was an excellent weekend of winter walking of the best kind (i.e. walking in snow but not when it's falling on you...). Our planned 15 mile biggie (Castleton - Kinder Low and back via Mam Tor and Hollins Cross) had to be curtailed somewhat as we were going at too slow a pace in the snow and ice and daylight is still at a premium at this time of year.
Still, a good weekend with some great photos. And the snow? By Sunday it had all gone...
Looking down at Castleton
A rather Alpine-looking Mam Tor
Sue, Debbie & Ian taking a breather at Hollins Cross
Along the ridge to Mam Tor
An very artistic offering left at Hollins Cross
A very wintry Vale Of Edale
Sihouettes against the skyline at Hollins Cross
Looking along the ridge to Lose Hill
Nearing the top of Mam Tor
Mam Tor Summit
I love these old footpath signs. They don't make 'em like they used to
The sign says it all - except to the ladies, to whom it also said "Lavatory Facilities Finally Nearing"
Snowdrops
Mam Tor on the way back, looking a lot greener than on the way out
A welcome sight after a long walk
A bit slow because of the snow and ice
