First walk completed.

Length - 4.6 miles Height ascended - 360 metres Start time 7.40 Finish time 9.30 Duration 1hr 50 mins

Today me and Darren went to Derwent Edge and Back Tor to start our first training walk starting at Strines Inn. It was a short one to get me eased in. It started with quite a sharp ascent which was pretty tough, especially for that time in the morning. The path itself was, at this point, a road leading to an old quarry on the edge of the moor. Eventually it levelled out and the track turned to a mud track which was still pretty easy to walk on. We saw some grouse which I have never seen up close before. They sound a bit like they are laughing when they fly up out of nowhere and fly off. One or two made me jump!
Once at the top there was a path made from flagstones from the flooring of old mills which occasionally had a bit of iron sticking out of it which formerly may have held large machinery in place in the mill. When we got to the trig point there was a bit of playing on rocks to be done and of course, for those who know me and Darren, Extreme Yoga
Then we walked to another outcrop of rocks, Dovestones atop Derwent Edge for some more playing!

For the walk back to the car we decided to cut the corner back to the path past another outcrop called Cakes of Bread, which involved trudging through the heather and boggy patches. From now on in the blog this will be referred to as taking a 'Darren Path'!
It was quite hard work to get through and my ankles took a few twists etc but I made it back to the path without falling down or hurting myself!

The walk took less than 2 hours which I am happy with as a starter. We also got a view of Edale Skyline which is a 20+ mile walk Darren intends to take me on next spring.

Darren asked me how my boots felt at the end as it is important to make sure you choose exactly the right footwear for LSW. They felt really good as it happens and I think they will be fine for the 42 miles. My only concern is I will wear them out before I get to next June!

Fingers crossed the next walk will be taking place on Monday.

Charlotte