Today and i was joined by Amy and Benjamin who were visiting the Peak District to see family and to enjoy Ben’s birthday.

Amy had contacted me as they wanted to explore Kinder scout for the day and learn more about the area. 

Amy and Benjamin are from the south of England and although regular gym goers are perhaps not as used to the uphill and downhills of the moorlands that the Peak District offer. That said, Amy had her running shoes on from the start so anything was possible!

The weather offered a clear day of sorts. 30-40 mph gusts on the Kinder plateau and dry. Fog was limiting distant viewing. The temperature was effected by the wind chill so hat and gloves were needed from 400m of height upwards.

We walked and talked about the history of the Peak District national park, looking down upon Bowden Bridge (Where Benny Rothman organised fellow ramblers to meet for the Kinder mass trespass met in 1932). We talked about how the pollution caused by the industrial revolution exposed the bare peat which effects the carbon emissions released into the atmosphere. I spoke about how the Moors for the Future project is helping to restore Kinder scout and prevent further carbon release.

We also talked about the wind carved gritstone rocks on the edge of the plateau and how years of enormous pressure had given the gritstone a ribbed effect. 

We passed a few Duke of Edinburgh groups who were London based and exploring the area for the first time. A few of them looked like it was quite a battle to say the least. Difficult terrain underfoot and heavy rucksacks don’t help matters but they soldiered on regardless. 

As we had not received much rain in the last few days Kinder downfall was imitating a running tap unfortunately. Trying to explain to Amy and Benjamin that this was an ice climb a few months ago was not easy. You cannot win them all folks.

An enjoyable birthday escape from busy urban life for Amy and Benjamin. A good twelve miles and five hundred metres of ascent under your belt today. Well done to Amy and Benjamin. When i saw Amy wearing running shoes this morning i thought today was going to be an interesting one.

A cracking day.

If you get chance sample the Thornbridge beer (Jaipur) Ben. 

Have a lovely birthday evening Benjamin and Amy.