Cracken Edge, South Head and round the Roych

I set off from the car park in Whaley at 9am today in the company of Ade, Dave and Tracey. I had planned a route to go up from Buxworth, over Cracken Edge and to South Head. It had snowed again in the night and though it looks pretty on the hills I wish it would turn a little more Springlike now.

Tracey at South Head

We set off along the canal to Buxworth then up across the fields, with a bit of messing around (my fault) and up the steep lanes to join the track to Cracken Edge. Tracey and I followed the bridleway round to Peep o' Day, the boys went via Big Stone and we met at the road. We crossed the main road and climbed up the track to South Head. Once again, the boys showed their mettle by going up to the summit whilst Tracey and I toiled round the track. I will not bore you with the excuses (my stiff leg, Tracey's chest) but suffice to say my progress was slow.

Ade and Dave run down from South Head

We continued along the bridleway all the way via Roych Clough (fell over here in the mud, again) until it meets the main road that leads to Mam Tor. We then dropped down towards Chinley and picked up the tram track to return. By this time I was absolutely knackered and could scarcely run so Tracey and I pottered back to Whaley and let the boys run on.

Time nearly 4 hours. Views stunning.