"Hold onto your hats! Wild exposed Moorland! Enjoy the views!".
Fourteen ramblers took on the challenge of conquering Jacob's Ladder and 'bagging' three Ethel's in a day:-
Mam Tor (517m)
Brown Knoll (569m)
Lords Seat (540m)
Of geological interest:
We were on the edge of the Dark Peak (gritstone) and the White Peak (limestone). The distinction was clear to see as we returned along Rushup Edge and the limestone of Winnats Pass was bathed in sunshine.
Of historical interest:-
Edale was known as Aidele in the Domesday Book and it is the official start of the Pennine Way.
In the 16th/17th century the term Booth referred to an enclosure built for the protection of cattle and sheep. We passed through Upper Booth in the Vale of Edale before starting our ascent of Jacob's Ladder.
During the 18th century, Jacob Marshall (described as a Pedlar) of Youngit House (now Edale Head) is said to have cut steps into the steep bridleway named Jacob's Ladder. The NT were responsible for creating the current route in 1987. One of our ramblers recalled walking the original route and was able to point out remnants of the historic path.
The grade two listed packhorse bridge over the River Noe was an important medieval trade route. Salt, cheese, and cotton were transported to the East, coal and lead to the West. We were fortunate enough to temporarily have the bridge to ourselves.
Of environmental and industrial interest:-
Cowburn Tunnel - the deepest railway tunnel in England.
1894 Air Shaft - 241 m deep with a large chamber known as the 'cathedral'. Engineering work has been completed recently to prevent flooding.
Restoration of Peat Bogs
Development of wildlife habitats.
A Golden Plover Chick may have been spotted on the moor between Brown Knoll and Rushup Edge. It wasn't intending to wait for a second opinion as it flew across the path.
There was something quite special about being at the official start of the Pennine Way. Only one of our fellow ramblers had walked its length in totality....perhaps a future challenge! The day was enhanced by clear visibility enabling us to identify landmarks including Kinder Low, Noe Stool and Pym Chair.
And finally...as one of our ramblers skipped along Rushup Edge, was it an enormous bird or a model airplane welcoming us back to Mam Nick? Definitely two abandoned vehicles in need of urgent removal!
Gill Lees