I dont live that far away from the Peak District, but for some reason a rarely ride there. Its usually Calderdale, the Dales or Lakes if i'm getting the car out.

Posted up if anyone was up for an adventure over the weekend, and Adjustablewench suggested something starting in Sheffield. Yes please.

Quick meet a the cafe, and scouting a route out on the map we set off towards Stanage Edge.


Stanage Edge by matthew.cockerham

Almost cleared the descent, but ran out of luck and had to have a dab half way down. We reconed that the 20 miles to the top of Dewent Valley would take us 4 hours, but the ground was in good condidtion and Ione doesnt hang about, so we stopped at the pub to get walm and have a cheeky half.


Cheeky One by matthew.cockerham

We arrived at the planned bivi area ahead of time and spent a bit of time checking out a few different spots. Really paid off as its much easier to have a choice and set up camp in the light, while not being too tired. Ione got a fire going, but then we found out i had lost/forgotten my fork, and Ione couldnt get her penny stove to light. Between us we had something walm to eat and passed the night chatting.

Awoke in the morning, after not the best nights sleep for me due to the cold, to find the other side of the Valley had a harsh frost. I might me getting a bit soft, but a tent seems to become a bit more appealing in certain situations.


Sunny Village by matthew.cockerham

A push up out of the valley and then the descent down Cut Gate into Stocksbridge.


Dent Dale by matthew.cockerham

Stocksbridge looks like its seen better days and no sign of a brew from anywhere, so pushed on through Warncliff Woods until we found somewhere serving sunday lunch.

Great adventure.

It was a good adventure, accompanied by a rather spectacular moon too ..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17972782

Here are a couple more pics





brilliant way to spend a bank holiday weekend

Very nice ... been born and bred in the Peak, it brings back memories.

Glad to see the Shangri-la getting some use Ione ... how you getting on with it?

Love it! Such a brilliant design, seemed like overkill compared to Chew's tarp but so light i was happy to take it.

Also did really well in the IOM - loads of room for the three of us



One night it was blowing a real gale and one of the corner pegs came out, barely made any difference as the floor was still pegged out and we all stayed dry. Will get the nest at some point but in no rush atm - until the midges come out in force i guess!

Matt, any photo's from you midweeker last week?

Doing an overnighter from my home into the peak next week and those pics have got me properly fired up for it now :D

Just out of interest what was your route? I recognise Stanage causeway but not the bivi spot, it looks like good one.

It was actually next to howden resevoir, we had headed up towards cut gate path but decided the shelter of trees would be best as there was a very chilly wind, turned out to be a good call as we missed the frost. quite close to the very well trodden path the valley but we were out of site in a dip so weren't disturbed