Sunday’s plan was Kinder Scout G/SP-001 from Hayfield. We knew we could drive there, whereas Edale/Upper Booth might have been more difficult. The pros and cons of routes were dicussed. The walled bridleway up to Edale Cross might be the most direct approach, but would drifted snow in the tracks be too much of an obstacle? Would an approach via Mill Hill to the Kinder Downfall edge of the plateau be any beter?
In the end, we parked in Hayfield village and initially aimed to take the bridleway to Edale Cross, and then left for the Pennine Way up to Kinder Low. After a couple of kilometres, the deep drifted snow in the walled track was really difficult. Richard donned his snow-shoes and continued, but Jimmy and I crossed into the adjacent field where the snow was much less deep on a surface of frozen soil. Where the soil was not covered by snow, it had a lethal icy topping, so care was required.
We then took the decision to bear left and aim for Kinder Low End. The snow remained deep, and the going difficult and very tiring, especially for me. I couldn’t keep up with Richard G3CWI or Jimmy M3EYP. I began to really struggle on the steep slopes, become increasingly exhausted with every step.
At the top of a rocky outcrop, a sat myself down, still someway behind Richard and Jimmy. I was short of breath and slightly nauseous. Jimmy and Richard returned to my position, and we took the day’s first soup break - Tesco Sweet Potato & Chilli. After the rest, I felt OK to continue, so resumed the steep uphill work.
It was a case of so near and yet so far. We could see the crest of Kinder Low End, upon which we knew there would be a cairn and and almost flat last kilometre to the summit. We also knew that a flagged path covered the length of this, but how much of that would be seen under deep snow is another matter!
The downside of nearing the crest was that we were no longer shelter from the strong and bitter North-Easterly wind, which was also whipping up the lying snow rather unpleasantly. I was feeling OK still, but couldn’t disguise the fact that I was going increasingly slowly. We all agreed that it was time to turn back.
Jimmy led us on a more direct route back to the lane up from Hayfield, and further down we enjoyed some lovely Wainwright Ale at the Sportsman pub. So yet another failure to add to this season’s expanding catalogue. Or was it? Perhaps not as Richard asserted; “My only objective was to come out for a walk in the snow with some friends”.
Some intensive work on my own fitness is now in order - my lung capacity was definitely not what it should have been yesterday. Thanks to Jimmy and Richard for their company and what was nonetheless an enjoyable expedition.
Tom M1EYP
