After checking in at Fairholmes car park I made my way to the official start point. The runners would all start at 10, but the rest of us could start any time between 7:30 and 9:00 am.

Unlike when we were here in July the steps to the top of the dam wall were open, which made for a steep start to the walk.

Hollin Clough seemed a lot easier this time around, maybe it was the cooler temperature which made the difference. Thankfully it was also midge free.

From the top of Hollin Clough looking across Hagg Side to a distant Kinder. The couple in shot weren't doing the Challenge, no doubt they had expected to enjoy a quiet start to their walk, instead they had been surrounded by all the people making an early start to the challenge.

Having passed the grouse butts I pause to enjoy the view across Pike Low to Win Hill and beyond.

Heading across Green Sitches and Ashopton Bridge comes into view.

Unlike the last time I was here I wouldn't be taking the path to Lost Lad but following the walkers ahead of me along the footpath to Bradfield Gate Head.

This was the one section of the challenge that I had never walked on, so it was good that I got to enjoy the views.

Derwent Edge and the end of the longest climb of the day looks so very close.

As I get close to the first checkpoint another walker gains on me, something I would experience all day. I was quite happy to let everyone pass me, my only goal was to keep putting one foot in front of the next until I got to the pub.

I reached the first checkpoint at Bradfield Gate Head at around 8:30 which based on how long it had taken us to get to Back Tor in July I was very pleased about. As with every other checkpoint I was greeted with a smile and words of encouragement.

There was a very strong breeze blowing across Derwent Edge so once I'd added another layer I headed along the edge and was soon looking back to Back Tor.

As I heading towards the Salt Cellar I enjoyed the view across to the head of the Vale of Edale.

As I approached the Salt Cellar I started to pass people who were just out for a walk heading in the opposite direction.

Having passed the Wheel Stones I had just about completed the first edge. I was now two hours into the challenge and was ahead of where I had expected to be by now.

A final look back along Ladybower before I leave Derwent Edge and make my way to the second checkpoint.

Taking the footpath towards Moscar and Stanage Edge, the next edge, dominates the view.

The footpath heads towards Moscar Lodge and there is no hope of me getting lost as all those walkers who have passed me already show me the way. This was one of the few sections where I had to really concentrate on where I was putting my feet

Once I reached the grouse butt the path got wider and I could start to make steady progress again.

As we approached Moscar House we took the rougher path using the fields rather than the smooth track that headed for Moscar House, which involved some interesting bog hopping in places.

Having passed check point two I head up to Stanage End, a footpath I've only ever used once and that was heading in the opposite direction.

Having reached Stanage End I'm back on familiar footpaths, although the wind is starting to pick up again so I find myself with my cap in my hand more often than it is on my head.

As I head along Stanage Edge the first runner passes me.

High Neb is reached, as another walker passes me.

Heading towards the Long Causeway and Cowper Stone looks a long way.

Having passed the top of the Long Causeway I decide it is time for a rest and something to eat so I find a spot out of the way of the runners, who are starting to arrive on mass and enjoy the view along Stanage Edge.

It has been a very long time since I have walked this section and I'd forgotten how rocky it was so plenty of picking my way between boulders, not helped by the fact this was also the section where most of the runners passed me.

I make a small diversion from the route and decide to head up to the trig at Cowper Stone.

Another Ethel in the bag and a brief respite from getting in the way of the runners.

Having passed check point three I head along the path below Burbage Rocks and I get a sense of how busy the Peak District is at the weekend, something I rarely see as I tend to walk during the week in order to avoid the crowds.

I can't walk along here without taking a shot of Carl Wark and Higger Tor.

Looking back to Upper Burbage Bridge as I get closer to the next checkpoint.

Heading through Longshaw towards Longshaw Lodge, where I plan on making the most of the benches and enjoy another rest before I head through the rest of the estate.

My lunch stop is spent looking across to Mother Cap and Over Owler Tor whilst watching other walkers and runners carry on passed me.

Just after the Grouse Inn I take the gate John and I watched being installed earlier this year to head to the next checkpoint in the car park. At this point I was very grateful the old stile had been replaced by a gate as my lack of walking over the summer was starting to tell.

Heading towards Hay Wood and the strong breeze that had kept me on the cool side earlier in the day was no longer around and it was certainly starting to feel warm.

Heading through the wooded section of Froggatt Edge I started to see the people taking part in the Peak District Challenge coming in the opposite direction.

Walking along Froggatt Edge I could look back down the Derwent Valley to a very distant Derwent Edge which I'd walked along six hours ago.

The final climb of the day is just ahead of me as I approach Curbar Edge.

Having completed the short uphill section I can look back at all of the edges I have walked along so far. Five down four to go.

Heading along Curbar Edge my left heal started to be rather painful and I sat on the bench close to the next checkpoint debating if I was continuing or not. Having rung John to discuss where he was picking me up I decided to see if I could make it to the next checkpoint at Clodhall Crossroads as John could always pick me up there if needed.

My plan to take some weight off my foot at Wellington's Monument was scuppered by the fact the bench was occupied.

Having made it to Clodhall Crossroad I decided to push on and finish, even if it meant I was the slowest walker out there, which I wasn't. I have to say the Mountain Rescue team manning this checkpoint were a big part in encouraging me to go for it, especially the gentleman who very kindly put my rucksack on my back for me.

It's over twenty years since I have walked the path below Birchen Edge and I can honestly say I hated ever step, as there was a lot of stepping down and my heel did not appreciate it. As I approached the end of the path John was waiting for me, so I had some company as I walked to the pub.

Reaching the car park the final checkpoint was at the top of it I couldn't face the steps to it so took the long route up the slope to finally finish in an official time of 9 hours and 15 minutes.

When I finally took my boots off the cause of the pain in my heel was revealed, I'd clearly popped a blood blister going over Curbar Edge and acquired another on top of that doing the rest of the walk. It took my feet a good month to recover from the walk.

Did I enjoy it? For the most part yes, and as I manged to raise some additional money for Edale Mountain Rescue I'm glad I did it. I'm not sure I will ever enjoy the section under Birchen Edge, but that said I've already entered the 2025 Nine Edges Challenge, after all I have a time to beat now.

 

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