9th March 2024
The Edale Skyline is an iconic long-distance hike in the Peak District, offering breath-taking views and challenging terrain. Whether you’re a fell runner or a hiker, this route promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s explore the details:
Edale Skyline Route
- Distance: Approximately 21 miles
- Time to Complete: Typically 8-10 hours, depending on group size and fitness12.
- Total Ascent: 1,252 meters (4,107 feet)
- Highest Point: 622 meters (2,040 feet)
Highlights:
- Views of Ladybower Reservoir: As you traverse the ridges and hills surrounding the Hope Valley, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of Ladybower Reservoir.
- Hope Cross: Continue along the route, passing by Hope Cross, a historic marker.
- Kinder Plateau: The rugged beauty of Kinder Plateau awaits, with its wild moorland and rocky outcrops.
- Crowden Rocks: These imposing rocks add drama to the landscape.
- Mam Tor: Also known as the “Shivering Mountain,” Mam Tor offers panoramic views.
- The Great Ridge: A highlight of the walk, the Great Ridge connects Mam Tor to Lose Hill.
Starting Point: Mam Tor carpark
- Mam Tor is a National Trust carpark, which means it is free for members.
- Nearest train station: Hope train station
Tips:
- Public Toilets: While there are no public toilets at the start, you’ll find some at Hope car park (open from 8 am)
- Time Challenge: Our completion time of 7 hours and 27 minutes is impressive! It’s great to see how our fitness has evolved during our training for the hiking holiday.
- Mam Tor Sunrise: Although the sunrise on Mam Tor eluded us this time, the journey itself was undoubtedly rewarding.
We went to complete the Edale skyline, it was a 21 mile hike in Wet and cold weather until the end when the sun decided to come out. We have already completed it once in the past, this time we wanted to do it as a time challenge to see how our fitness had changed while we have been in training for our hiking holiday. When we got there the carpark was pretty full with only 1 space left, which was ours! We got ourselves organised and headed off through the cloud and cold, we pressed on—our footsteps light, our spirits resolute. The Edale Skyline unfolded before us, a dance of summits and valleys, each step a testament to our determination.
Tom, grumbled at the early start, he wasn’t the happiest with the weather. But the hills cared not for his mood; they rose, unyielding, as if challenging us to ascend. Our walk up Mam Tor from the carpark was the usual boring but short climb to the top…to see nothing but people heading back down. As we reached the top we moved swiftly on from here and carried on our walk, There was nothing to see but cloud, but we have seen it all before so it wasn’t the end of the world. Barker Bank, Back Tor, and Lose Hill blurred together—a swift procession of rocky crowns. Kerry, with her back and lungs protesting, pushed forward. We overtook fellow hikers, their breaths heavy, their eyes fixed on the path ahead.
Hope welcomed us before we knew it—a brief respite from the wind’s icy fingers. The sun teased, casting warmth upon our faces. But this was no time for complacency. The hills beckoned once more, and we climbed from Hope toward Win Hill. A monotonous ascent, Kerry’s determination fuelled her steps. It is a long slog up on to Win hill and a boring one at that. Last time we had a lovely cow field, luckily this time it was empty and did not have to worry or rush! We managed to get up there quickly considering Kerry hates hills, but her passion for determination is much greater. Atop Win Hill, the world opened up. The wind whispered secrets, and we listened.
Next a flat and down stretch led us toward Kinder, where the moorland sprawled—a wild canvas of what used to be heather and stone. No wrong turns this time; our navigation held true. We revelled in the clarity of purpose, the joy of being lost only in the landscape.
Kinder is where it becomes interesting, as part of the route up involves a scramble and if any of you know us, you know we love a scramble. This means you get up to the top quickly! Which is another reason Kerry enjoys a scramble so much! Finding our way up the scramble gets the blood flowing and the brain working. Once at the top of Kinder it is a pretty flat walk which is where Tom’s mood lifted and Kerry’s pain disappeared. Most of the way to Lords seat is flat, but does have a section that is a pain though, it is just a long path, when we say long we mean llllooooonnnnngggg. It drags so much and never seems to end. And when it does, you are finally provided with Lords Seat—a hill rising like a challenge. We ascended, muscles burning, breaths measured. The summit greeted us—a triumphant gasp. From there, it was downhill, a descent toward the car waiting patiently below. Relief washed over us—the knowledge that every step now led homeward.
And so, the Edale Skyline etched itself into our souls—a day of endurance, of laughter and shared glances. The mist had lifted, revealing the peaks we’d conquered. Kerry’s determination, Tom’s grudging admiration—they blended into the landscape, woven into the fabric of our adventure.
So, congratulations on conquering the Edale Skyline! 🥾🌟 Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, this route leaves an indelible mark on all who venture along its ridges. Share your experiences and memories with us.
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