First time in the Peak District and what a place! This was the second weekend away with my full pack in prep for the West Highland Way. Thought I’d try to replicate some of the landscapes, albeit on a smaller scale…! Spent day 1 at Ladybower reservoir doing a 11 mile loop around the main part. Odd to see the remains of villages that were flooded to make the reservoir back in the 1940s. Pretty easy walking and was back at the car by early afternoon which gave me time to pop to the Alpkit store in Hathersage before heading to the Youth Hostel at Castleton to pitch up for the night. Loved the Youth Hostel, fab staff, lots of fellow campers and hikers and a nice couple of pints in the bar in the sunshine.

Headed out through Castleton on the 2nd day, starting with a really tough walk up through Peak Cavern and Cave Dale. The 85 degree heat didn’t make it any easier, but the scenery was spectacular. Once at the top I traversed the ridge across to Mam Tor before dropping down to Winnatts Pass – a sight to behold!

Will definitely be going back to the Hope Valley to explore some more in the near future.