HRP ... and beyond: Edale 2020, in the Time of Covid: preparation

You would think when there is a virus about, that being out on the moors or in the hills would be an ideal place to be, not to mention safe. And so it is, up to a point. But you still have to travel to where the hills are, and you have to get food and shelter. Unless you are willing to take with you absolutely everything you might need in the way of clothing, food and drink, and shelter, it is not easy.. and so long walks like the Coast-to-Coast or the Pennine Way become impractical, or at the least, the logistics are much more of a challenge. Lots of hotels and B&Bs are closed and the pubs that are open often have to be prebooked. The result is that I have done much less walking this year than any previous one for quite a while.

But no more! I simply have to get out and walk in the hills. Views like this one:

A view across the Edale valley, from Lose Hill

... are life enhancing, especially when you had to climb up to see them. They don't look the same, if you only drove up there! So, I am off to Edale next week to spend a few days walking around the Kinder plateau, and around that part of Derbyshire generally. Normally I prefer to wander around on my own, but this time I am making an exception because my friend Wayne Boothman will be with me. I met Wayne at Pen-y-Pass when walking the Snowdonia Way, and we have kept in touch ever since. He lives near Ashton-under-Lyne and therefore in easy reach of some pretty scenic walks.

I am driving up to Ashton-under-Lyne on Sunday, 13 Sept 2020, and then on Monday Wayne & I will drive over towards Edale and walk around .. I will return to Kent on the Thursday or Friday, not decided yet. Flexible, or what?

Meantime I will look out a few walking suggestions, and sort out my WALKING KIT, which is a big preparation thing to do, almost but not quite as enjoyable as the walking itself. It takes a full day to do that... perhaps I have too much kit. But there is food & drink to consider too. Because I am taking the car I can take extra kit, I will pop in the tent and sleeping bag even though most likely I won't need them. This is a gear review I did after walking the Snowdonia Way. It is time for an updated review now, I think, I will do one after Edale.

I am booked in for three days at Ollerbrook Barn, and if all goes well I might ask if I can stay there on the Thursday night too. I believe Wayne has decided to camp out.

Can't wait to get started!