Thwarted by the weather again! We had a walk planned, but the weather forecast was so dire that we opted for a quick change of plan that might - hopefully - keep us a little drier.
We meet up on the road at Monsal Head. It's a familiar enough spot for us, and today it isn't too busy. Hardly surprising. There is a river running down the edge of the road with more rain to come.
Because of the weather we have decided to do the Monsal Trail (yes, again) with the expectation that we will at least be sheltered in the tunnels and can seek refuge there if it gets particularly bad.
We drop down from Monsal Head, pause to admire the crinoid fossils in the limestone 'steps', then reach the level trail and set off, plenty to talk about means that we are well and truly occupied, and the easy going underfoot means we aren't having to be on our guard.
There aren't many others out today. A few random cyclists, joggers and dog walkers. The tunnels are, as expected, cold, dank and dark. Quite eerie in an echoing, hollow way, with the far end rarely in sight as we enter.
At the Litton Mill railway cutting we notice an information board on our left. To our great interest it explains the formation of the Pillow Lava in the face in front. Pillow Lava isn't that common in the UK and this is a good place to see it. For anyone interested in the geology, below is more information with the Litton details are on page 11 of the pdf and a good photo on page 12. http://geology.malvernu3a.org.uk/walks/2016/Cecs%20geological%20excursions/PILLOW%20LAVAS.pdf
The rain starts to come down heavier now, and we are getting ready for something to eat, but we aren't to far away from the Millers Dale Station, so decide to press on in the hope of somewhere dry to sit.
As we reach the bridge over the road we notice, on our left, large lime kilns. However, lunch is a more tantalising prospect than exploration, so we cross the bridge and approach the station where there are toilets, benches to sit on but, alas, no shelter.
However, the rain seems to be coming in fits and starts, so we find a bench next to the station wall and settle down to eat. Coffee is essential, and we are soon warmed through. Sandwiches/salad are quickly eaten but the buns are worth savouring and are magnificent. PC has done us proud. Tarts filled with tangy lemon 'custard' and topped with fresh raspberries. They lift the gloomy day into something special.
Once the buns are devoured, and the coffee finished, it is time to head back. Alternative routes are awash with rain and mud so it is just a case of retracing our steps. And as is so often the case, the journey back seems to be shorter and take less time than the journey out. Even the steep climb from the trail to the head doesn't take us long.
The rain hasn't been quite as bad as we had been led to believe (so much for hour by hour forecasts!) so we have been able to enjoy the walk, and make new discoveries along the way.
We seem to be having problems with the weather lately, hardly surprising in winter, but it makes choosing walks a little tricky. We've had our fill full of mud for now.
So, the decision is made to head for the Monsal Trail, but from a point a little further along than usual.
We drive past Monsal Head then down the steep road to the small parking area next to the River. The water is high and looks perishing cold.
Our plan is to cross over the river at Litton Mill and get onto the trail and walk towards Miller's Dale. But once we are suitably attired and on our way, we hit a snag. Taking the footpath through the mill grounds we come up against diggers, metal fencing and enough mud to keep hippos happily wallowing for weeks. An about-turn and change of plan is in order.
Instead we walk up the steep road adjoining the Mill and find, on our left, a gap in the wall to take us on a permissive path which is used to circumvent the flooding that is so common in Water cum Jolly Dale. This path is slippery in places, with fallen trees blocking it in others, and the decent to the path is perilous in wet conditions as you scramble down slick limestone. But we reach the path safely and amble along at the side of the river.
Through a gate at the far end we turn and end up going past a few cottages. We eye up a strategic bench with half a mind for a lunch stop, but instead continue along until I recognise the 'entrance' to Tideswell Dale. Here the river flows gently and it is a very pleasant walk up a well used path.
But lunch beckons, so we find an outcrop to sit on and enjoy lunch and coffee - along with wonderful cream filled chocolate scones. Yes, they sound weird but they are oh-so-good. And large! With a distinct feeling of being overfull we begin to retrace our steps.
At the cottages again we cross over the narrow bridge to the far side of the river and climb upwards onto the remains of the old railway that is now part of the Monsal Trail. Very familiar territory here with the numerous tunnels (cold and dripping) and cyclists coming up behind unawares.
We walk up the bridge at Monsal Head but before crossing it we take the left hand path down and back over the river. From here it is but a steady walk back to the cars.
It has certainly been a cold day today, but despite a last minute change of plans we managed an excellent walk nontheless.
With the heavy snow we have had we decided we really needed to go somewhere that wouldn't be a quagmire. So we headed to Castleton with the Great Ridge in our sights.
It's the school holidays, half term, and since we neither of us have children of school age anymore it comes as a bit of surprise to see so many cars about. However, most are heading for the attractions of the caves and we park on the road close to the bottom of Winnats Pass from where we can see Hang Gliders off the top of Mam Tor.
We decide on walking up the pass, something we rarely do given how steep it is, and as we get higher we remind ourselves why it is such a rarity!
At the top we are on the road for a short distance but cross over to go through a gate that will take us across a field rather than sticking to the road. There's still some snow up here, not surprising really, and it is bitterly cold.
Once through the gate at the far side it is the pull up the slope of Mam Tor in a couple of stages. The last part, the anti-erosion steps up to the summit, is where we really start to feel the wind chill, so we edge to the side and find a sheltered area inside one of the old ramparts to eat lunch and warm ourselves up with coffee. Lemon Meringue pies for bun today. They are certainly very tangy but they need ungloved fingers to eat so they are consumed quickly. It certainly isn't a day to linger, and as soon as we have done we are off again.
The last stretch up to the summit is very busy, as is the area aroundn the trig point, but we pass on by, pleased to be moving. A number of people are coming towards us from the opposite direction and they all, without exception, have bright red, wind-blown faces. It is really extremely cold, the wind having a massive effect.
We keep moving, as swiftly as possible, until we reach Hollins Cross and take the right hand path downhill. The difference is amazing, within a few feet the wind drops and it is noticeably warmer. We decide to slow down a bit!
It is a steep and rocky path down, with a boggy bit about half way which requires some nimble footwork, then we are down to the gate onto the old narrow lane. As expected there is mud and running water here, but not an excessive amount.
A straight walk not into the back of Castleton, through the car park and up the road to the cars. We have avoided most of the mud and slush today, which is good, but we certainly felt the cold due to the wind.
Once the buns are devoured, and the coffee finished, it is time to head back. Alternative routes are awash with rain and mud so it is just a case of retracing our steps. And as is so often the case, the journey back seems to be shorter and take less time than the journey out. Even the steep climb from the trail to the head doesn't take us long. 
