Sunday 27 June: Kinder Scout

 The forecast is variable but seems dry and although sunny at the campsite the hill tops look enshrouded in cloud. It looks set to stay so we decide to head of nonetheless. Initially along the river to Hayfield village from where we follow Snake Path up over the moorland towards Kinder Reservoir. The ground is dry and there is evidence of bush fires, probably intentional. We are walking through heather and Myrtle bushes along a well marked track. We skirt the reservoir and follow a stream up William Clough to the top of the ridge. There are a few groups of fellow walkers in this popular route and we jostle for position. Unfortunately the top is still in the cloud and the wind is strong. We are unable to appreciate the stunning views that we’re sure are all around us. The path is now the Pennine Way and is well used but hard under foot and there is a good deal of Boulder hopping. We pass Kinder Falls but we are unaware barely able to see the cliffs below us. The cloud begins to clear and we find ourselves unexpectedly at the highest point of the Peak District at Kinder Low. We are now certainly not alone and this is a popular ascent from the Edale valley below us hand we are reminded of Scafell Pike on a bank holiday! We escape the madding crowds as we descend back towards Hayfield and we celebrate our 9 mile tour with a local brew at the Sportsman’s Inn. We even allow ourselves an extra half and a packet of crisps. It is our last day after all. Back to the campsite to watch new arrivals while we struggle to decide if it’s warm enough to sit outside.