Nuneaton Mountain and Hill Walking Club members enjoyed their ever popular Novemberfest weekend which was held at the National Trust Dalehead Bunkhouse in a remote corner of Edale, Derbyshire.Friday was a fine day in the Peak District with some members taking advantage of the good conditions to get on the hill as soonas possible. Colin and Nick walked to Mam Tor where it was clear but with a stiff,cold wind whilst Les and Mo did nearby Rushup Edge in much calmer conditions. A few miles away Keith and Michele walked along Black Edge near to Buxton also in cold, clearconditions. The bunkhouse was spacious and well apportioned with parking only a few metres away. The fire was started and soon it was warm and cosy. The next morning there was a complete snow
coverage in the valley and it was still snowing gently when we went out. There were further snow flurries and some breezy conditions but generally the day improved with extensive blue skies and sunshine in the afternoon.
Colin, Nick and Eileen walked beyond Upper Booth and then took the Pennine Way back to Edale village before taking paths to Barber Booth and Dalehead. Even at these lower levels it was snowy in themorning but there were plenty of people out and about enjoying what for most was the first snow of the winter.
More substantially the others(Mo, Les, Keith, Anna, Keith, Micheleand David) headed up Crowdon Clough to the Kinder Scout plateau at2,000ft. Here the wind was blowing snow horizontally but underfootit was soft leading to some slippy conditions on the descent down Grindsbrook to Edale village. Beyond, the group headed up Harden Clough to the other side of the valley where the snow was firmer along Rushup Edge.There were some snow drifts but no difficulties
as they completed the circuit down Whitemoor Clough and back to Dalehead.
In the evening there was the traditional three course group meal which was enjoyed by all.Many thanks to Eileen for organising the meal and to all who helped and assisted with an excellent weekend.
