Marsden to Edale Walk

18 March 1990

Leader: Roy P.

Having had my arm twisted to mark my inaugural leadership with this Dark Peak classic by our worthy Secretary , he was notably absent on the day! Some specious excuse that money was more important. As it was, the logistics of getting us to Marsden and Edale worked out OK, though not without last minute phone calls due to George S falling ill, and me forgetting all about Axel.

The membership took me by surprise however, by all being at Marsden before 8.30 am and one splinter group (Tony, Hugh, Jack and Mike R-I think), had set off well before that. Thus I started out as back marker and remained that all day, largely in the company of Rick and guests, my guest and Axel, though we swopped Axel for Jack later in the day. The fast lads‘ (John E, Derek G, Hugh C, Pierce and young Rob G I believe) took the long route round the Pennine Way and still managed to get to Edale by 4.30 pm. The rest of us straggled in up to 6.30 pm to find that the President and past President had abandoned Graham somewhere on the top of Kinder. The leader‘s abuse and timely reminder of their official responsibilities was enough to send them off in the direction of Kinder again. They found Graham wandering around Edale village muttering “I’m at a loss!” though it turned out to be more to do with Featherbed Moss!

The important thing was that we all made it, though not without a long rest, two pints of tea and some forceful social pressure from Terry R at the Snake Inn. The weather helped enormously, bathing us in warm sunshine for most of the day, and cooling fevered brows with a wind which was never less than generous.

A good day was had by all, and a touch of euphoria undoubtedly accompanied the slightly esoteric fare provided by Terry (fennel and lettuce soup) and Roy (Baboti-courtesy South Africa I‘m told), the more conventional fruit pies being provided by the Womans Institute, Broomhill.  Thanks to all for making it such a successful meet, but particularly to Paul and Frank for preparing the supper.