Friday 28th April 2006

The weather was so warm today that I walked in a t-shirt all day, a first for this year. This was the first time I had visited this part of the Peak District so, with the exception of climbing Hen Cloud, I stuck to the route in my book. There were so many rocky outcrops on my approach to the Roaches that I suspect I shall be returning soon to make the most of the new Access  Land that means that they are now accessible.

Start: Gradbcah car park (SJ 9991 6631)

Route: Gradbach car park - Sniddles Head Farm - Goldstitch Moss - Hazel Barrow - Hen Cloud
            - The Roaches (TP) - Gradbach Wood - Gradbach car park                  

Distance: 7.5 miles    Ascent: 489 metres     Time Taken: 4 hours 50 minutes   

Weather: Warm, with high cloud disappearing as the day progressed.

Pub visited: None      Ale Drunk: None

From Gradbach Hill I can see 3 counties as out of sight and slightly to the right of the valley 
ahead of me is Three Shire Heads. The hill to the right is Turn Edge with Cut-Thorn Hill behind it.

Gibb Tor Rocks from Goldstitch Moss, one of many areas that are newly accessible to walkers.

Bald Stone across Hazel Barrow.

Hen Cloud the summit of which was to be my lunch spot.

Ramshaw Rocks which again are now accessible to walkers.

Tittesworth Reservoir from Hen Cloud.

The Roaches from Hen Cloud.

A close up on Rockhall.

Looking back along the ridge with Hen Cloud behind.

Doxey Pool.

From Doxey Pool, looking along The Roaches towards the trig point.

Approaching the trig  point on The Roaches with Shutlingsloe clearly visible across Wildboarclough.

From the trig point, Shining Tor is the high point on the horizon.