Hi guys,
Im new to here so big hello to you all.
I have planned to visit the dark peak area with my gf in mid April for 3 days for some walking and camping. It will be our first visit to the area and I have some questions that I would like to ask before confirming the exact route. We have got some decent waterproofs and insulation, with some good boots and tents etc hopefully it should be sufficient for 3 days.
1) Ground condition I know it will be peaty and boggy, but how bad would it be? Would I be able to walk on top of the vegetation without sinking into the mud? Is over trousers sufficient to keep my boots dry or I will really need a pair of gaiters? My initial plan is to start from Hadfield to Ronksley Moor then Edale to Kinder Scout and return to Hadfield; so most of it will be on trail with a bit of off trail camping at the plateaus.
2) Weather- what is the temperature like in April time? I guess the wind-chill would make it feel worse than it is, but what sort of temperature should I be expecting? Sub-zero at night?
3) Water I guess we will not be short of water in that area but would I be seeing a lot of streams at the plateaus? Maps suggested there should be few but are they likely to dry out so I should collect at the bottom? Also, where is the best places to fill up the bottle to avoid bog water?
4) Routes: is the Pennine Way wall marked? Also Im thinking of taking the path on SK 105 963, is it a path that I could trust?
5) Wild camping I know it is not encouraged, but .. any suggestions on how to pick a good spot? I know not to camp within 100 meters of rivers, away from trails and above 500m etc, but have not yet master the skills of picking a spot that could shelter myself from the weather as this will be my first wild camping trip. What is the general wind direction of the dark peak area? Would camping in the plateaus (Kinder, Ronksley) and Bleaklow too windy? Should I retreat to the woods near to Howden reservoir instead?
6) Headnet - will I be needing those?
I think I have covered most of the things I could think of at the moment, but it would be good if someone could advice on the things I have missed out.
Thanks
Im new to here so big hello to you all.
I have planned to visit the dark peak area with my gf in mid April for 3 days for some walking and camping. It will be our first visit to the area and I have some questions that I would like to ask before confirming the exact route. We have got some decent waterproofs and insulation, with some good boots and tents etc hopefully it should be sufficient for 3 days.
1) Ground condition I know it will be peaty and boggy, but how bad would it be? Would I be able to walk on top of the vegetation without sinking into the mud? Is over trousers sufficient to keep my boots dry or I will really need a pair of gaiters? My initial plan is to start from Hadfield to Ronksley Moor then Edale to Kinder Scout and return to Hadfield; so most of it will be on trail with a bit of off trail camping at the plateaus.
2) Weather- what is the temperature like in April time? I guess the wind-chill would make it feel worse than it is, but what sort of temperature should I be expecting? Sub-zero at night?
3) Water I guess we will not be short of water in that area but would I be seeing a lot of streams at the plateaus? Maps suggested there should be few but are they likely to dry out so I should collect at the bottom? Also, where is the best places to fill up the bottle to avoid bog water?
4) Routes: is the Pennine Way wall marked? Also Im thinking of taking the path on SK 105 963, is it a path that I could trust?
5) Wild camping I know it is not encouraged, but .. any suggestions on how to pick a good spot? I know not to camp within 100 meters of rivers, away from trails and above 500m etc, but have not yet master the skills of picking a spot that could shelter myself from the weather as this will be my first wild camping trip. What is the general wind direction of the dark peak area? Would camping in the plateaus (Kinder, Ronksley) and Bleaklow too windy? Should I retreat to the woods near to Howden reservoir instead?
6) Headnet - will I be needing those?
I think I have covered most of the things I could think of at the moment, but it would be good if someone could advice on the things I have missed out.
Thanks