After a month or so of resting my knee from hill walks, I drove up to Edale on Thursday. I parked at layby just off Mam Tor, and walked over the Tor down to Edale. I then had great fun climbing up Grindesbrook Clough which was full of water from the previous rains. At the top, I turned right walking along the edge to Hope Cross.
My pace was quick as their were darkening clouds following me but they seperated as I got to the Cross and walked down towards Crimea Farm. I had also managed to avoid much water and mud which was a releif as was trying the Inov-8s again. However, at Crimea Farm, the water and mud started. I managed to tip toe around several until I got to a hugh muddy puddle onlooked by the farmer who was chainsawing some trees. He commented that I should speed up to avoid the oncoming rain, and I obeyed, continuing tiptoeing over stones through the puddle – followed shortly by tripping onto all fours in the mud. He chuckled and asked whether I was ok. I obviously said I was fine, and it was my stupid fault for trying to avoid the mud.
Anyway, I continued, still enjoying myself though with slightly wet feet. I do find the non waterproof approach annoying in these conditions though, as just as your feet dry, they get wet again!
It wasn’t untill I started the final descent from Win Hill that my right knee started to hurt again. It still hasn’t repired with a tight sharp pain on outer lower part of knee. It wasn’t too bad, and I managed to make decent progress to the car, but I am certainly not ready for bigger of even multiday walks yet. Maybe a claim on bupa is needed for some physio.
To continue my foolishness, I couldn’t be bothered to change into waterproofs as the rain started. The clouds seemed seperated and I thought only a quick shower would fall. Unfortatenly, it rained persistently for 1 hour until I got back to the car. Doh!! Also, when in the car, I didn’t take my wet socks off as I hadn’t brought a spare pair. I drove for about 30 miles before taking em off. Oh it smelt, but oh it was bliss, with the heating at 26 degrees just aimed at my sodden feet!!!