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!!!
On all fours in the mud? Takes you back to your mud wrestling days eh?
Hehe, back in the day.