- Limb Valley
With good weather promised for the weekend the good lady wife, Cheryl, and I decided to have a go at our first challenge walk of the year and took part in the Stanage Stumble on Sun 4th May 2014. Our choice was made from the Long Distance Walkers Association list of challenge events and was mainly based its proximity to our home near Newark on Trent.
- Stanage Edge
Three route options were available for runners and walkers; 12,17 or 25 miles, all with a 10 hour time limit, which on the 25 mile route proved fairly challenging for the walkers. The route was set to the South West of Sheffield and followed the beuatiful Limb valley, Fox House, Stanage Edge and returned over Redmires Moor back to Limb valley and finished at HSBC sports ground, Limb Lane, Dore.
The cost was £10 in advance; however, we paid £12 for entry on the day. The cost included a hot meal at the finish, certificate and badge. All monies raised went directly to Home-Start Sheffield to continue their work with vulnerable local families. Our numbers were 147 and 148, therefore I can only assume that around 150 people entered in all.
- Gritstone Wheels on Stanage edge
I was rather surprised to see on the website that this might possibly be the last Stanage Stumble and I wonder what effect that had on numbers or how the decision was reached.
So what was it like? It wasn’t too bad actually. The route was clearly marked on a large ordnance survey map on the wall at the start and for each route a comprehensive route description was available. I quite liked the fact that there was no requirement to decide which route to do at the start, as they all headed off in the same direction with the shorter ones splitting off at relevant points. None of the routes were signed on the ground, but fortunately I had heeded the advice to carry map and compass and hastily copied down the route before the start. I think it would have been possible to solely follow the written instructions, but I always like to know where I am just in case.
- Redmires Reservoir
We had intended to complete the 17 mile route; however, with good weather in the offing and feeling quite fresh at the 10 mile decision point we opted to complete the 25 mile route instead. The route followed well trodden paths, albeit many, especially over Stanage Edge, were rocky and my wife quickly came to understand where the ‘stumble’ in the title came from as she stubbed her toe numerous times during the day. In addition to actually walking, the 25 mile route also includes 3,500 of ascent and descent. With much of the route on exposed terrain at height I can see how the day could easily have been fairly bleak had it of been raining or cold.
- Houndkirk Road
The longer route included 6 manned checkpoints at which biscuits and orange or blackcurrant squash were available whilst at the finish we were offered a choice of beef casserole with a Yorkshire pudding or vegetable casserole with a Yorkshire pudding. I went for the vegetable and Cheryl went for the beef. Both were very good, albeit I did find myself craving a few potatoes or some vegetables to bulk it out a bit. I also wouldn’t have minded a cup of tea at one of the checkpoints if only to get some use of the plastic mug we had been told to carry.
In summary a pleasant route across the moors, quite challenging in the time limit, good atmosphere, pleasant people, and reasonable value for money.