The Kinder Scout plateau is an amazing part of the Peak District. No other mountain can offer such a high level route with so many paths and variations. However, it is not a place to treat lightly. Ann and I knew we were running quite strongly and it was time to tackle the big one. Consequently, we climbed beneath Ringing Roger from Edale. On the high edge we ran east through acres of flowering heather. Then it was north until we could look down on the Snake Pass. There were paths in all directions but the one along Blackden Edge was obvious. It was narrow, sinuous, peaty and often with steep slopes falling to the Snake. I had decided to review our run at this point. We could return the same way or we were committed. So, it was on westwards.

Clag

The forecast was warm and dry. However, down came the clag and a fine rain. The path weaved between looming gritstone rocks and was hard work. The route required us to recognise when we crossed from Blackden Edge to Seal Edge. It became obvious but we were the only two living creatures along that route. We recognised the seal stones in a wet, misty silence. That Edge was easier running, at least at first. We needed to identify when the path trended left and met Fairbrook. As it did so, it turned wilder and rougher. The map suggested a waterfall but the stream was dried out. We left the path and I guessed the line up into the groughs and across to the downfall. We ran into the bog and up to the watershed.

Kinder Scout Plateau

We struck the Kinder River and trended right to the Downfall. I love that spot. I always recall racing through here, leading the field, when I won the Kinder Downfall Race in 1981. Now, we drank water and ate one of Ann’s flapjacks. We returned via Kinder Low and dropped into the valley below Jacob’s Ladder, and back to Edale. It proved to be 18 miles with 1700 feet of climbing. However, what a run. It is that spiritual synthesis with nature, where you are subsumed into the environment. Being present is all that matters, the brain simply rides the body but must compute the route. It coped but I am still not sure how. On my deathbed, I will re-run that route – forever!