The Starkholme Stagger
This was a Long Distance Walkers Association event 30 miles across the Derbyshire Dales, 6000 ft of total ascent. The weather was amazing, clear blue skies, cool breeze and wonderful countryside. I originally applied to start with the runners at 8am but as I was there early decided to go with the walkers. (main reason being, the walkers looked like runners so god knows what the runners looked like, and I wasn't confident with my navigational skills)
We all set off with a map compass and list of directions. I decided to have a go on my own and ran off a head of the crowd. Everything was going fine, we climbed up and up to the Heights of Abraham, above Matlock. After decending into the next village I missed the turn, misjudging 100yrds. Having turned back all the walkers were striding a head. This happened several times throughout the day, these walkers were very fast but good navigators into the bargin. I decided to stick with them for a while and learn some map reading skills!.
What a lovely bunch of people, I ran a head then re grouped, just enjoying the surroundings and the day. After about 12-15 miles the runners who started at 9am started to catch up. I was carrying a full pack (all the recomended kit) the runners were stripped to the bone, only carrying essential items, they also seemed to know the way...hardcore...very glad I started with the walkers. I deceided to run off and stay with the runners for a while. Eventually I ended up on my own and managed to find my way without too much trouble, it felt great running through the Derbyshire countryside and not getting lost. this didn't last long and I soon found myself stuck in a field having over run a section by several hundred yards. You guessed it, there were the walkers again. We stuck together again and worked our way through the dog leg of fields and styles. My legs wanted to run again so I took off and made plenty of headway. The weather was fantastic really warm and sunny, a steep descent to Via Gellia and up through woodland heading towards the High Peak trail and Black Rocks. All these places are part of my childhood memories, lots of teenage youth hosteling and walking with my parents, it was lovely to relive it. My legs were getting tired and I walked for a while up the next hill, not sure which turn to take having gone wrong again, I could hear voices and there they were again, The Walkers! Actually it was quite good to see them if not a bit fustrating. I really was beginning to wonder how they did it as I'd been running for the most part. We all got a bit lost but muddled through and headed up towards Riber Castle all arriving in a slightly different way back at the scout hut in Matlock Green where a fantastic bowl of chilli awaited.
A really good day, lovely people and it gave me something to think about interms of speed and steady pace for when we get to the desert.

The Long Distance Walkers Association LDWA hold events like this all over the country. Runners are welcome, but this is not a race. A great way to see the country and test yourself against the elements, terrain, and all your navigational skills.

Jo