Of the 15 walkers yesterday, one departed in the evening, the Glossop woman stayed at home, but then the Hybrid SWC/Capital Walkers man rejoined the fold, so 14 today.

The weather performed to forecast, i.e. very low clouds producing drizzle or rain most of the day .

Not many views up to Castleton, but some eerie scenery, with dampness and clouds or mist rising out of valleys. The land slipped road found some interest, then we paused at The Blue John Café for refreshments, before going up the pastures and across the high pastures with views (not today though). The clouds briefly lifted enough though to see the top of Mam Tor (but not much else), then came the descent down Cave Dale, a stunning place, although the limestones were a touch slippery today.

Lunch in Castleton, most of us in The George, then on. It was still raining until we had passed the interesting cement works and gotten through Bradwell. On up steeply, and the clouds lifted and it stopped raining.

That was just as well, as now came the bits where far views made the difference: the Rebellion Knoll viewpoint, Offerton Moor and the following stunning descent into the Derwent Valley.

With smashing views by now (even the sun broke through briefly). All but a few went to The Plough in Leadmill, where some still are.

Great day (especially if accounting for the dismal weather forecast).

Supplementary:1 took the alternative ending to Bamford station and the 18:42 service to Sheffield. A lovely walk with the first half in rain not damping spirits but influencing a change of pace post lunch and this walker’s subsequent evening plans. Lunch was taken at the George in Castleton where the food and service was excellent. Using the walk poster’s text enhanced the day as no ‘errors’ were made. Recons were done over the River Derwent Stepping stones even though the crossing is not necessary if heading to Bamford.

That's the trouble with BBC Weather, in a nutshell: even on the morning of the walk they show thunderstorms for the day and dark clouds for most hourly slots within the day. And then we get very low clouds in the morning, covering the surrounding hills to mid-height, rising to reveal the tops at around noon, and the clouds then breaking to leave us with a sunny afternoon. And no rain all day!

The initial 90 minutes or so were more atmospheric than scenic as we slowly ascended to the top of the valley towards Mam Tor, as the hills couldn't be seen. But then the clouds lifted just as we ascended along the closed road through Mam's fascinating landslip area to the high pasture plateau, with views in all directions. Followed by a terrific descent down Cave Dale into Castleton. Pub lunch for some, picnic for others. By now it was sunny and we crossed to Bradwell via the enigmatic Cement Works and up steeply onto the edge.

Beautiful Over Dale was next, then the crossing of Offerton Moor (all purples and yellows) with stupendous views of all hills and edges walked over the last days.

Stepping Stones across the Derwent, and into Hathersage to pick up bags.

18.46 train.

14 very low clouds slowly rising blue skies pm

Thank you to Thomas for all the graft and craft he put into organising such a great trip, and for his patient good humour - Kevin