Second day and No, I am not lost..!Woke up this morning feeling fine and looking forward to today. But I am not in Castleton but CROWDEN! Todays route takes us from the campsite to Standedge. Alan and Alex opt to join me, so we set off at 9.30am.

Almost immediately we had a steep climb, the weather is warm and still, so as you can imagine more not so subtle expletives from Alex. Howver he is strong and walks on regardless. Always good to see animals or birds which distract him a little..

The path ahead gets narrower and steeper, and as I haven't got a head for heights I find this very disconcerting to say the least..Over 900 feet ascent and at the top we have to creep very gingerleyalong the cliff edge, des[pite the drop only being about 300-400ft!. Then The Black Hills, and all before lunch!

But after crossing Wessendon Head Moor, we see a white spot in the distance, or could it be two..Yes, Horace and Monty await us..and here come to windswept ladies along the path to greet us. Having 30 mins break and shelter in the vans is great and then off we go...More resevoirs to climb down too, this afternoon, it gives you a clue that this area gets a decent rain fall! The trouble is all these resevoirs are seperated by different valleys..if you go down , you have to go up!

We arrive over a hill above Standedge and ring the girls for directions to the campsite, which should be very close. They can't give us a landmark (!), so we head along the road in the direction of Manchester..wrong way, but thankfully Horace pulls up alongside us to offer us a lift. Thank goodness I am known for my tolerance!

Campsite is interesting, in a pub car park..Alex not impressed after his very cold shower, especially after he was informed that a 50p was required for hot water. Having the pub "feed us" was useful and the boys enjoyed the 30 second walk to the bar. After 12 miles, and 1800 feet, this was the easiest day completed.

Alex has another joke: How do sheep communicate with their lambs?

By bar code!

Speak again tomorrow