Day 50: Greenfield to Hayfield
📍 Distance: 18.39 miles (29.60 km)
⛅ Weather: Overcast with sunny spells – and warm!
🕣 Start Time: 08.24 | Finish Time: 17.24
Today I thought I’d be taking the low road again. Well… how wrong I was. With 2,500 feet of ascent and 2,300 feet of descent, it turned out to be one of those days that proves just how deceptive maps (and optimism) can be.
The climb began almost immediately after leaving Greenfield, heading up onto the moors. But the reward was sweeping views across the valley and, a little later, the full sprawl of Manchester’s skyline laid out in the distance – a stark contrast to the wild surroundings I was in.
I passed through beautiful patches of wild rhododendron near the reservoirs close to Stalybridge – a splash of colour against the rugged moorland backdrop. Then came Charlesworth, and with it a long, steep pull up towards Matley Moor. A brief downhill provided some relief, but it wasn’t long before the climb resumed – this time toward Lantern Pike.
Finally, the descent into Little Hayfield... only to be greeted by yet another uphill in Hayfield Village before the path finally levelled out toward the campsite.
Just when I thought the surprises for the day were over, there was one more in store: a visit from my niece Tara, who had travelled all the way from York to see Adam and me. A lovely and unexpected moment – and thank you, Tara, for the treats you brought along too!
Tomorrow is my rest day so no blog entry. It also marks the end of the Pennine Way section of the journey – on Thursday I begin the Limestone Way, winding through the beautiful White Peak District.
Until then – feet up, tea in hand, and very little to do!
