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Last year family imp did the Devon C2C & really enjoyed it.
We fancy another adventure for next year where we stay off road as much as possible.
Would the PB fit the bill? Kids are 11, 13, 15.
The Derbyshire end looks like dis-used railway lines so OK but what happens further up. Is it do-able in 15/20 mile chunks or 5/10 mile nibbles?
Oh, yes. The dogs will be with us running & riding in my trailer again.
By further up, did you mean going as far as North Yorks/Cumbria? I've ridden that bit so can give you some pointers.
Martin
Not sure how far up we would get in say 5 days.
What is the terrain like where you have riden?
Sometimes I will have a two wheeled trailer on the back.
It will probably be in the spring.
Hmmm. Could be pretty hard going with a trailer. Hard work and rough in places.
Once you get towards Roych Clough and Northwards to meeting the MTL there is quite a bit of steep stuff. Surface is generally good but I thought there was a LOT of climbing. I am not so strong on climbs though. To the South of Roych Clough it is a lot easier with the exception of crossing through Cressbrook(?) which is a bit of a pusher, for me anyway.
The PB through the Dark Peak takes in some of the honey pot Peak trails. Your younger youngsters might find 20 mile days through this area quite tough going. Real applause if they do it though. I've done it as far north as Mary Townley Loop. Well, the southern most end of MTL anyway.
The MTL has some steep bits which will have them pushing (I reckon) as well but if you're having fun and you're not in a rush, why not?
I wish you had of been my mum or dad 🙂
I've just read more of the thread.
Late spring would get my vote. You'd want the peak bits of the PB as dry as poss. and the MTL is awful in places when it's proper muddy.
I've not done a C2C in England but you'll know what you can and can't do with a trailer. It will be hard going in places with it, even unloaded.
A few steep walks are OK, it's when the trail breaks up badly and I have to un-hitch the trailer that the magic is lost.
Kids aren't too bad on the hills but it is hard to judge how far between B&Bs when you plan the route if you don't know the area.
The slow bits/hills are OK as this is where the dogs can run so the trailer is lighter.
Thanks for the compliment,Monksie. Undeserved. I am a bit of a "Homer" Dad, really.
I'll check out some of these places mentioned above on the map to see if I think we will get that far up.
The valleys are running West to East and you are travelling South to North (or N2S), just something to bear in mind.
There are some lovely bits though. I hope to do the whole lot sometime next year.
I've dragged an EBC trailer around in the Dark Peak just for the fun of it and I didn't have to unhook it but I was pushing up places a lot more than normal. It's certainly a world away from flat and even. I'm loving the thought of you chaps doing it and having the best time ever but I can't help thinking it could be less than pleasent for the youngest. That reads as quite presumptious and condescending which absolutley isn't my intention. It'll be very tough going in places for any 11 year old but you know your offspring. You is still a top dad.
On the Northern section, you could get accommodation in Settle, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Garsdale (Moorcock Inn), Kirkby Stephen.
So those legs are approx 15 miles or under. And there are bailouts as all of these are stations on the Carlisle-Settle.
Have a look at this for an idea. Certainly would be a decent self contained few days.
http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=163