It has taken me a little longer to recover from my challenge back in June than I had originally prepared for. By the time the nine days were over I was a bit broken, both physically and mentally, after nine days and 180 miles.
It took about six weeks for the blisters on my feet to heal, and be able to walk properly again. Then I spent even longer getting back into a routine that encouraged any physical activity.
I had some new boots. I knew that this route, which is one of my favourite routes in the Peak District, would be a good one to break them in.
The Route
Near the northern edge of Staffordshire the Roaches is one of my favourite places to hike in the Peaks, mostly because its great in all weathers. What made it great for breaking in new boots is the pure mix of trails.
A varied path in the Peak District
I usually cut around the boulders beneath the start of the ridge. The ground underfoot is mostly rocky and sandy. There is a bit more peat surrounding the path on top of the small ridge.
Heading away from the trig point the path is mostly paved until you join back up with the road. I was able to find out how fast I could move in the boots though.
Luds Church
Then heading through the less boggy than usual forest paths towards one of my favourite places Luds Church. That’s what I love about setting off earlier on a September morning, it was silent in there and I had it all to myself. Thanks to the warm start of the meteorological autumn it was pretty dry in there too.
It’s a pretty steep path back up through the forest in places if you follow the water away from the gorge. It is a path which might not be ideal in wetter weather. Then it was a stretch along the road giving my new boots a proper working in.
