On such a day as this there are definitely few better things to be doing than striding along above Stanage Edge. As you walk northward, the higher moorland around Bleaklow and Howden begins to come into view, ominous and menacing in a way, but also mysterious and beckoning. The Edge itself is impressively sheer and high in places, and consequently attracts a lot of climbers.

At Stanage we can look back from the fringes of the Dark Peak towards the limestone country that we are leaving behind. There, the valley of the Derwent is green and soft, with broadleaf woodland and rolling pastures: just a little further north it is wild and rugged, with pine clad sides.

On the Eastern bank edges (escarpments) rear above the river, lending some drama to the scenery. In the hazy distance to the south lies the stately home of Chatsworth, which has landscaped parkland, a cascade and one of the highest fountains in Europe (?). Beyond Chatsworth the hilly country begins to run out altogether and we are back in lowland England - but not before a grand finale around the region of Cromford, where there are some impressive limestone features. That area also saw (arguably) the first true factories in the world.

Looking west from Stanage Edge: Win Hill Pike pokes its head above Bamford Moor.

Two dramatic views of Kinder Scout from the Stanage area on a wintry day...

...and one towards Higger Tor, with the Vale of Hope lying down on the right.