Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
During these strange and troubled times we can't get outside and visit our favourite places due to Covid-19. However we can still enjoy happy memories of previous visits. We can all cheer ourselves up by planning today to #TravelTomorrow.
Back in August last year Paul from My Guided Walks took us on an amazing walk over Bleaklow Moor just as the heather was beginning to bloom. Enjoy our virtual hike which Paul has kindly written to share with us.
Last August, I was joined by Felicity and David from Hoe Grange Holidays together with her sister and husband on this guided walk from Old Glossop in the Peak District National Park. The walk is around 10 miles and takes you to some of the hidden secrets of this wild area of the Peak District.
As we climbed up onto the first ridge we were greeted by the heather in bloom, which transforms the Dark Peak region into a carpet of purple from August and into September.
We continued across the moor, learning about the work done by the Moors For The Future Partnership and their volunteers. We discovered their dams, built to slow down the flow of water from the hills and to prevent the rain from washing away the peat and the sphagnum moss. The moss is so important for the production of new peat, which captures more carbon, and reduces flood risk.
Once we reached the summit of Bleaklow, the second highest summit of the Peak District, we had a well-earned lunch at the Kissing Stones. You can clearly see why they are so named!
Next it was time for the first of the aeroplane crash sites, a Defiant night fighter which sadly crashed in 1941 on its way to Lincolnshire from Edinburgh.
We also caught a glimpse of one of the beautiful Mountain Hares which still inhabit this area. The Peak District is the only place in England where they still survive. Their fur turns to white in the winter months to keep them camouflaged in the snow.
Finally, before heading back down to Glossop, we visited our main objective of the day, the B29 Superfortress crash site on Higher Shelf Stones. In November 1948 this huge plane, named "Over-Exposed", tragically crashed in low cloud just below the summit killing all those on board. The wreckage and memorial is extensive, and the whole site makes for an eerie experience.
Over-Exposed was fitted out as a photo reconnaissance plane and had photographed and filmed the first nuclear bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.
Our way back down to Glossop also included a quick visit to our third crash site of the day, a Lancaster Bomber, which tragically came down just a few days after the end of the Second World War.
Thanks to Paul for his interesting guided tour - the whole day made for a great hike, and Paul was extremely knowledgeable about the elements of history and nature. He knew exactly where to find the mountain hares, which we would have easily missed. We look forward to being able to #TravelTomorrow on another of Paul's informative guided walks when the Corona crisis is over!
myGuidedWalks is an award winning business providing a wide range of group walks, private guiding and navigation training across the Peak District. Their Mountain Hares Photography walks on Bleaklow have been a real hit.
myGuidedWalks have suspended activities due to Covid-19 (currently until the end of May), but the good news is you can still purchase vouchers or reserve dates for all activities ready for when the lockdown is over. All bookings are transferable or fully refundable if you are unable to travel on your booked date.
Support one of our #LoveLocal businesses and visit the myGuidedWalks website for ideas and to plan your return to the hills!
In the meantime #stayhomesavelives
Felicity