Originally Posted by
Brammer
Had a crack at this a fortnight ago starting at Edale (nag's head) and going around clockwise. I had a great start by taking the wrong path up to Grindslow Knoll (took the path south of the campsite instead of the north one. To cut a long story short started to cramp up heading up Fairbrook Naze (6th asc) and then going up Seal Stones (7th Asc) the cramp continued and the drizzle turned into sleet. It was far too easy to head home once I reached the top, so I did. I took a bearing to ringing roger and trudged back to the car.
Two weeks on and undeterred I set off yesterday again from the Nag's Head (taking the correct path this time). As I had already been half way round once I was confident not having my map and compass out at all until I came the my 7th Asc again. All going smoothly apart from the assumption of finding Kinder Low Trig in the clag without a compass, a quick double back and I found it. My sixth and Seventh Ascents came and went relatively quickly but after that it all slowed down, I’d been drinking plenty of water to keep the cramp away this time but found myself running out of water.
8th Ascent up to the Kinder East Trig took a lifetime and again tired and wet it was all to easy to take a bearing and head home, but as Daz pointed out above the bracken was borderline and it wasn't going to be any better in a fortnight when I’d get another chance to attempt this. Heading home wasn't an option, I managed a jog to the edge before I dropped down to Upper Ashop Farm and from then on I walked pretty much the whole way round. 9th Asc I used up all my water, but was confident I could get some more along the way. I was wrong below Nether Moor the stream wasn't looking to appetizing so I pushed up and over, which was relatively painless.
11th ascent up to Druid's Stone was another long haul scrabbling up the heather was fun... Finally got to the bottom of ringing Roger and still contemplating giving up and walking to the car, I charged up to the top (felt like a charge at the time) and didn't waste any time in turning back and down. The hard work was done I leisurely walked all the way to the Nag's Head with tired legs, very sore knee's and very thirsty. Walking past the Nag's head I checked the time and jotted it down and didn't care if I was close to the 8hrs 30mins I wanted to complete in. All I could think about was getting these damp clothes off and having a drink of possibly warm water that was waiting for me in the car.
Yesterday I didn't feel like much other than a bath, a lot of food and sleep. Today I feel pretty good if not a little sore. I completed the Kinder Dozen in 9hrs 46mins and hopefully A little stronger both mentally and physically for future challenges/races.
