Taking to the hills

The second highest plateau in the Peak District is home to stunning scenery, wild weather, wreckage from a tragic aeroplane crash and a world-famous path – as well as being on the frontline of the battle against pollution. Peter Naldrett visits the peaty summit of Bleaklow

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Heading up to the highest point of the Snake Pass, we park our car at the side of the road and step out at a popular spot to begin Derbyshire walks, with Kinder Scout to the south and Bleaklow to the north.

It was fairly warm when we set off, but the air up here is chilly and there’s a misty threat of some rain being blown in on a fresh wind. It’s often the way up here on Bleaklow, where the microclimate can swing from good to bad in seconds.

Boots on and coat zipped up, we set off on a well-maintained path installed by volunteers many years ago to stop feet like mine causing erosion on this delicate moorland landscape.

Though not as popular as the neighbouring Kinder Scout – largely because it doesn’t have the equivalent of Edale at its base – Bleaklow is nevertheless one of the big names in Peak District hill walking.