Parkrun, hiking fun and peach schnapps in the Peaks! What happened on the Striders Weekend Away 2015

This month a group of Striders travelled to the Derbyshire Dales for our 'weekend away'. If you couldn't make it, here's what you missed...

As group members began to arrive at our accommodation for the weekend, there was a sense of excitement and apprehension...particularly from a few brave new Striders – and even some non-Striders – who were not quite sure what they were letting themselves in for!

With the help of name badges, a licensed bar and a good northern feed, we quickly got to know some of those faces that we often say hello to at track. The night passed in good company, several drinks and making plans for the weekend ahead.

Saturday morning brought an early start – there was only one wise Strider who placed sleep before running and stayed in bed. Fuelled by croissants and a full cooked breakfast, we headed to Graves Park for the local parkrun. Cathal and Pete bravely attempted to tackle the unrelenting hills on bike – which Cathal is still trying to attribute to his placing behind Jen at parkrun – while the rest drove in convoy.  

On arrival at Graves Park, we pulled on our Striders vests, added a splash of face paint and tried to ignore the laughter from the locals when we asked if the course was hilly. Seeking reassurance from a friendly marshal, we were glad to hear of the downhill start before ‘slight uphill, slight uphill, huge hill, hill of death – and then you’re onto your second lap!’ While the route was somewhat hillier than the St Albans course, we were later to agree that the hardest part was running through the centre of an animal farm with a hangover!

Our northern compatriots warmly welcomed us during the pre-race introductions and even challenged us to a friendly competition with their own Steel City Striders. With Graham Smith in 3rd followed by 1st, 3rd and 4th places in the women’s category, we have challenged them to a rematch at our home fixture later this year.

Parkrun glory was followed by post-run refreshments at the Rose Garden Cafe before we set off on the next part of the weekend – more running! By now, some members were jokingly referring to the scheduled exercise programme as bootcamp. Losing one or two to the more appealing notion of a tour of Eyam followed by tea and cake, the hardier of those amongst us drove in convoy behind Jen – who was to become increasingly skilled at navigation, map-reading and head-counting over the course of the weekend – to Curbar. After enticing Lucy, Emma and Doug away from the warmth of the car, we enjoyed a gentle 10k run along Froggatt Edge – a rocky sandy track with big boulders and impressive views over the surrounding countryside.

A quick shower and lunch followed before we were back out enjoying the scenery on an afternoon hike. Starting from Castleton, the whole group were duly led by Peter up the steep stepped path to the summit of Mam Tor – which, at 517m above sea level, offered dramatic views over the Peak District. We followed the ridge to Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Lose Hill, before returning to Castleton for a well-earned beer – or, for others, a craved-for cup of tea! Our recovery was aided further by a three-course dinner in Eyam followed by lots of cider, beer, wine and laughter!

After the previous day’s ‘bootcamp’, Sunday brought a enjoyably slower start – aside from Graham who, buoyed by the excitement of relocating his lost Garmin and potentially still slightly drunk from the double peach schnapps of the previous evening, decided to take to the hills around the hostel before breakfast.

After checking out, we ventured into Eyam to explore its history, culture and tea shops. As we sat enjoying the sunshine in the village square, we were somewhat surprised when a convoy of nearly 100 tractors drove by – we later found out we had visited Eyam on the day of the Annual Tractor Road Run, which, for the city born and bred amongst us, was a very surreal experience indeed.

Finally, it was time to part ways but we headed back to St Albans refreshed by the beautiful countryside of the Peak District and with new friends, tired legs and lots of hilarious memories. When’s the next one?!