This was the first time we'd run a Lesbian Break staying at Losehill Hall in the Peak District.

We mostly arrived over the afternoon, settling into our small but perfectly adequate ensuite single rooms (or doubles if preferred).

The afternoon was hot, and we gathered in the lounge - or sat out on the grass or benches outside as the afternoon cooled.

Dinner was delicious, followed by a totally irresistable dessert trolley!

Once the bar opened, there was little point to go to the pub, but some of us took an evening stroll anyway.

Some women stayed up late, but most of us headed to bed relatively early after our journeys.

Breakfast was at 08.00, and by 09.30 we were gathering outside to go walking.

There were 3 walking groups: Gentle, Low Intermediate, & Intermediate.

Clare's 8 mile Intermediate walk headed for Mam Tor, climbing steadily to its western end, then walking along the Great Ridge to Losehill.

The views were magnificent - what a day for it. There were plenty of paragliders queuing up to jump of the summit.

The forecasted haze did not materialise, though it was a very warm as they walked along the ridge to Losehill.

From Losehill they descended into the Hope valley to walk back south of the river to Castleton.

At Castleton there was time for tea in a tea room before heading back to Losehill Hall.

Karo's 6.5 mile Low Intermediate walk took the track along the valley side starting from behind the Hall, and contoured through fields and woods past Aston to Thornhill.

Turning south they crossed the river at Shatton and stopped for lunch soon after.

Their route then took them back through the Hope Valley to Brough, and then onwards to Castleton (stopping here for tea and cake, or heading back to the hall directly for cold showers!)

My 4.5 mile Gentle walk had meantime been a shorter circuit in the Hope valley, following the same contouring route along the valley side as far as Aston.

On the way we met Sheffield Hiking Dykes setting off on their 6-12 mile stroll!

We decided that a joint group photo was warrented - of probably the largest group of lesbians ever gathered in that street!

A little further on, we stopped for a paddle in the River Noe before continuing to Aston where we turned down into the valley.

We crossed the river again near Brough and after a leisurely lunch in a shady spot with a breeze, we walked back along the south side of the valley to Castleton (for tea, cake, ice cream, or the pub!)

Back at Losehill Hall we showered, drank tea, read the Sunday papers, or sat chatting about our day until dinner.

Later some played Articulate in the conservatory, while others sat outside the lounge chatting.

At one point there was thunder and lightening in the distance but no rain fell.

Much much later after practically everyone had gone to bed, 3 badgers were spotted on the lawn.

The day dawned misty - but with a certain promise that the cloud might clear.

My Gentle walk today started with a lift around to Edale by minibus.

After a visit to the Moorland Centre, we set off along the Pennine way headed from Booth to Upper Booth. By now the mist was burning off and we had a beautiful blue sky emerging.

From elevenses we could look across to our goal for the day - the lowest point of the Great Ridge at Hollins Cross. Some women were duely impressed, some disbelieving!

From Upper Booth we descended to cross the river near Barber Booth, then slowly ascended on in and out of the trees, cooled by a good breeze.

We stopped for 1st lunch under the last shady trees, then the final 70m up to the ridge was easy.

The views from Hollins Cross were superb, and we prolonged them by taking the contouring path along the ridge toward Back Tor.

Then it was down down down to finish either along the lane behind the centre, or to detour into Castleton for a pint or an ice cream.

Karo's Low Intermediate walk had meantime left the centre on foot, headed for Losehill.

On the way to the ridge they came across a two headed cow - which caused much merriment!

A lovely breeze made all the difference as the mist burnt off, and they reached the summit with fabulous views all around.

Their route now took them along the ridge to Hollins Cross and down into Edale - but headed away from Booth towards the Roman Road at Hope Cross.

From here they had grand views back towards the Great Ridge.

After an opportunity to cool their feet in a stream, they started back along the Roman road towards Shatton.

From here they took the path along the valley side back to Losehill Hall.

Clare's Intermediate walk had meanwhile headed for Winhill Pike, gaining fabulous views overlooking Ladybower Reservoir from the summit.

To get there they climbed over the shoulder of Losehill to descend into the valley beyond.

After a break in the woods, they started their climb towards the Winhill ridge!

The views back to the Great Ridge were impressive - though hazy.

At the ridge they came into sight of Ladybower Reservoir.

Finally they all made it to the summit - where they were greeted by a hungry sheep who had learnt to beg from walkers.

Then it was down down down, to finish with a drink in Hope.

In the evening after dinner, while some sat outside with a drink, the rest of us played a game of rounders on the Castleton rugby pitch.

We had to be quick about it as the light was beginning to fail. However, we had a great time - cheered on by WW spectators on the sidelines!

Rain fell heavily in the night, but had cleared to misty weather by the time we set off walking. By 10am we had bright sunshine. We've been so lucky with the weather!

It was the turn of the Intermediate and Low Intermediate groups to be taken around to Edale.

Clare's Intermediate walk today was the biggest walk yet - heading up onto Kinder.

They took the Ringing Roger path, then turned westward along the Edges with fabulous visibility.

After 2.5 miles along the Edges, they descended to Upper Booth where Clare managed to get the farm tea room to open for them!

From here they crossed the valley and took the path to Hollins Cross - their route back to Castleton.

A fantastic and challenging day, arriving back at Losehill Hall at 6.30 just in time for showers before dinner!

Karo's Low Intermediate walk had also started from Edale, walking up to Booth, then along the valley side to Upper Booth.

From here they crossed the valley to climb to Mam Tor - the start of the Great Ridge. It was a steady and at times steep climb, rewarded by fantastic views from the summit.

By chance the Gentle group joined them there for lunch.

Their route home was then to Hollins Cross, then down the valley side back to Losehill.

The Gentle walk had taken a valley path, then the 'Old Road' up to the Blue John Cavern.

Here several of us descended into the cavern on a fascinating and rather energetic tour involving 224 steps down and 224 steps up! (Others waited outside in the sunshine drinking coffee and eating ice cream).

After 1st lunch here, we continued on towards Mam Tor, walking through fields, and finally reaching the base of the Mam Tor steps.

Women who had sworn they could never get there found the whole walk much easier than expected, and were delighted to reach the summit.

Here we found Karo's group having lunch.

After they left, we decided to do a longer and gentler descent by walking along the ridge and descending through the fields from below Losehill.

It was a lovely descent, and not even the brief rain shower could dampen our spirits!

This was our last evening and we organised a quiz.

Later we pushed back the chairs in the lounge and had a party with music until late.

Last morning today. Early morning grey again turned to sunshine by the time the two walking groups set off.

Before they left there were lots of hugs in the car park for those who wouldn't see each other later.

Karo offered a short walk for those who needed to leave relatively early.

Her group walked up Cavedale, then returned down the open hillside from the top to be back for 12.00.

Clare offered a somewhat longer Cavedale circuit that took in the path past the caverns to arrive back at the Hall at 2pm.

Sadly it was time to leave Castleton and Losehill Hall. We had felt extremely well looked after by the LH staff, and had a very enjoyable holiday!

(Next year's Peaks Lesbian Break will be in May, while the Lake District LB will be in July).