We arrived in the Peak District last night in some disappointing weather. An ominous start to our cycle touring rock climbing expedition. By sheer luck, we got the Basecamp tent up moments before a ferocious squall blew across the moors. We were at least able to get some food cooked in the dry, even if it was dark by then.

The clouds must have cleared during the night, because dawn was both clear and freezing cold. Not quite a frost, but it must have been close. Not normally being a porridge fan, I was very pleased to be handed a steaming bowl of hot oats as the sun came over the horizon.

We’d made an early start to make the most of the good weather and were soon hoping the High Peak Trail, at Parslay Hay.

It’s a great trail and our little train of students, followed it south, past Harbrough Rocks (we’ll return there in a day or two), to Middleton Top, which was about a 20km ride. We put the tents up to dry the out, had some lunch and walked the next kilometre or so to Black Rocks.

We sent John up Stonnis Crack so everyone could experience some ‘gritstone’ hand jamming.

My hands just about coped, but it was nice to have the glove protection.

It was a glorious autumnal afternoon. Great views, great climbs. We set up top ropes and did some abseils too.

Having been up with the sun, we watched it set from the top of the crag.

A full value day. We walked back to camp, in the ever fading last light and it was properly dark by the time we got dinner cooking.

We watched the stars while sipping warming mint tea, sat in my therm-a-rest chair. I had thermal leggings, trousers and waterproofs along with two down jackets and hat. Toasty.