Winter: be prepared!

It's winter up on them moors and it pays to be prepared - as myself and JG found today somewhere in the grey-green snow capped wilderness of the High Peak.

Things started in picture-postcard style: though cold, the hail had abated and we cracked on merrily, aware of the leaden clouds over kinder as we basked in the comparative pleasantness of the winter sun.

It didn't take long for the winter to kick in though as we trundled through virgin snow (which barely masked a host of black wheel-sucking bogs), and as we came to the end of the first desent, I was mighty glad of my Topeak chain tool and a KMC connecter link as my chain unexpectedly snapped - all to the backdrop of slow-falling flakes and a glowering light which could only be described as rhinoceros grey.

Fueled by tea and Tunnocks waffers we forged on, safe in the knowledge of carrying a bevy of old-school outdoors kit (spare clothes/jackets/gloves/first aid gubbins/fire-steel/tools/lights). Some times travelling light feels good but in this weather, that just don't cut it if you find yourself standed in sub five degrees temperatures.

So man up and pack up: be prepared (as I'm sure Bear Gryls would avise.) I'm certainly glad I did...