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The Peak District contains well over 50 aircraft wrecks; the vast majority dating from during or shortly after the second world war. A visit to one or more of these wreck sites can make an extremely interesting day out, especially when a little of the background is known in advance. One or two of the more well known wreck sites are quite easy to find and only a short walk from the car; however, a visit to some of the others can take you across some rough but incredibly beautiful terrain. For some, many of the wreck sites are 'out of bounds' due to the remoteness. Certainly, the Peak District's weather can be quite serious, visibility often reducing to less than ten metres in a very short space of time. Of course, visibility isn't the only consideration to be taken into account; heat, cold, wind and rain are all serious threats, especially for the inexperienced.
All that said, for the experienced, there is nowhere that's 'out of bounds' in the Peak District at any time of year, or indeed, in any weather. Safety is all about planning and being able to manage the current situation effectively. It has to be said that 'being able to manage the current situation effectively' comes from knowledge, along with many years of experience. For me, just the thought of being 'out there' still fills me with excitement, just as it did all those years ago. The wrecks, burial grounds, old crosses, stone circles, mines, waterfalls etc. are only a small part of it. The weather can often top the day with spectacular cloud formations, sunsets, swirling cloud or just a simple blue sky. Good navigation plays a large role, not only in finding your way around but also in maintaining safety. Nowadays, everyone seems to have a GPS or a 'smartphone' that they use for guiding them about. I suppose it's progress, indeed, I normally carry a GPS so that in the unlikely event of a medical emergency I can relay an exact position in whatever format is required; it never gets turned on otherwise. Many say that map & compass are just not accurate enough... I certainly disagree. A GPS is a fine tool but it will not plan your route allowing for an individual's fitness or ability to cross certain terrain. Navigation is about so much more than 'just getting from A to B', it's mastery is the gateway to adventure.
How will the day go?
Your guide will meet you at an agreed time and location; He will have already planned your day from the information that you've given on booking. They will confirm that everyone has remembered to bring their stuff and outline the day ahead. Your guide will carry all the necessary safety gear that may be required during your adventure. They'll also have a few spare 'bit's & pieces' to help things along should they be required.
It's not a boot march!
Don't concern yourself about how fit you are or how you'll keep up... It's not a boot march! Because your group are friends you'll all be happy in the company of each other. Your guide will allow you to set your own pace, the day is not limited in time. Your guide can navigate accurately in the dark and deal with any weather conditions no matter how serious, although he will have taken all this into consideration when planning your day. Your guide's main concerns are your safety and enjoyment; with this in mind the day can remain exceptionally fluid.
It can be a boot march!
For those that would like to cover some ground or perhaps would like to do the more serious hikes like the 'Derwent Watershed' (around 68 km) your guide will be more than happy to oblige.
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