Coriarna Morris
Summit Three Seven Summits Series: Bunster Hill – Wind, Mud, and Second Chances
Bunster Hill marked the third stop in our Staffordshire Blaze Trails Seven Summits series—and it was every bit as challenging, memorable, and muddy as you'd expect from a true Peak District adventure.
A Rocky Start and a Frosty Recce
Our first attempt at climbing Bunster Hill last year had been called off. The wind was relentless, the cold biting, and the group wisely agreed to turn back. But we weren’t ready to give up on this summit just yet.
So this year, we returned for a recce, starting at the beautiful Ilam Youth Hostel. It's a striking building with deep historical roots and made an ideal base with its accessible parking and welcoming atmosphere. A nearby gate led us towards the base of Bunster Hill via the path near the Dovedale Stepping Stones—only this time, nature had its own ideas.
A Battle Through the Mud
What’s normally a pleasant seven-minute stroll quickly became a 30-minute slog. Heavy rain had turned the trail into a mud bath—thick, sticky, and impossible to navigate without slipping. Boots became leaden with layers of sludge, and progress slowed to a crawl.
Hoping to make things easier, we let the dogs off their leads, but even they struggled skidding and skittering around us like four-legged comedians. Despite the chaos, spirits stayed high, and we pushed on through the mire toward the dip in the hill where we’d been forced to turn around last year.
This time, we made it farther—but it wasn’t easy.
A Slippery Lesson
Not every moment was picture-perfect. On one of the muddier sections, I slipped twice with my toddler Nico strapped to my back pack carrier. It was a stark reminder of when to push through and when to turn back. The descent was particularly treacherous, with everyone moving cautiously to stay upright. At one point, we considered pressing on to the stepping stones at Dovedale, but the trail had other ideas. We slipped, slid, and finally made the call to turn back again.
Styles, Dogs, and Determination - Even on the safer route, things weren’t easy.
Navigating stiles with toddlers and energetic dogs added another layer of challenge. We helped each other over, carried the little ones when needed, and kept going—with plenty of laughs (and a few sighs) along the way.
Not Every Summit is a Straight Line
We didn’t conquer Bunster Hill on the first try, and even the second came with unexpected hurdles. But that’s the beauty of trail adventures—they’re unpredictable, humbling, and often a lesson in when to know your limits. We ended the day with a small celebration for Blaze’s second birthday—snacks, and stories from a muddy, unforgettable hike.
Bunster Hill didn’t give up its summit easily— I’ll be back...... On to the next one!
Think you can conquer Bunster Hill follow our route on Komoot
Bunster Hill – Take Two
This time, the weather was on our side. After a long dry spell, the hill was far less slippery and much safer than before. Optimism was high.
We kicked off from the familiar Ilam Hostel, crossed past the statue, and approached the hill with fresh eyes. The route was a little different too. Instead of the usual straight up slog, we veered left out of the gate on a suggestion from Keziah, one of the mums with us. New route, new hope.
The hill looked dry and inviting, and with clear skies overhead, it finally felt like the summit was truly within reach.
The Climb
Make no mistake—this route was brutal.
Not just a bit of a climb, but the kind that sets your legs on fire and steals your breath. But it was also magnificent.
The views?
Absolutely stunning. Rolling English countryside stretched out in every direction. Sheep stood calmly in the fields, and the dry stone walls of Peak District framed the landscape like something out of a postcard.
And then — we made it. The summit of Buster Hill.
It felt incredible. Not just because we’d finally reached the top, but because this was my third attempt. The first was cut short by cold and wind. The second by mud and slippery trails. But today? Today was perfect. Dry ground, calm skies, and sheer determination.
We soaked it all in, snapped a few triumphant photos, then made our way back down, boots muddy but spirits soaring.
And yes, we finished the day the right way—back at the café, boots off, smiles wide, and well-earned rest in hand.