News
Wednesday 20 October
A Staffordshire ‘Ethel’ and a Cave
Leader: John Photos: Mel / John
Gypsy Bank, Wolfscote Dale, Wetton Hill, Manifold Valley, Thor’s Cave
Thor’s Cave
Despite a forecast of thundery showers in the morning, 14 of us set off from Alstonefield.
The leader cautioned the team about the slippery steps down Gypsy Bank, but it didn’t prevent him slipping at the start smashing his shoulder into the bank!
Crossing the Dove there was then a pleasant walk along Wolfscote Dale to a coffee break below the small caves there.
As usual dippers could be observed in the river.
The river was re-crossed and we skirted around Narrowdale Hill on the south to gain the open access land of Wetton Hill.
The higher of the twin summits of this ‘Ethel’ was ascended (photo group on summit by Mel here).
We were rewarded with a great panorama.
Descent was effected down between the two peaks to one of the tributaries of the Manifold valley for lunch – out of the wind.A pleasant path descends to the Manifold Valley proper where a short sharp shower occurred ; but soon we could see from the cycle track on the bed of the old railway the dramatic entrance to Thor’s Cave up to our left.
A steep ascent on well worn paths and steps led to the cave entrance.
An ascent into the cave proper was possible, but very slippery in descent and members below the entrance rock step provided security for most of us.
It’s always easier to go up than down! (John’s photo from the cave interior showing members descending with care and Mel’s photo of the group from above the rock step here).
The cave was featured in Ken Russell’s take on Bram Stoker’s ‘Lair of the White Worm’.
Return was across the fields from the nearby Wetton village.
10 miles with 1500ft of ascent.
Monday 18 October
Village Idiot
Has the Village Idiot visited you yet ? ….
The latest ‘Footprints’ from Derbyshire Dales
The October newsletter
Please note the slight change in bus time from the printed programme for the
Holmesfield walk (Wednesday 20 October)
Wednesday 13 October
The Head of a Hound
Leader: Lorraine Photos: Mel / Lorraine
17 members met at Grin Low car park in Buxton to map out the ‘head of the hound’ on a 12.5 mile trek across mostly open access land with 2,400ft of ascent.
Unfortunately, fog and rain kept us company for much of the day, hiding the splendid views over the Goyt Valley, Shining Tor, and beyond.
Charlie the Limeburner
However, we set off in good spirits as the route started through Buxton Country Park, giving a wave to Charlie the Limeburner as we made our way towards Cavendish Golf Course.
After a brief coffee stop at Beet Wood, we ascended Burbage Edge to the trig point, traversing above a tunnel once part of the disused Cromford and High Peak Railway line.
Burbage Edge
Bottom of Berry Clough
Descending Berry Clough, we got a short reprieve from the rain as we followed the River Goyt to Derbyshire Bridge and a well-earned lunch break.The rain re-joined the party as we made our way across Axe Edge Moor and Dane Head before doubling back to cross Axe Edge itself.
However, we finally parted ways with the fog and rain allowing us fine views towards Buxton and Solomon’s Temple.
Head of the Hound
Dropping down towards Brand Side, we made one final ascent over Leap Edge before descending gradually through the testing site of the Health & Safety Executive at Turncliff, before passing by Anthony Hill and the abandoned Stanley Moor reservoir – walking alongside another section of the Cromford & High Peak dismantled railway line.
A skip across Grin Low Road brought us back into the country park and our rides home.What cartoon hound did we draw??
Ashover from footpath NE1 30/1
The Ramblers Brand
Saturday 9 October
Ramblers Insurance
Risk assessments update
Ramblers Insurance Guide
Tuesday 5 October
Chesterfield Area Walking Festival
Next year’s Chesterfield Area Walking Festival is scheduled for 14-22 May.
This is an event that our group has strongly supported over recent years, both by providing leaders and walkers.
If you feel you can lead a walk in next year’s festival, please contact us at cnedramblers@gmail.com and we will forward the requisite form, which should be returned to Helena Stenton at the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre by 30 November.
Walks should substantially be within the Chesterfield, Bolsover, or NE Derbyshire Area and present a unique opportunity to meet many potential Ramblers members.
The walks are free to those taking part, but donations to our two charities –
Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue may be made.
Sunday 3 October
Upper Burbage Bridge
Leader: Paul Photo: John
Saturday 2 October
Harthill
Leader: Isobel
Despite a poor weather forecast, a small group of four met at Harthill for a shorter than usual Saturday Walk to start the winter programme – and the anticipated rain held off longer than expected.
The walk started by following the western side of Harthill Reservoir before coming out on the service road for Woodall Service Station.
It continued through Pebley Oaks and then over the motorway, heading across fields towards Upperthorpe – before dropping down to Dale Farm.
Then it was a climb up a set of steps to reach the A618 before descending to the picturesque Killamarsh Fishing Ponds.
Lunch was eaten in Norwood Wood, sheltering from the rain ; after which the route went under the M1 and joined the Cuckoo Way for a short section.
Finally, it skirted Kiveton Country Park where the paths were edged by Michaelmas Daisies – before returning to Harthill.
Distance 7.8 miles.
Thursday 30 September
Developing the Network
Bing Aerial (overlaid by current rights of way)
A modification order (DMMO) has been made which, if confirmed, will link the B6014 at Ogston with the Greyhound on the A61 by bridleway, via Crow Lane and Ogston Lane.
Definitive Map Modification Orders
Please note that the Wingerworth walk, scheduled for 6 October, has now been deferred until 16 March, 2022.
Sunday 26 September
Derwent Edge
Leader: Kath Photos: John
Saturday 25 September
Dennis Knoll
Stanage Edge, Higger Tor, Hathersage Church, Brontë Cottage
Leader: Sara
Little John’s Grave, Hathersage
A small party of three, including a very welcome visitor from Louth in Lincolnshire, set out from Dennis Knoll for an eight mile circular walk taking in Stanage Edge, Higger Tor, Whim Plantation and Hathersage – before returning via Little John’s grave, Brontë Cottage and Green’s House.
Coffee was taken on Stanage Edge and despite low cloud marring the views at this point the drama of the brooding light over the valley was appreciated by all.
Improved lighting and much higher cloud provided an improved environment and views when lunch was taken just below Over Owler Tor.
Wednesday 22 September
On High
Combs Edge, Black Edge
Leader & Photos: Mel
13 members, including two very welcome visitors, enjoyed a nine mile walk around the edge of the plateau above Buxton, formed by Combs, Short, and Black Edge.
Starting from Lightwood Road, Upper Buxton, the walk took a gentle climb through woodland and passed the now defunct Lightwood Reservoir, on to Flint Clough.
This vantage point gave an indication of things to come with expansive views over the town of Buxton.
Traversing the south eastern edge through heather covered moorland we were rewarded with views over Wild Moor whilst looking down on a section of the Midshires Way as it passes from Buxton to the White Hall outdoor pursuits centre.
Turning northeast the route then followed much rockier and slightly more challenging profiles towards Combs Edge and the stone age / medieval fort (occupied in two stages) of Castle Naze.
The rewards were excellent with expansive views over Combs Reservoir and the tiny village of Combs nestling at its southern tip.
Lunch now over, the route turned southwest along Short Edge looking down on the substantial town of Chapel en le Frith.
From here the brooding south eastern tip of Kinder could be clearly seen, dominated by Kinder Low and Kinder Low End.
Turning southeast, to pass Hob Tor, revealed the raw scars of the Dove Holes quarries and the village of Dove Holes far below.
Traversing Black Edge, which the route now followed, the group reached the trig point above the miniscule Black Edge Reservoir, for a short break and photo opportunity.
Then onward to return to Flint Clough and complete the circumnavigation of the plateau.
A gentle route back down through Lightwood completed the walk and a very visually aesthetic day.
Wednesday 15 September
Crossing the Derwent
Eyam. Hazelford Hall, Grindleford, Froggatt Edge, Stoney Middleton
Leader: Isobel
Fourteen of the expected fifteen walkers started the walk from Eyam.
The missing walker being prevented from joining us by blocked roads.
The party was further reduced when two members had to leave because of a potential family emergency. Luckily it turned out to be a false alarm, but it meant they missed a walk in unexpectedly glorious sunshine.
The route climbed out of Eyam on the The Nook and then crossed Eyam Moor to reach Leadmill Bridge.
It followed the Derwent to Coppice Wood and then headed up to Padley Chapel for lunch.
After passing Grindleford Station we climbed up through Nether Padley and Hay Wood to reach Froggatt Edge.
The visibility was superb and the views back across the valley and towards Chatsworth and its Emperor Fountain were excellent.
After a steep descent from the edge, we re-crossed the Derwent and walked across fields to Stoney Middleton via Knouchley Farm.
Stoney Middleton had been taken over by a film crew, making a Bollywood film ; unfortunately we weren’t needed as extras and had missed the day’s filming.
On the way back to Eyam we passed a reminder of the plague at Lydgate Graves.
Distance 10.7 miles.
Wall to wall sunshine on the Lord’s Seat, the high point of Rushup Edge
Wednesday
8 September
Mine to Cross
Odin Mine, Eldon Hill, Perrydale, Sparrowpit, Rushup Edge, Mam Tor,
Hollins Cross
Leaders:
Gavin & Rhona
Researching Lost Ways (Peak & Northern Footpath Society)
 Covid-secure group walks are classified by the UK government as ‘organised physical activities’ and can now take place with no participant number limit. Please consult Walksfinder to pre-book on a particular walk. |
 Download the Ramblers app
Also we have a sortable library of some of our walks undertaken in the last six years in a
 Open Street Map – Recorded and unrecorded paths The condition of local footpaths can be checked, and paths that are not recorded rights of way can be logged, in anticipation of the |
…. previously on chesterfieldramblers
