News
Wednesday 24 November
Winter is Coming
Leaders: John & Tricia Photos: John
Calver, Coombs Dale, Little Longstone, Hassop Common
Drone Valley Way
Leader: Kay
Dronfield, Unstone, Old Whittington, Tapton Lock, Chesterfield
A 7.5 mile route for 15 walkers on a typical November day, mainly following the Drone Valley Way
Saturday 20 November
Annual General Meeting
A return to a ‘live’ AGM at the Chesterfield Library Lecture Theatre.
Followed by the usual photo show of the year’s walks – probably the best ever from Mel.
Wednesday 17 November
Stainsby Mill
Leader: Dawn
Stainsby, Astwith, Ault Hucknall, Doe Lea
Glorious November weather for 14 on a Stainsby Mill circular ….
‘The first and fundamental law of Nature, which is, to seek peace and follow it’ (Thomas Hobbes)
Saturday 13 November
Stanton Quarry
Leader: Graham Photos: Mel
Stanton Moor, Alport, Robin Hood’s Stride
Climbing to Sugworth Hall
Wednesday 10 November
Low Bradfield
Leader: Mike Photos: Mel
Sugworth Edge, Moscar, Derwent Edge,
Strines Bridge
A group of 10 met at the car park at Sands End in Low Bradfield. As forecast, the rain cleared before we started and it remained dry throughout the walk but with low cloud remaining on the Edges.
We progressed along fields above Dale Dike Spring and climbed up Blindside Lane to enter the Woods at Bradfield Dale.
A steady climb through this attractive area on a blanket of leaves followed to pick up the
Sheffield Country Walk. Going along muddy and boggy sections we reached Boot’s Folly on Sugworth Edge and morning refreshments were taken. This prominent tower was constructed by the local magnate Charles Boot in 1926 to provide employment for his stonemasons. Good views of Strines and Dale Dike Reservoirs.Going around Sugworth Hall and we continued along the road and through Moscar House to bring us to the footpath and the steady climb up to Derwent Edge. Lunch break was taken at the Wheel Stones. These eroded rocks are also known as the Coach and Horses. The low cloud did lift occasionally as we progressed along the edge to give glimpses of Ladybower Reservoir and Derwent Dam. Other shaped rocks known as the Salt Cellar and Cakes of Bread were passed on our journey along the Edge.
The group declined the chance to climb the rocks at Back Tor to reach the trig point and so we descended down Foulstone Road to reach Strines Bridge. This is more abrupt than the route taken in ascent. The road here took us to Brogging End where Mel tempted us with his selection of toffees and chocolates. We followed the footpath that took us around the edge of Dale Dike Reservoir. The dam here was built to replace the one that collapsed in 1864 causing Sheffield’s Great Flood.
From here we took the quiet lane of Dale Road to bring us back into Low Bradfield.13 miles and 1800ft of elevation.
Wednesday 3 November
Hart to Hart
Leader: Isobel
A group of 19 met at the car park in Harthill on a cloudy morning.
After a vote, the planned route was slightly modified to avoid crossing the A57 and to take in the ‘Clive Wilson’ diversion.
The first half of the route followed the Rotherham Ring Route across fields to Netherthorpe airfield. The coffee stop was taken overlooking the airfield.From there the route continued to cross the canal at the picturesque Turnerwood bridge.
It then followed the canal feeder to Brancliffe Grange and Monk Bridge.
The ‘Clive Wilson’ diversion then started by going across the Lindrick golf course on a concessionary path following the yellow marker posts with views of the club house.
Then under the A57 via an underpass before reaching a bridleway at the southern edge of Woodsetts.
A short distance after turning left onto the bridleway we reached ‘Nirvana’ – the objective of the diversion.
In the garden of this property is a Bloodhound surface to air missile, a Spitfire, and portable radar. All decommissioned, we believe, and owned by a Rotherham scrap metal dealer.
The bridleway continued to meet the A57 near the entrance to Anston Stones Wood.
After walking through the wood the way climbed up towards South Anston Church.
The route the dropped down to the canal and the towpath was followed to Kiveton Park Station and then Hard Lane.At the end, a short walk across fields back to Harthill.
Distance 12 miles.
Sunday 31 October
Alstonefield
A very wet start to today’s walk – but the weather improved.
Most fungi anyway like moist locations ; photos taken by those on the walk.
PNFS Online Talks – Challenges of a Rights of Way Officer
Members newsletter
Sunday 24 October
National Stone Centre
Leader & Photos: John
High Peak Trail, Middleton Top, Carsington Water, Black Rocks
The promised clearer skies in the afternoon didn’t materialize – so there were light rain showers most of the day.
Nine members completed a 10 mile, 1640 ft circuit from National Stone Centre, Wirksworth.
A short sharp climb up the inclined plane to Middleton Top to blow away the cobwebs followed by a descending traverse to Carsington Water ; then up to Moor Side before descending once more to cross the Ecclesbourne Valley railway.
Final climbs up to Bolehill (Cromford) Moor trig point and a final descent via the dramatic Black Rocks outcrop.
Saturday 23 October
Shillito Wood
Leader: Barbara Photo: Mel
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
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.
 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
Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Ramblers 