News
Sunday 15 May
Hathersage
Leader & Photos: John
Offerton Moor, Burton Bole, Abney Moor, Bretton Clough, Sir William Hill, Eyam Moor
Six set off from Hathersage on a 12 mile, 2000ft tour exploring Offerton, Abney, and Eyam moors.
After the relative dry spell the stepping stones over the Derwent were passable.
Then followed a short sharp ascent up to Offerton Hall, giving access to the diagonal path up onto the moor.
Siney Sitch was crossed and then we followed the faint track skirting around Burton Bole to rejoin the main path for a coffee break – just before the oddly named Wolf’s Pit.
Abney Moor was crossed passing below Bleak Knoll and then down into Bretton Clough with its unusual post glacial land slips.
The lower slopes of the mounds were carpeted in bluebells.
In a sheltered spot we had our lunch break in the midday sunshine.
The Clough was followed down on the path closest to the stream before heading via Gother Edge up on to Eyam Moor.
Two short deviations from the main path were made to see the Cup and Ring Stone and the Rock Basin.
From the latter we followed the easy path along the top to our high point of Sir William Hill.
Before the final descent to Hathersage we made a deviation across the moor to view the
Wet Withins Stone Circle. Standing inside the Circle the silhouette of the largest stone appears to map onto that of Higger Tor in the distance; allegedly on midsummer’s day the sun appears to rise over Higger Tor.
Wednesday 11 May
Cutthroat Bridge
Leaders: Terry & Eileen Photo: Mel
Moscar House, Stanage Edge, Hollin Bank, Bole Hill, Bamford Edge, Jarvis Clough
Bamford Edge
On a very damp day with rain forecast for most of the day 17 members and 1 visitor turned up for the 11 mile walk from Cutthroat Bridge, via Moscar House, Stanage Edge and Bamford Edge.
Due to a footpath closure, detours and amendments to the walk, the total distance walked was 11.5 miles.
Rain persisted all morning but lunch was had in dry and sheltered conditions on Long Causeway.
By the time we reached Bamford Edge the weather had cleared up, cagoules were discharged, and bare legs evident as over-trousers were packed away.
The bright blue skies over Bamford Edge offered absolutely stunning views and the walk was delayed by ten minutes as phone cameras were clicking away merrily.There were splendid distant views of Win Hill, Lose Hill, the Great Ridge, Rushup and Brown Edges – and of course the ever present Kinder Plateau.
We heard the cuckoo (twice), saw at least three curly Sues’ (curlews), a number of lapwings (too many to count), and for the sake of a decent pair of binoculars, potentially, two ring ouzels.
Saturday 7 May
Holmebrook Valley
Leader: Mike Photos: Mel & Mike
Cutthorpe, Newgate, Oxton Rakes, Birley, Wigley, Old Brampton, Linacre Reservoirs
A group of 15 set off on a lovely sunny spring morning from Holmebrook Valley Park
The fine warm weather remained throughout the walk ; ideal conditions for the group to fully appreciate the verdant environs of Barlow and Cutthorpe.
Leaving the Park via the Brockwell Lane exit we proceeded up Cutthorpe to pick up the footpath at the old Chapel ; venturing through woodland and nice grasslands to come out on Wilkin Hill.
Here we viewed the old stone built Pinfold on this lane. At Newgate we carried on past by the farm and through the lush fields on our way to Oxton Rakes. The resident young cows from the farm seemed interested in joining our walk but we had to disappoint them.
A coffee stop was taken, allowing us to admire all vibrant colours on display by the trees and bushes below us at the ‘Jumble Hole’.
Suitably refreshed, we continued up the lane from Oxton Rakes to Overgreen and by the side of the closed Gate Inn (sadly missed by the leader).
Crossing the B6050 and dropping behind Cow Close Farm we followed the paths along the fields. Yet again, the lush pastures seemed full of colour, with many types of butterflies enjoying the warm conditions.
After negotiating a couple of ‘iffy’ stiles we dropped down to Birley Brook and made the steady climb through Copy Wood to reach the hamlet of Wigley.
We followed the paths around Wigley Hall Farm to emerge at Hollins House at Old Brampton.
It was then along the road down to Hemming Green to pick up the footpath along the route of the ‘Chesterfield Round’ walk to stop for lunch at the fields overlooking the top reservoir at Linacre
This was a fabulous backdrop to rest and enjoy our well earned lunch break.
Following the perimeter of the top reservoir, we were able to see mallards, moorhens, and even a lone cormorant looking for its next meal.
Continuing along the paths through and along the reservoirs to go towards Kitchenflat Woods, we came across the large displays of bluebells and red campion in the dips and dells of the woodland ; a visual delight.
The group proceeded along the bridleway going past Hall Farm and the lake at Holmebrook to return to the car park.
A nice walk in great weather, with good views and all that nature can offer at springtime.Mileage – 9 miles
Elevation – 1100 ft
Sunday 1 May
Rowsley
Leader & Photos: Simon
Churchtown, Darley Bridge, Snitterton, Bonsall, Winster, Birchover, Stanton Moor,
Stanton Woodhouse
Starting from Rowsley, the party of seven made their way beside the Derwent along to Churchtown and Darley Bridge ; then taking the gated road to Oaker and eventually on to Snitterton.
Here, loins were girded in preparation for the 600ft climb up to the radio mast on Salters Lane, with the promise of a tea break at the summit.
Fine views were available of Matlock, Darley Dale and Riber Castle, with some attentive members of the group also hearing their first cuckoo calls this spring.
The route now continued along the Limestone Way before descending into Bonsall.
It was then on to Uppertown, where time was taken to enjoy the bucolic delights of young lambs and abundant wildflowers.
The sight of large pale pink drifts of lady’s smock helped to ease the passage through the difficult stone squeeze stiles.
Lunch was taken on the hillside above Winster. The afternoon’s objective of Stanton Moor could be seen temptingly close across the valley and the white plume of the Emperor Fountain at Chatsworth was visible in the distance.
It was appreciated that the Duke had gone to the trouble of increasing the water pressure for our pleasure !
A close encounter with an irritable alpaca provided an entertaining diversion with the walk continuing through Winster, past more friendly lambs, before a further climb up to the campsite at Birchover. Our arrival was heralded by the resident peacocks as we cut past the bunkhouse and on to Stanton Moor. May Day revellers were enjoying the mystical vibes on offer at the stone circle, so we continued on to the quieter environs of the beautiful path which wends its way down through the old quarry and on to the manor house at Stanton Woodhouse.Although listed as a 13 mile walk, it was noted that some additional yards had been walked.
Who says CNED Ramblers don’t give good value for money?
Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Ramblers 