News
Saturday 6 August
Wingerworth
Britton Wood, Woodhead Farm, Ashover Rock, Alton, Northedge, Bolehill
Leader: Mike Photos: Mel
 On the South Chesterfield Way |
 Ripening corn near Hardwick Wood |
Wednesday 3 August
Ogston
Alton, Press Reservoir, Ashover
Leader: Andrew Photos: John & Mel
Saturday 30 July
Stanage & Burbage Edges
Stanage Edge, Redmires, Lady Cannings Plantation, Burbage Edge
Leader: Sue Photo: Mel
On a cloudy, blustery summer Saturday morning, six walkers set off from the Upper Burbage Bridge car park and ascended to Stanage Edge. Unusually, not many people were out and about and we enjoyed the quiet walk along the Edge before joining the Long Causeway, an ancient trading route, which took us to Stanage Pole, where we took an early coffee break.
Our route then took us downhill to the lower path around Redmires Reservoirs. The recent dry weather has left the reservoirs looking pretty depleted – the middle one just has a small puddle of water in it. At this point one of our number left us temporarily to check out a prospective wild camping site on Rud Hill. He rejoined us as we approached Brownhill Farm.
From here we passed through a disused quarry area to arrive at the Ox Stones in time for lunch. The heather was coming into bloom and at times we caught the scent of it in the air.Then it was across a section of parched peat moorland, where we saw the tell-tale signs of usually wetter conditions in the deep imprinted animal hoof marks, to Houndkirk Road. Originally part of the 18th century turnpike road from Sheffield to Hathersage, this route gave us easy access onto Burbage Edge and a half hour’s hike took us back to our starting point.Approaching the Houndkirk Road after lunch at the Ox Stones
Despite a rather dubious forecast, we largely escaped the rain and although it was cloudy we still enjoyed the views from the two Edges on this nine mile round walk.
Wednesday 27 July
Fox House
White Edge, Shillito Wood, Totley Moor
Leaders: Paul & Parul Photos: Mel
Climbing through bracken after visiting Swine Sty
Flask Edge trig point on Totley Moss – not quite an ‘Ethel’
Saturday 23 July
Low Bradfield
Holdworth, Loxley, Stacey Bank, Damflask
Leader: Isobel Photo: Mel
Fortunately, the heatwave was over – back to the normal July temperature when a group of six met in Low Bradfield.
Instead of taking the steep path up to High Bradfield, the route started along the road by the side of Damflask and then soon turned off up a path that climbed more gradually through fields to Holdworth. It provides views across the Loxley valley and back towards Damflask. From Low Ash Farm the walk descended to Wisewood through woodland including Loxley Common. A lone deer was spotted.
After crossing the road at Wisewood, the route continued along the northern side of the River Loxley to Rowel Bridge, where we crossed over the river and climbed up through Beacon Wood, before dropping down to the fishing ponds near Storrs Bridge. A fishing competition was in progress and there was a lot of expensive kit on display laid across the path. Luckily the anglers moved it out of our way removing the need for hurdling. It seemed to be a good day for fishing as we saw a couple of carp being landed.
The walk continued up Stacey Bank and along the road to the path which runs along the northern shore of Damflask, which is currently looking rather short of water, and then back to Low Bradfield.
Teas, coffee, dandelion and burdock, and cake at the Schoolrooms Café made a pleasant end to the walk.The distance was 9 miles.
Looking over to Ughill Moors from just below the Loxley Road
Wednesday 20 July
Whirlow Wander
Whirlow Park, Limb Valley, Stanage & Burbage Edges, Houndkirk Road
Leader: Sue Photos: Mel
What a relief to have a cooler breezier day than the last 2 or 3 for our walk !
24 of us set off from Whirlow Brook Park and made our way up the Limb Valley to Ringinglow. Crossing the road, we headed through Lady Cannings Plantation, where we noticed that the development of a number of ponds was underway. It seems this is part of a flood management plan which is also expected to benefit wildlife in the longer term. It will be interesting to see how they progress as they did not look appealing even to wildlife at present.
Coffee was taken in the Brown Edge Quarries area where, although the ground was parched, we were cooled by a gentle breeze. Then it was through Brown Edge Farm with the intention of taking the concessionary path across the moors above Redmires reservoirs ; but alas, we were thwarted by a notice informing us that this access land was closed due to the high fire risk and that we must keep to public rights of way. Being responsible ramblers, we diverted along the road past Knoll Top Farm before descending via a public footpath to a Yorkshire Water allowed route around the three reservoirs which eventual joined up with our original itinerary.Joining the Long Causeway, an ancient Roman and later a Packhorse road, we ascended to Stanage Pole and Edge, where a well earned lunch break was taken.
Although breezy, it was a very different experience walking along Stanage Edge this time from February when the gale force winds blew us over and we had to negotiate the pools of water surrounding the rocks. No water in sight today and only a trickle of a stream to cross on Burbage Edge.
Linking up with Houndkirk Road, we returned to Ringinglow and retraced our step down the Limb Valley to Whirlow.
An enjoyable if slightly longer walk than intended due to the diversion we had to take – almost 13 miles.
There were good if somewhat hazy views throughout, appreciated by all of us.
Saturday 16 July
Stanage Edge
Wyming Brook, Head Stone, High Lad Ridge, Stanage Pole, Redmires Reservoir
Leaders: Gavin & Rhona Photos: Mel
Head Stone
Stanage Edge
Wednesday 13 July
A View over the Pennines
Bowden Bridge, William Clough, Kinder Downfall, Kinder Low, Oaken Clough
Leaders: Kath & Baz Photos: Mel
A strenuous nine mile walk when even Kinder saw summer weather.
Ogston
Alton, Ashover
Leader: Andrew Photos: David
A late addition to the scheduled walks programme, with a bit of shade welcomed by the 13 setting off from the Ogston Reservoir north car park.
Sunday 10 July
Crich
Chase Cliffe, Cromford Canal, Heage Windmill, Pentrich, South Wingfield, Mill Green
Leader: Simon Photos: Simon & Mike
With the temperature already climbing at 9:30, eleven steadfast ramblers set out from Crich Market Square.
Dropping down to the Cromford Canal, the route progressed on to Ambergate and Fritchley.
After crossing over the railway, a gentle climb through hay fields led to a shady spot where a short break was taken.
The climb then continued to Heage Windmill, where a short diversion was taken to admire the restored mill and take advantage of the ice creams on offer in the shop.A downhill stretch then led to the picturesque Starvehimvalley Bridge and back on to the course of the Cromford Canal, which we followed through Lower Hartsay and on towards Ripley.
After traversing the busy A610, we struck off left and climbed up to Pentrich, where lunch was taken in the churchyard.Suitably refreshed, we continued on past Coney Green Farm to examine the earthworks nearby where a Roman fortlet once stood on Ryknield Street. Across the valley, we could see the route ahead – the ruins of Wingfield Manor and the ubiquitous presence of Crich Stand on the distant skyline.
Continuing via South Wingfield, we soon found ourselves on the bridleway up to the medieval manor: former home of Bess of Hardwick’s husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury, who imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots there in 1569, 1584 and 1585.By now, the group was beginning to tire as the heat took its toll. Undeterred, we tackled our penultimate ascent through parched fields towards Mill Green before wending our weary way back to Crich.
A fantastic day was capped off with the whole group enjoying a celebratory drink in the Old Black Swan.
Distance: 13.7 miles
Saturday 9 July
Sherwood
Leaders: Chris & Jill Photos: Mel Church Warsop, Cuckney, Norton
Another Saturday walk from the Carrs in Church Warsop, this time taking in Cuckney, Norton and the Welbeck Estates before passing the edge of Clumber Park and finally arriving back to the Carrs.
We started the walk through open farmland with fields of crops of wheat, barley, and potatoes. Landowners in this part of Nottinghamshire deserve their reputation for maintaining the footpaths as all were well defined.
We then arrived in Cuckney, passing the mill and dam. Our coffee break overlooked the River Poulter, where the the river’s course has been canalised as part of a historic water meadow system. Beyond this was Cuckney Church, the potential site of the 633 AD Battle of Hatfield, where King Edwin of Northumbria was defeated and killed by the combined forces of Penda of Mercia and Cadwallon of Gwynedd. (Thank you to our local historian for the information).
Our walk continued to Norton which lies within the Welbeck Abbey Estates and here we met the Robin Hood Way and headed towards Clumber Park, passing by the impressive Hazel Gap Barn, a restaurant and wedding venue.
Lunch was taken on cycle route 6, a welcome shaded break from the hot sunny day.
After lunch we walked by the lakes formed from the River Meden and into Sherwood Country Park.
Three miles later we arrived back at the Carrs completing a near 10 mile walk.
Wednesday 6 July
Wingerworth
Leader: Fred Photos: David
Holymoorside
Another blustery July day for a local Wingerworth circular starting at the Barley Mow, pausing for a coffee stop on Harper Hill, and then lunch at Holymoorside Village Hall.
A steep woodland climb followed up to Stanedge Golf Course, followed by the descent, via Stubbing Court, back to Wingerworth.
A fine day for a mixture of 15 bus and car walkers, despite the unseasonal wind.
Darley Dale
Leader: Mike Photos: Mel
Rowsley, Tinkersley, Northwood Carr, Flash Lane, Sydnope, Ladygrove, Darley Bridge, Warren Carr, Stanton Woodhouse
More frustrating roadworks on the A6 meant the start time was delayed by 20 minutes.
This allowed walkers time to free themselves from traffic and reach the designated start point at the Old Station car park at Rowsley. The weather was overcast and mild with a strong westerly breeze.The group of 26 walkers and Mavis the dog proceeded from the car park and crossed over the A6 and made their way up to emerge on Chesterfield Lane. Following the footpath through Copy Wood the group reached the tiny hamlet of Tinkersley. From here it was a pleasant woodland stroll through Northwood Carr. Turning north east, the group joined the bridleway and slowly climbed up along Fallinge Edge. A well earned cake and coffee stop was taken.
Fallinge Edge
We then walked along Chesterfield Lane for half a mile to join the path across the moorland at Woodbrook Quarry and Plantation to reach Flash Lane. A steady walk along this lane brought the group through Seventy Acre Plantation, Woodside Farm and eventually on to Sydnope Hill. Finding the narrow walled entrance beside Sydnope Hall Farm, the group slowly descended down to Sydnope Brook and lunch was taken overlooking this gentle brook and the Warren beyond.
Lunch above Sydnope Brook
We then crossed the brook and carefully negotiated the footpath alongside to reach the small dams called Potter and Fancy Dams ; these being originally constructed to hold a supply of water to be used by the nearby flax mill ‘Ladygrove Mill’. The mill is now used for offices and some residential use.
From Ladygrove, the group made their way through the streets of Darley Dale to cross the A6 and then picked up the footpath passing over the heritage railway track and onto Flatts Farm at Darley Bridge. To avoid the walk up Oldfield Lane we took a concessionary path up through the adjacent woodland to emerge at the site of the old lead mine at Cowley Knowl. From here it was along a narrow footpath that passed through the lead smelting site and onto Warren Carr. A steady walk, avoiding traffic, was made up the lane to Stanton Lees and onto the site of Endcliffe Quarry. After a much needed drinks stop, the group followed the nice green path that leads to the fine manor house at Stanton Woodhouse. Passing the house and farm we stayed on the private drive and walked back into Rowsley and to the car park.
A very varied route around areas that are not often walked and much enjoyed by the group.
Distance: 12.3 miles
Elevation 1580 ft
Monday 4 July
Ford
Leader: Isobel Photo: Mel
The evening walk, near Bushes Wood looking towards Marsh Lane
Saturday 2 July
Winster
Leader & Photo: Mel
After managing to park in Winster on carnival day the Saturday group made their way out of the village to join the Limestone Way at Luntor rocks.
A short walk along Bonsall Lane was then used to reach Brightgate and a return to the footpath leading across the ridge above Wensley and Oker with excellent views of the villages in the valley below.
On such a clear day Higger Tor and the sweeping curve of Stanage Edge was clearly visible on the far horizon.
A coffee break was taken on the ridge, with good views over Matlock, before descending across the valley side through Lea Wood and then the gentle climb to Jughole Wood.
Following the long descent in to Bonsall the group climbed to Black Tor to take a leisurely lunch in brilliant sunshine.
On then to the defunct Bonsall mines where a short stop was made to admire the purple spotted orchid and other wild flowers growing profusely alongside the path.
After passing Leys Farm a another short section of the Limestone Way was used to reach the now defunct Whitelow mines and the long stretch of wildflower meadows with a field edge path to return to Bonsall Lane.
Across more wild flower meadows to skirt Wyns Tor and then back to the car park.
Despite predictions to the contrary the walk was rain free and predominately walked in warm sunshine.
Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Ramblers 