News

The Ramblers
Wednesday 15 August

Bamford to Ladybower

Leader: Janet

Eight train walkers headed out from Bamford Station, following the northern bit of the
Derwent Valley Heritage Way, with a halt for lunch at Heatherdene.
Then it was a clockwise circuit from the Ladybower Inn via Whinstone Lee Tor, Cutthroat Bridge, and
Ladybower Wood.
Another good day with sunny intervals in this prolonged dry summer.

Ladybower credits

Street View panorama from Whinstone Lee Tor of a diminished Derwent Reservoir

Around Ladybower

Leaders: John & Tricia Photos: Mel

Two of our walks in the Ladybower area today, but the car people didn’t come across those who let the train take the strain.

Panorama from Win Hill ; Lose Hill and the Mam Tor Ridge on the left and the Kinder Plateau in the background

arriving on Win Hill

heading for Hope Cross.

The Ramblers
Tuesday 14 August

‘Ploughing & Cropping’ Campaign

Good countryside access depends on reporting all rights of way problems.
Don’t assume that they have already been reported.
Take a photo if you can and report either by;
Pathwatch, Derbyshire County Council, Fix My Street, or by this website.

County council guidelines on cropping & ploughing

County council guidelines on ploughing & cropping

We are currently concentrating on a ‘Ploughing and Cropping’ campaign and seeking to monitor the significant problems to walkers when meeting blockages or trying to negotiate the line of a right of way.
It is an area where, because problems are relatively temporary (although often recurring), the County Council wrongly gives them little importance.
If you meet a problem relating to ploughing or cropping obstructions to legal rights of way please report it to the
Ploughing & Cropping Campaign

All reports of any sort are forwarded to the County Council Rights of Way Team.
If it’s not reported it’s unlikely to be fixed.

The Ramblers
Saturday 11 August

Monsal Head

Leader: Dawn Photo: Mel

The group walking down Cressbrook Dale – en route for a Bradwell’s ice cream

The Ramblers
Friday 10 August

Silverhill Wood & The Miner

Leader: David

The Ramblers
Wednesday 8 August

Around the Quarry

Leader: Graham Photo: Mel

Chrome Hill and Parkhouse from above Earl Sterndale

Pleasley to Teversal

Leader: Kath

The ‘shorter’ bus group took the Pronto bus to Pleasley Pit for a 6.5 mile fairly flat walk to Teversal.
A route along the Rowthorne Trail into Hardwick Park, before heading south from Norwood Lodge to the Teversal Visitor Centre – and a return to Chesterfield on the Spira bus.
15 in the party, including a guest from Brighton, enjoyed a more pleasant day for walking after recent heat.

A shelter from heat or rain in Hardwick Park ?

Hardwick Hall in the distance

Sutton in Ashfield FP11 – south of Norwood Lodge

The Ramblers
Sunday 5 August

Kinder

Leaders: Gavin & Rhona Photos: John

Below Mill Hill looking up to the western end of the Edge on the Pennine Way

River that supplies the Downfall completely dry

Near Kinder Downfall with Hayfield Reservoir in the distance

Descent route down Fair Brook

The Ramblers
Saturday 4 August

Hartington

Leader: John

John, Diane, and Simon at Ilam Rock

Simon and Diane leaving the cave

John and Diane on Narrowdale Hill making our way to Hartington

Looking down the way from Bunster Hill

Thorpe Cloud from Ilam Rock

A great walk today in our series of summer strenuous outings.
21 miles and a lot of ascent, probably in excess of 3000 feet.
A select band of three started at 9:00 and made its way past the Youth Hostel in Hartington en route to Biggin Dale – where we happened upon a lamb trapped in a wire fence from which (after some effort) we extricated it.
It appeared slightly injured from its struggles, but limped all the way back to its mother.
On to Milldale, and then to Ilam Rock – where we ascended to Ilam Tops via Dovedale Woods and then Bunster Hill.
Ilam Cross followed, and then up to Musden Low for lunch, Musden Wood, and Castern Hall.
Next on to Alstonefield and the ‘George’ for extremely welcome refreshments.
A traverse of Narrowdale and Beresford Dale completed the walk back to the Hartington Duck Pond.
Overall this took 9 hours with all in good spirits.

The Ramblers
Thursday 2 August

Pilsley to Bakewell

A good ‘step’ walk from Pilsley to Bakewell, down the quiet Handley Lane and on to Edensor ; then the southerly track through the Chatsworth Estate to New Piece Wood ; westwards to Ballcross Farm and down into Bakewell.
The warm weather continued, although the skies varied from bright sunshine to ominous looking clouds.
Unfortunately the two planned bus journeys suffered from either delay or cancellation.
Over 90 minutes waiting clueless at bus-stops is not acceptable for bus walks in the Peak.

No wonder Bakewell car parks were heaving. The slow death of rural buses

Edensor WD31/7 near the Russian Cottage

The Ramblers
Wednesday 1 August

Walk to Discover

Leaders: Gavin & Rhona Photos: Mel

An evening walk covering part of the Chesterfield Art Trail

Edale to Bamford

Leader: Val

Another train walk, using the popular Hope Valley line.

Eight people took the trip on a day of good weather – not too hot.
From Edale station we climbed up to Mam Tor via Mam Nick, replenished our energy with (home made) cake, and walked the Ridge to Lose Hill for lunch.
It was then a descent to Hope, crossing the road and river, to follow field paths to Bamford, via Brough.
Just in time for the 15.42 return train.

Rocky Edges & Heather Covered Moors

Leader: Sue Photos: Mel

A pleasant day for a walk after the oppressive heat of the last few weeks.
From Redmires Reservoirs 16 keen ramblers set off up to Stanage Pole, over Stanage Edge and down into Hathersage – before ascending again via Mitchell Field Farm to cross Burbage Edge.
From there it was along Houndkirk Road and across the moors back to our starting point.
Good views throughout the day, although the cloud thickened ominously as the afternoon wore on.
12 miles and 1800 feet of ascent.

Win Hill & Kinder in the background from Stanage Edge

Meandering along Stanage Edge

Descending to North Lees

The Ramblers
Saturday 28 July

Edge to Edge

Leaders: Gavin & Rhona Photos: Mel

Stanage Edge from Dennis Knoll

Great Tor, Bamford Edge with Ladybower below

Wirksworth circular

Leader: Andrea Photos: John

Lorraine reports on a walk which, after the heat-wave, saw the return of some familiar grey skies ;

A group of five set off from the National Stone Centre near Wirksworth for a walk of 18.5 miles.
It was quite a chilly start but the sun soon appeared to defy the gloomy forecast.
After an initial stride through Wirksworth, we crossed the
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway heading for Ashleyhay and Alderwasley, keeping Alport Heights in view.
Picking up the Midshires Way, we descended to Cromford Mills for a lunch stop and the ladies’ customary cappuccino.
Fully fuelled, we then set off for Cromford Station and the sharp incline to Hearthstone Lane which rewarded us with splendid views at Riber Castle.

The sun was still shining as we descended into Hall Leys Park in Matlock.
Although tempted by a cooling in the paddling pool, we continued to Shining Cliff, Long Tor and Upperwood.
The looming black cloud had finally caught us and after a brief heavy shower, we soon dried to follow a yet another tough ascent, this time through
Slinter Wood.
Continuing a steady climb towards Dene Quarry we soon reached Middleton village.
Our luck began to run out and we were greeted by high winds and driving rain.
However, we braved the next ascent onto Middleton Moor following a loop to the Star Disc and a dry return to base.
An overall ascent of approximately 3,800 feet.

The Ramblers
Wednesday 25 July

Mel comments on the evening walk ;

A good shot of the group with Bolsover Castle as a back drop.
The evening light added a wonderful warm, if not slightly surreal, light to the picture.
Nine members were present for the walk along the Doe Lea Valley with a return via the ridge between Palterton and Hillstown.
The route began with a short detour around the Peter Fidler Nature Reserve, and this was rewarded with sightings of Dragonflies.
A short stop just below the Castle provided the excellent photo opportunity.

Over the Moors & Far Away

Leader: John Photos: Mel

Part of the group descending from Offerton Edge

Had the leader arranged cool transport on a hot day ?
Unfortunately it was going the wrong way

The Ramblers
Saturday 21 July

Simon writes ;

Another fine weekend prompted a party of four to set out from Rowsley.
The route followed the Derwent at first along to Churchtown, Darley Bridge – and then along the gated road to Oker.
After crossing the fields to Snitterton, the group’s stamina was tested on the long pull up and over Masson Hill and on to Bonsall.
At this point we picked up the Limestone Way and continued on to Winster where we found refuge on the benches in the churchyard for lunch.
Picking up the Limestone Way once again outside Elton, we pressed on to Robin Hood’s Stride and before too long the church tower at Youlgrave came into view.
Sanctuary came in the form of an afternoon stop in the church porch before continuing on down a quiet lane to the picturesque crossing point over the river Lathkill.
A brief, stiff climb followed, up and on to Haddon Fields before reaching the A6 near Haddon Hall.
The final leg started along the footpath adjacent to the river Wye ; then up to Bowling Green Farm, returning back to Rowsley with 18.5 miles completed.

The Ramblers
Wednesday 18 July

A Meander around Bakewell

Leaders: Eileen & Terry Photos: Mel

Panorama, heading for Dirtlow Farm, (well lunch really, hence the determined faces and gait), with a backdrop of Longstone Edge.

Monsal Dale group shot

A still warm, if more cloudy day of late, saw Kay lead nine on a linear route between two of the Hope Valley Line Stations.
Leaving Grindleford the walk went via Padley Gorge, Burbage Moor, the Limb Brook, and Ecclesall Woods to Dore and Totley – a nine mile trip.

Lunch at the Ox Stones on Burbage Moor

In the Limb Valley

The Ramblers
Saturday 14 July

John comments on the ‘strenuous’ Saturday walk ;

A 16.5 mile circuit from Gradbach, taking in the Roaches, Hen Cloud, Meerbrook, The Foulds, the Gun, Turner’s Pool, Dane Bridge, Hanging Stone, and Lud’s Church.
It was fine warm weather all day – a welcome change in this area.
We had five takers – and collected two more at Dane Bridge with two young ladies trying to navigate from Dane Bridge to Lud’s Church using Google Maps on an iPhone – a forlorn hope as they only show roads and not paths. They joined our group and returned safely to their car park at Gradbach Mill, thanking us for our help.
The walk was completed in six hours with all happy and thirsty, leading to a stop at the Red Lion at Litton.

Leader: John Photos: Simon

Mam Nick circular

Leaders: Maureen & Dorothy Photos: Mel

Lunch at Perry Dale

In front of the Great Ridge

Edale Valley from Rushup Edge

The Ramblers
Wednesday 11 July

The Hardwick Story

Leader: Collin Photos: Mel

Apparently 26 million watched England’s World Cup semi-final with Croatia in the evening.
Alternative activities were available.

A parched Deep Dale

Another hot day for a group of 22, led by Liz, on a Monsal Head circular.
A dry Deep Dale was unfortunately rather short on its plant life, but the River Wye at Ashford in the Water provided a cool, green spot for lunch. The afternoon return was via the edge of Bakewell and Great Longstone.

The descent from Sheldon into Ashford

Ashford’s Sheepwash Bridge

Ashford in the Water

The Ramblers
Sunday 8 July

A 12 mile circular from Fox House, led by John, followed some traditional landmarks well known to the group.
Padley Gorge, on to Hathersage along the River Derwent, Stanage Edge with a lunch at Burbage Bridge ; then on to Burbage Rocks before a return to Fox House.
Hot weather and clear skies made for memorable views as the dry spell continues with no end in sight.

The Ramblers
Friday 6 July

You perhaps don’t appreciate the significant growth of trees and hedges on the
Five Pits Trail until a hot day gives walkers regular shade from the heat.
David led the latest short leisurely ‘step’ walk on a beautiful morning which set off from
Grassmoor Country Park and covered a northern circuit that took in part of the Trail as well as Williamthorpe Ponds and Holmewood Woodlands.

The Wolfie Pond on the Five Pits Trail

The Ramblers
Wednesday 4 July

David led the Wednesday evening walk ;

Nine of us set off from Hundall on a perfect summer evening, with our four mile walk taking us to Middle, and then then West, Handley.
It could be called the oilseed rape walk, as we went through or alongside no fewer than nine fields of this crop…. but very pleasing to report that there were wide clear paths through – and also through the several cornfields too.
Not all field paths though – we did also visit a couple of woods.
At West Handley, I took the group to see a (very!) old friend – though he (or is it a she) did not have much to say (see below).
Towards the end of the walk there were splendid views over Dronfield and across to the Eastern Moors.
Earlier paths gave good views across to Bolsover Castle and Hardwick Hall.

Val reports;

Another hot sunny day and the ‘long bus’ walk was shortened a little to find more shade and cope with the heat.
From the Matlock park we went to Lumsdale and climbed through the old mill ruins past waterfalls to reach the first reservoir for a welcome break.
We then took lanes and field paths to Tansley and Dethick – and on to Lea.
The lunch stop was beside the playground with a choice of either picnic table or shade. The lure of swings and see-saw proved irresistible to two (nameless) members of the group, before we went on to pass Lea Gardens and then through Coombs Wood and a long ascent to Hearthstone Lane.
A return to Matlock via Starkholmes, High Tor, and the riverside path into Hall Leys Park.
A walk of generally quiet paths until finding a large school party on High Tor, apparently just looking at the view of Matlock.

Photos by Mel

Emerging from the Forest

From the top of Shutlingsoe

Cimbing to the top of Shutslingsoe

Macclesfield Forest from the top of Shutslingsoe

On the top of Shutslingsoe

A double lunch for the ‘long car’ walkers.
Lorraine writes ;

It was over the border to Cheshire today for 13 long car walkers on this glorious sunny day.
Setting off from the Standing Stone car park in the Macclesfield Forest we headed to
Lamaload Reservoir via Forest Chapel and Higher Ballgreave Farm.
After topping up our fluids, we soaked up the splendid scenery across to Vale Royal before picking up a concessionary path to Ash Tree Top, offering views of Tegg’s Nose to our right & Croker Hill ahead.
Heading back into the Forest, the original route should have taken us to Higher Ridgegate. However, due to storm damage in March several footpaths are still closed. A pre-planned diversion took us back to Forest Chapel before following a path through Bollin Brook to Trentabank Visitor Centre. Here we were treated to a superb picnic area & facilities for
lunch (part 1).
Fuelled & in good spirits, we made a steady ascent to the summit of Shutlingsloe where a gentle breeze and a rest for lunch (part 2) awaited us. A fantastic clear day to take in the extensive views across three Shires (and the Welsh Hills).
From Clough House, an option to take a shorter route back to the start was dismissed by all, so it was onwards and upwards along Cumberland Brook towards the Cat & Fiddle.
Dropping back down the valley to Chest Hollow, we followed Clough Brook towards base.
Altogether, with a total of 14 miles due to the path closures, we all finished happy.

We’re beginning to get used to hot weather walks.
On another glorious day in the current protracted heatwave, Judith led 26 on a 9 mile circular from Calver Sough.

Coombs Dale

Beginning with a steady climb through
Coombs Dale the route then swung north towards Middleton Moor and the Glebe Mine before crossing the busy A623 for a lunch by the Foolow Duck Pond – where we met a couple from Queensland similarly surprised by the UK weather.
The afternoon return was across the fields via Eyam (boosting ice cream sales) and Stoney Middleton.