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Wednesday 17 October

A Walk from Hulme End

Leaders: Christine & Doug


A Staffordshire Moorlands circular on a fine October day from the Tea Junction at Hulme End.
A clockwise route via the Back of Ecton, Wetton Hill, and Wetton Mill, returning for fine tea and cakes via the Manifold Valley.


27 walkers with probably a similar number of stiles to negotiate.

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Friday 12 October

A Stephenson Trail

Leader: David


George Stephenson is known worldwide as the ‘father of the railways’.
As a civil and mechanical engineer he pioneered our early use of steam engines and designed rail infrastructure that is still widely used today.
Although born in Northumberland he spent the last ten years of his life at Tapton House in Chesterfield, and is buried with his second wife at Holy Trinity Church.

This ‘Stephenson Trail’ set out from his statue at Chesterfield Railway Station on a grey old morning, following part of the southern spur of the
Trans Pennine Trail on Tapton Golf Course to Tapton House, before making its way via Tapton Park and, very briefly, the Chesterfield Canal to Holy Trinity Church.




A short walk then back to the town centre and the Stephenson Memorial Hall which is now a museum – and through the churchyard of the Crooked Spire to end in Stephenson Place.

Another ‘Stephenson Trail’
George Stephenson’s birthplace

Other short Chesterfield walks we have done in the last eighteen months include a
Northern Circular and a Western Circular

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Wednesday 10 October

Ladybower circular Leader: Edna Wheel Stones 29 turned out for Edna’s circular on a superb October day. From the Ashopton viaduct at Ladybower an anti-clockwise route via Cutthroat Bridge, Whinstone Lee (where we had a quick sight of a Red Arrow screaming low over the Reservoir), Wheel Stones, White Tor, Back Tor, and Lost Lad – before dropping down to Wellhead. It was apparently World Mental Health Day and this walk was a fine prescription. Lost Lad Street View panorama descending to Wellhead

Bakewell Leader: Basil Basil added a ‘long bus’ walk to the printed programme to enjoy what proved to be probably the best walking weather of the year. Ten of us on the circular walk from Bakewell, via Alport, Stanton, Rowsley, and Coombs Farm – about 11 miles in all. Three dropped out at Rowsley to catch a return bus ; all the rest came back from Bakewell. Those who went via Coombs Farm walked through a plague (or ‘loveliness’) of ladybirds, the like of which we have not come across before. However we spotted them well.

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Wednesday 3 October

Dore to Hathersage

Leaders: Bob & Anne


A ten mile linear walk on the Hope Valley rail line today – from Dore & Totley Station to Hathersage.
A route via the Ecclesall Woods into historic Dore Village for a coffee break, by the memorial stone where the army of King Ecgbert of Wessex met the Northumbrians way back in 829 AD.

On then to Blacka Moor and Longshaw, with a descent of Padley Gorge to Grindleford Station.
Finally down to the Derwent Valley and Hathersage Station for the return.
14 in the party on a dry, if mainly cloudy, day.

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Sunday 30 September

Middleton by Wirksworth

Leader: Lorraine      

Seeing out the last walk of the ‘summer’ programme, eight walkers set off from the National Stone Centre on the trail of a lullaby.
After traversing over Middleton fields by Dean Hollow, we dropped into Cromford for a quick break by the Canal.
Passing by the rugby club fields, the group rejoined the Canal just in time to see the ‘Birdswood’ boat pass by High Peak Junction.
Once the bridge was back in place, we turned off to join the Midshires Way to Alderwasley.
Special seating was reserved for lunch in the Park Plantation in the shape of a beautifully carved seat, affording views across the valley towards Crich Stand.
It was then into the mysterious Shining Cliff Woods for a loop in search of the legendary Betty Kenny Tree, alleged to be the origin of the well-known lullaby, ‘Rock a bye baby’
Being guided out of the woods by the eventual appearance of the sun, the group made a pleasant amble through the Bent into Wirksworth before arriving back at base having done an enjoyable 13 mile circuit.

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Saturday 29 September

Dales of the Peak

Leaders: Mel, Pat, & Cathy    Photos: Mel

Some poetic lines from Mel ;

Making excellent use of the late summer sunshine and blue skies eleven members, including visitors, made their way from Tideswell Dale down to Millers Dale – and then on to Cressbrook.
After taking a short coffee break in Ravensdale it was on through Peter Dale to Wardlow Mires – followed by a short climb to the skyline path above Cressbrook and Tansley Dale. Here the group were rewarded with excellent views both up and down dales with the low sun painting the lower slopes with shadows from the sparse trees dotting the bright green banks and fields.
Lunch was a leisurely affair taken whilst drinking in the views.
After passing through Litton it was on to Tideswell where most of the group took the time to savour the local ice cream before returning to the start point.

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Wednesday 26 September

Moor & Valley Leader: Mel Mel stood in today for Clive and Pauline on the last long car walk of the summer programme ; With Shillito Woods as the starting point, we followed a route passing close to the delightful wetlands formed from the now defunct Ramsley and Barbrook reservoirs. As an additional treat red deer, does and bucks, made an appearance as they prepared for their annual rut. Then a gentle route through Smeekley Wood, with stops to admire the emerging fungi, led to a lunch stop at Horsleygate and a return via Millthorpe, Barlow Woodseats, and Moorhall. Ramsley Reservoir

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Saturday 22 September

Great Longstone Leader: John The 14th and final long Saturday walk of the summer programme. Five in the group – myself, John, Sylvia, Hilda, and Paul arrived at Great Longstone at 9:30 and set off in reasonably good weather. Thankfully there was no mud. The earth had just soaked all the rain up after a hot dry summer. So on past Tidsa Low to Wheston, Peter Dale and Hay Dale to join the Pennine Bridle Way – and lunch at Bee Low. Then on to Peak Forest and the Limestone Way at Hollandtwine lead mine, Green Dale, Hartle Dale and Jennings Dale to Hazlebadge Hall – and a return to Great Longstone and the Queen Anne for a very welcome drink. 18.5 miles in 7 Hours and enjoyed by all.

Bonsall Leaders: Mel, Pat, & Cathy Following a short climb out of Bonsall, eight members of the Saturday group meandered through old lead rakes and around the western and northern edge of Bonsall Moor to reach Brightgate. Following a leisurely lunch, we then traversed the ridge above Wensley Dale and Snitterton, enjoying good views into Darley Dale and across to Darley Hillside. The return to Bonsall was via Jughole Wood and a short section of the Limestone Way. The day finished in Saturday familiar style with tea and scones in the Fountain Tea Rooms. Bonsall

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Wednesday 19 September

Glapwell to Bolsover

    Leader: John

It’s only 3.5 miles from Glapwell to Bolsover as the crow flies (one of our leisurely ‘step’ routes in May this year), but John led ten walkers on a longer way round.
A ten mile journey via Upper Langwith and Elmton which avoided some of the day’s strong winds by woodland walking through Roseland Wood, Langwith Wood, and Scarcliffe Park.
The last part of the walk through Elmton followed the route of last year’s eastern boundary trail (Welbeck to Chesterfield) – part of the Chesterfield Area Walking Festival.

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Tuesday 18 September

North York Moors The annual journey into northern parts, led by John Five days of walking 85 miles with 12,500′ of ascent. Our shortest walk was 15 miles and the longest 20 miles. We encountered wonderful weather and brilliant scenery plus many butterflies and a slow worm legless lizard, literally hundreds of quail, partridge, grouse and pheasants, and of course wonderful Yorkshire hospitality. Mike & John at one of the RBS signposts Route finding John, Sylvia, & Mike on Easterside Hill John, Sylvia, & Mike on the moors Slow worm & British legless lizard Whorlton Castle, Swainby Whorlton Castle & Church – an abandoned village

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Saturday 15 September

Chatsworth circular Leader: Reg A fine day for the latest walk with the visually impaired, starting from Calton Lees car park at Chatsworth. A group of 17, following a route via Chatsworth House and climbing into Stand Wood for good views of the Estate. We were very pleased to have the Ramblers’ Area President, David Blunkett (and his dog Barley), with us for part of the walk. He had to peel off early for an appointment with his football team. Outside Chatsworth House Looking down from Stand Wood Descending from the Wood En route for the House

Anston, Turnerwood, & the Giant’s Staircase 23 locks in just over a mile (part of the Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival) Turnerwood Locks A very purple canal boat Walking the waterways

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Thursday 13 September

Trail and Teashop

Leader: Michael

Two ladies joined me for my leisurely ‘step’ walk from Bakewell.
One was a member of Sheffield Ramblers – the other had recently joined our group.
The latter had been on the short bus walk last Wednesday and had decided that my step walk was a good one to take a friend on who was coming to stay with her for a few days, and who had
never been to Derbyshire.
Consequently she was taking notes of where we went.
Walking up to the old railway station we continued on the Monsal Trail as far as Hassop Station for a coffee stop at the café.
Then continuing for a short distance we turned left on a bridle way which ascended gradually to afford widespread views.
It was downhill for the rest of the walk back to Bakewell via the river path, with lunch at the
Gallery café as a fitting end to a leisurely stroll.

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Wednesday 12 September

Sheffield’s High Point

Leader: Paul    Photos: Mel / John

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Win Hill, with the Kinder plateau in the background The group at High Neb Approaching Higger Tor Near Stanage End with interesting view of Win Hill. Ladybower also visible. High Neb trig point Trig point at SE end of Stanage

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Saturday 8 September

Chapel en le Frith Leader: Rosemarie Seven members set out on an eight mile walk from Chapel en le Frith today with the aim of exploring paths in what for us is a rarely frequented area. Although visibility was poor, the group were treated to views of dramatic dark cloud formations floating over the south western end of Kinder Scout. Lunch was taken at Chamber Knoll before continuing on to Perry Dale. The return journey included a walk along the listed area of Gautries Lead Rake.

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Wednesday 5 September

Dales, Trails, & Rivers

Limestone Way, Lathkill Dale, River Bradford             Leader: John    Photos : John / Mel

Down by the riverside Lathkill Dale A refreshing break

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Sunday 2 September

Lathkill Skywalk

Leader: David    Photos: John        

In Cales Dale, avoiding the nettles

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Saturday 1 September

Ashover circular

Leader: Simon      

Officially autumn, but the good weather continued for the year’s penultimate Saturday long walk ;

A new Ramblers member from Bolsover joined three other walkers to set out from Ashover Parish Hall.
We had to swerve past various oversized vegetables and floral delights as the locals were busy setting up their annual Horticultural Show.
Taking the Coffin Road, we headed out past Cocking Tor and Ravensnest Tor before emerging out of the oak and beech trees to be rewarded with wonderful views of the Amber Valley and Ogston Reservoir.
On then via Highoredish to Trinity Chapel, where a less than holy trinity gathered for a photograph.
Skirting past the reservoir, we pressed on to Handley, continuing on to Woodhead, and then enjoying views over towards Hardwick Hall and Bolsover Castle as we traversed the ridgeway to Britton Wood.
After a short stretch on the route of the Chesterfield Round Walk by Hardwick Wood we crossed a field guarded by two nosey donkeys before sidling around the next field where a thick-necked bull was on patrol.
There were giant carp to be seen floating across the shallows of Stubbing Pond and we were startled by a flash of electric blue and orange as a kingfisher skimmed across the surface of the water.
After the lunch stop, swift progress was made on to Holymoorside where we turned to head south up the bridleway to Stanedge Golf Course and on to the Chimney and Cupola Ponds at Stone Edge.
A final drinks stop was taken at Uppertown Social Club before embarking on the final leg back via Smalley Brook, Vernon’s Lane and Kelstedge.
None of the participants took much convincing that an after-walk libation was in order, and a final burst of speed took us to the bar at the Black Swan.
20 miles completed in 7.5 hours.

The usual end to a long Saturday walk

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…. previously on chesterfieldramblers

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