News Archive (August 2022)

The Ramblers

Wednesday 31 August

Upper Derwent Valley

Slippery Stones, Deer Holes, Barrow & Grinah Stones, Round Hill, Linch Clough

Leader: Mel Photos: Mike, Simon, & John

Howden Reservoir

Descending Linch Clough

Linch Clough

Final ascent to Barrow Stones

Barrow Stones

On a beautiful sunny Wednesday morning 26 members set off from Kings Tree to follow the somewhat challenging ‘Rob Randle Memorial Walk’ up the Derwent Valley.

After crossing the pack horse bridge at Slippery Stones the route basically followed the track alongside the upper reaches of the infant river Derwent, passing such delights as Cranberry Bed, Oaken Side, Deer Holes and Humber Knoll for coffee – just before Coldwell Clough.
At Hoar Clough the formal path was abandoned for the ‘off piste’ section to Swaines Greave. Here all gathered for the final major ascent to the Barrow Stones and lunch with spectacular views over the Woodhead and as far as Laddow Rocks. On then to the Grinah Stones, followed by a steep descent through the still flowering heather to cross Ridgewalk Moor. From here the path along the top edge of Linch Clough was used for the eventual return to Kings Tree.

‘Rob Randle’ walk (June 2019)

Wyming Brook

Adapted Lord Mayor’s Walk from Sheffield Railway Station to Wyming Brook – with Terry Howard of Sheffield Group

Leader & Photos: Basil

Wyming Brook on its way to Rivelin Reservoir

Three group members were joined by two Sheffield members on a walk of around nine miles from Sheffield train station to Wyming Brook, near Lodge Moor, on a fine warm day.
The route was created in 2011 to illustrate the close connection of the city to the Peak Park, a third of which is within the city boundary.

Disused conduit

We were fortunate to include Terry Howard who designed the route and pointed out historical features along the way. This largely follows the disused conduit from Redmires reservoirs to the Great Dam in Crookesmoor Park.
Excellent views and a real feel of part of Sheffield.

Wednesday 24 August

Fairholmes

Abbey Clough, Back Tor, Lanehead

Leaders: John & Tricia Photos: Mel

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Bamford

Win Hill, Edale

Leader: Val Photos: Basil & Val

Hope Cross

Another grey but warm dry day for a higher level walk in the Peak Park from Chesterfield.
Seven completed a 9.5 miles linear walk via Bamford Mill, Win Hill, Hope Cross, and Jaggers Clough before catching the train back from Edale – the completion of a 56 mile Derbyshire Gritstone Way begun in January 2019, but much delayed by Covid.
Altogether, this whole route is a satisfying walk through Derbyshire, keeping mainly to the gritstone ridges which took us from a wet winter walk out of Derby to this final sunny afternoon in Edale. Slight deviations from the original route were necessary to fit in with transport, but mainly we followed the way that had been devised by Derby Ramblers in 1970.

One of the advantages of using public transport. We have in the last few years walked most of the Derwent Valley Heritage way, the Sheffield Country Walk and all the Chesterfield Round (in 4 sections).

Moorland heather

Despite the constantly changing bus timetables,the ‘bus’ groups combined manage to have a walk almost every Wednesday of the year, alternating between shorter (up to 7 miles) and longer (8-11 miles) We are very welcoming to newcomers, so why not leave the car at home and join us ?
Not only will it be making a small contribution to saving the planet, but you could have a restful journey home.

Today provided a good walk, views, talk and exercise – all achieved by senior citizens for just a £6.70 Derbyshire Wayfarer, plus a packed lunch and flask. Bargain !

A depleted Ladybower from Win Hill

Sunday 21 August

Calver

Curbar, Baslow Edge, Dobb Edge, Hunting Tower, Edensor. Pilsley, Hassop Bank Wood,
Bramley Wood

Leader: Simon Photos: Catherine & Michael

After recent weekends, when it was far too hot for longer walks, it was wonderful for 14 walkers to set out from Calver for a day in the countryside.
The first ascent took us through Curbar village and up on to the eastern end of Baslow Edge. From here, as we stood amongst the purple heather, we could see most of today’s route laid out in front of us.

We then picked our way down between the gnarly oaks and boulders of Jack Flat before crossing the A621 and then climbed up below Gardom’s Edge towards the Three Men, where we stopped for a break.
From here, it was into Chatsworth via Dobb Edge and on to the Hunting Tower before descending to the House. Our arrival at midday was heralded by a performance from the mechanical
‘Pegasus’ sculpture in the grounds.

We then continued on to Edensor before tackling the laborious ascent up to Handley Lane. By now, stomachs were rumbling, and so we hurried on to Pilsley where lunch was taken in a nearby field with fine views out over towards Longstone Edge.

Replete, we took the restricted byway off the A619 and headed for Hassop. In order to complement the homemade tea loaf consumed at morning break, it was only right that we stopped to sample the excellent ice cream on offer at Home Farm.

Now on the final leg, we took the picturesque footpath through Bank Wood and Bramley Wood before dropping back down into Calver.

Distance: 12.7 miles
Total ascent: 2300 ft

Saturday 20 August

Gringley on the Hill

Wiveton, Clayworth

Leader: Collin Photos: Mel

Wednesday 17 August

Corbriggs

Five Pits Trail, Heath, Carr Vale

Leader: John Photo: Basil

Taking the Five Pits Trail initially, we switched to part of the Chesterfield Round Walk route to get to Heath Church for lunch in the churchyard. Thereafter we used an M1 underpass, and cross field paths to get to Carr Vale – from whence we caught the Bolsover bus back to Chesterfield.

Along the way six path faults, including both ploughing and cropping obstructions and missing or hidden signposts were observed, photographed as applicable, and reported to the Highway Authority on return. That’s about the usual number found on a seven mile walk, if you are observant.

The Highway Authority is required to have a signpost in place whenever a public right of way leaves a hard surface highway – with some urban exceptions (Section 27 of the Countryside Act 1968). In the absence the path fails the standard path test used. They’re easy to spot (usually) and no judgement is required. They are either there, or not, complete with an arm / finger, indicating the right direction, and path (correct) status – e.g footpath, bridleway, byway open to all traffic (BOAT). Any walker can detect where they are missing and report it but only about 5% do.

Heath & Holmewood – NE10 footpath 27 at Slack Lane

The attached photo illustrates a signpost which is currently useless. Again, report it and get the vegetation removed by the Highway Authority. In case you don’t know who that is, in the majority of Derbyshire, it’s the County Council (not the Borough / District / Parish council or anyone else). Derby City is the only other Highway Authority in the county and has its own reporting system (but a hole in the city centre where the path map should be)!

One of the advantages of bus travel is it’s free, if you are eligible, and to use a bus pass after 9:30 (or any time at weekends / bank holidays) costs nothing. Another is you can do linear walks such as this and perhaps enjoy a drink at the end of the walk. Also there is room on the bus for more participants and free social interaction before and after the walk as a bonus.

Ringing Roger

Upper Booth, Ringing Roger, Crowden Tower, Noe Stool, Jacob’s Ladder

Leaders: Kath & Baz

13, including one visitor, on today’s Kinder walk

Saturday 13 August

Trek 26

Our weekend’s scheduled walks were cancelled because of the high temperatures, but congratulations go to Catherine, a member of the Dearne Valley Group, who walks regularly with us and completed a 26 mile sponsored walk in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.

She joined the Ramblers in February 2021, has steadily improved her fitness, and is thankful for our members who have given her encouragement.
The 26 miles were completed in 10 hours, 25 minutes, and 17 seconds.

Her ‘Just Giving’ page is still open should anyone wish to donate to this very worthy cause.

Trek 26 in the Peak District (2023)

Wednesday 10 August

Sheffield

Sheffield parks

Leader: Dermot Photos: Mel

15 walkers, including 7 members who had crossed the border from Derbyshire, set off from the magnificent Graves Park on a beautiful summer’s morning to walk a Sheffield Round.

Meersbrook Park, with a view adjacent to the well known JMW Turner painting

We went through the Park and then headed through the streets of Sheffield before taking our coffee stop in Meersbrook Park, from where we took in the stunning views of the Sheffield skyline.
After coffee we made our way towards Endcliffe Park, via Brincliffe Edge Wood and Chelsea Park.
We stopped briefly at the ‘Mi Amigo’ War Memorial to pay our respects and meet Tony Foulds, who has looked after the memorial for many years.

Top of Porter Clough

We then left the park and headed up the Porter Valley towards Forge Dam, meeting a local heron on the way, where we had lunch along with many other folks who were out enjoying the weather.

On the edge of Ecclesall Woods

After lunch we continued up the Valley and then descended through the Limb Valley to Whirlow Brook and then onto Ecclesall Woods.
Finally we climbed through Beauchief Woods and returned back to Graves Park.

Not a single stile and lots of smiles – especially as we got back ten minutes ahead of our anticipated finish time!

Miles covered 15.8

Monday 8 August

Tapton Lock

Brimington, Tapton

Leader & Photo: Cliff

West Wood, Brimington, with the merry throng between those two mysterious
Celtic style sculptures of the ‘Omnipotent Earth Mother’ and ‘Tribal Father'”

Saturday 6 August

Wingerworth

Britton Wood, Woodhead Farm, Ashover Rock, Alton, Northedge, Bolehill

Leader: Mike Photos: Mel