News Archive (June 2015)

Saturday 27 June

David writes about the Saturday walk ;

We had warm and sunny weather for our 10 mile walk in a delightful area we only visit infrequently.
10 of us set off from the Loxley Valley and walked through Holdsworth and up on to White Lee Moor , where we lunched overlooking the splendidly named hamlet of Wigtwizzle (not Wightwizzle, as shown on the ancient milepost), returning through High Bradfield – and on to a stop for ice cream.
We had splendid views from the high ground and looked down on several of the large reservoirs in the valleys, including Broomhead, Agden, Strines, and Dale Dike. The last was the scene of a disaster in 1864, when the dam collapsed and over 3 billion litres of water swept down the valley, killing at least 240 people.
Part of our route was on roads used by last year’s Tour de France, including the ‘Cote de Bradfield’ ; it would have presented much less of a challenge to the riders than some of the roads encountered later as the tour continued on through the mountains of southern France !

Someone once said that everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time. Group members often do find the time to walk outside our county. Congratulations to Jean, Anne, and Pat, who recently tackled the Worcestershire Way. More details in News Issue 33

Wednesday 24 June

Mid-summer is a great time for Hope Valley train rambles.
This week it was John’s turn to lead 13 – this time on the high-level route between Hope and Edale.
Leaving Hope Station there was a steady climb through Aston and Twitchill Farm to Wooler and Crookstone Knolls.
On to Nether and Upper Tors with superb views, and eventually descending Grindsbrook (always tough on the knees) to catch the 4:33 pm train back from Edale.

Today’s ‘long car walk’ led by Rob up to the Barrow and Grinah Stones, via the embryonic River Derwent. A brilliant walk of roughly 10 miles with 23 taking part. Generally great weather and good humour throughout the day. A pre-walk briefing Rob’s dog Edie – boundless energy and great fun Tea break The embryonic Derwent

Sunday 21 June

A Sunday walk on the longest day from Cutthroat Bridge on the A57 Snake Pass road – via Derwent Edge, Grindle Barn, Ladybower Reservoir, Fairholmes, Lockerbrook Farm, and Bridge End Pastures.
Ten people on the walk of 10.5 miles, led by Edna.
Windy but minimal rain and really good views from the tops.

Another long summer Saturday walk from John Newrick. An ‘Edges’ walk of 18.7 miles completed by six people in around eight hours. The weather was indifferent but when clear the views were expansive, taking in all of the Hope Valley and beyond. The walk included Birchen Edge, White Edge, Burbage Rocks, Higger Tor, Over Owler Tor, Millstone Edge, Froggatt Edge, Curbar Edge, Baslow Edge, and Gardoms Edge – finishing at the Robin Hood Inn for a welcome pint. Stormy skies over the Hope Valley Andrea, Margaret, Graham, Jim, and John H on Froggatt Edge

Wednesday 17 June

This evening’s five mile walk, starting at 18:15, took advantage of being on the eve of the 200th anniversary of Waterloo – and included a visit to the Wellington Monument on Baslow Edge. It was a walk remembering not just the Duke of Wellington but the man who erected the monument, Dr Edward Mason Wrench – who, like Wellington, combined two careers – being both a soldier and after that a doctor in Baslow for a full 50 years. He left his mark, not only with the Monument, but also with features around Baslow celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. We were pleased to have Melody, the great grand-daughter of Dr Wrench, and friend Marion join us for part of the route to the Wellington Monument. The view from the Monument over Chatsworth is now blocked by trees. They perhaps need to be cut down a bit.

Saturday 13 June

Ward’s Piece

‘A Rambler made is a man (and woman) improved’

A rather damp day for the Saturday walk, which was changed slightly due to the weather.
It started in Hope with a walk along the river into Castleton, and on to Odin Sitch.
Then, following a significant improvement in the weather, a visit to Ward’s Piece via Back Tor and a descent via Lose Hill farm.
Slightly shorter than originally planned, but still 6.5 miles and 1200 ft of ascent.
Pat & Cathy the leaders.

There were fifteen of us on today’s Tuesday morning walk, of about 6 miles, from Dronfield.
As usual we were joined by friends from the Dronfield Footpaths and Bridleways Society.
The leaders were Ros and Dave.
The route took us alongside Hallowes Golf Course, to Rumbling Street & Wilday Green.
We then enjoyed splendid wide ranging views from Bole Hill, and returned to Dronfield via Barlow and Monkwood.

Wednesday 10 June

A sunny day for sixteen on the Hope Valley train ramble from Bamford to Hathersage, led by David.
A climb from Bamford to Stanage Edge with glorious views under an azure sky.
The descent to the train at Hathersage, caught with just a minute to spare, was via Higger Tor and Mitchell Field.

Sunday 7 June

Views from Eileen & Terry’s 11 mile Monsal Head walk – via Millers Dale, Blackwell, and Priestcliffe.

Chee Dale

Water-cum-Jolly

Water-cum-Jolly

Millers Dale

Millers Dale

Climbing to Blackwell

Poppies at Priestcliffe

Spring in the Peak

Photos by John.

Saturday 6 June

Some walks are easy and others not so easy.
John’s routes fall into the latter category, none more so than his Edale Round.

Six started this walk and five completed.
This is an extremely challenging walk of 21 miles and 3,500 feet of ascent, mainly over rough terrain.
Tough at anytime, but it was blowing a gale and at times difficult to keep our feet. Time taken was 8.5 hours including stops.
With clear skies some magnificent views over Edale and beyond. Brilliant !

Magnificent Edale

Lunch at South Head

Mam Tor from Rushup Edge

Kinder Edge

Drinks stop at Chapel Gate

Wednesday 3 June

Pauline & Clive led the ‘long car’ walkers on a scenic 12.5 mile circular from Buxworth. Photos by John.

David led the Wednesday evening walk ; Twelve of us left Eckington and walked past the fine old church into the Moss Valley, then up the hill to Plumbley. On the way our walk was marred by having to battle across a difficult path through a field of 5 foot high oil seed rape. We dropped back down into the delightful wooded valley and looked at the remains of the old industry – scythe , sickle and iron making dating back as far as the 1500s, with the more modern , rather ghostly remains of the great 19th century Seldom Seen engine house, once used to pump water from the local mines. In the case of rights of way blocked by ploughing and cropping, Derbyshire County Council say they take a pro-active approach to ensuring that paths are reinstated in accordance with the statutory requirements. Prosecution of landowners is an option.

There is always something going off at Chatsworth. Today it was Gun Dog training by the Kennel Club as Gill led 18 bus walkers on a walk through the woods above the House for a glimpse of the famous Chatsworth waterworks. Paths around the Lakes were diverted because of ongoing works, but a great walk nevertheless on a day at last worthy of June. Some walked to the Robin Hood for a return bus ; others caught it in Baslow.