News Archive (June 2022)
Wednesday 29 June
Kinder Blue
Leaders: Pauline & Clive Photos: Mel
Crowden Tower, 7 Minute Crossing, Blackden Edge, Crookstone Knoll, Ringing Roger
Negotiating the top of Grindsbrook Clough
Sunday 26 June
Alstonefield
Leader & Photos: Mike
Milldale, Hanson Grange, Thorpe Pasture, Thorpe, St.Mary’s Bridge, Bunster Hill, Damgate, Wetton
A group of 11 started the walk from the public car park and toilets in Alstonefield. We welcomed a lady called Joan from Ripley who was walking with the Sunday group for the first time.
We came out of the village passing by St. Peter’s church and made our way down the quiet lane to the bridge at Milldale.
Crossing over the River Dove we made a steady climb out of the dale and up on through fields overlooking Milldale with Alstonefield in the distance. As we reached ‘Nabs View’ we began to experience the full force of the south westerly winds ; hats and caps being held down and restrained to prevent any airborne escapes. The strong breeze was ever present for most of the walk and it remained sunny and dry.
St. Peter’s Church
Heading to Ilam with Thorpe Cloud in the distance
Old finger post
The group continued along paths and tracks eventually going past Bostern Grange Farm to reach an abandoned but well preserved lime kiln. Coffee break was taken here and we sampled home made cakes provided by Tricia. Refreshed, the group continued along various paths to enter Thorpe Pasture. The Rifle Range was on our route and it was in use, so we proceeded quickly by and with the sound of loud gunfire in our ears we entered the village of Thorpe itself.Passing through the village and through a series of small fields we descended down to the road at St. Mary’s Bridge. The isolated limestone hill, Thorpe Cloud, overlooked our descent as we reached the National Trust car park at Dovedale. Taking the path around the rear of the Izaak Walton Hotel the group headed towards Ilam before turning and skirting around Bunster Hill ; our lunch break was taken on the lower slopes.
We followed the footpath through Moor Plantation to reach the road and continued down this lane to Damgate and then headed along various footpaths towards Wetton, where we passed the Royal Oak pub and made their way out of the village on paths towards Windledale Hollow. From here it was a nice walk along fields and back into Alstonefield.
It was a good walk done at a steady pace and at a high elevation giving fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and hills. Very much enjoyed by all the group.
Distance: 12.1 miles
Elevation: 1850 ft
Saturday 25 June
Curbar
Leaders: Edna & Graham Photos: Mel
Barbrook Reservoir, Froggatt Edge, Wellington Monument
Wednesday 22 June
Finding the Forest
Leaders: John & Tricia Photos: Mel & Mike
Tideswell, Litton, Great Hucklow, Peak Forest, Peter Dale
More well dressings and another 14 mile walk, this time from Tideswell.
Sunday 19 June
Ashover
Leader: Simon Photos: Mike & Catherine
Milltown, Ogston, Britton Wood, Spitewinter, Uppertown, Brockhurst, Kelstedge
A group of nine ramblers set out along the ominously named Coffin Road before turning to head downhill to Milltown, past remnants of the old Ashover Light Railway
It was a little early to drop into the Miner’s Arms, so the walk progressed on towards Handley where morning break was taken on the hillside overlooking Ogston ReservoirThere were fine views east towards Hardwick Hall from the ridge as we made our way on to Britton Wood before the steady climb up to Bole Hill. Before too long it was time for another ascent up from Stubbing Court to the highest point of the walk – the Stone Edge Chimney
From there, the route headed south through access land, past the cupola ponds which were alive with chaser dragonflies and wonderful displays of heath spotted orchids.Passing Dryhurst Farm, we soon found ourselves in Uppertown where a short break was taken before the last leg of the walk. Up in the treetops, we were serenaded by the mellifluous trilling of a turtle dove – a first for many in the group as this is now a rare sight in the UK.
After crossing Smalley Brook, we continued on via Vernon Lane into Kelstedge and back to Ashover.Distance: 14 miles
Saturday 18 June
Ashford in the Water
Leader: Mike Photos: Mike & Mel
Great Shacklow Wood, Deep Dale, Wheal Lane, Magpie Mine, Sheldon, Kirk Dale
Our group of nine walkers began the walk in Ashford in the Water, with its Well dressing and flower festival in full swing.
We did admire the wooden framed clay and petal tableaux situated in two locations in the village ; one celebrating the Peak National Park and the other the Queens Platinum Jubilee. The design and amount of detail on each was outstanding and a true testament to the skill and patience of those involved.Crossing the busy A6, the group followed the footpath alongside the River Wye upstream and continued on to the old water mill. This mill did incorporate twin paddle wheels to maximise the water flow available from the Wye. Continuing upwards through Great Shacklow Wood to emerge near to White Lodge, the group stopped for coffee and chocolate hobnobs.
We then entered Deep Dale and climbed slowly up this nature reserve on the footpath to reach Wheal Lane. Groups of very young walkers were also enjoying the same dale but on the wrong side of the wall. Extra tuition understanding way markers may be required!
Some road walking was then necessary to reach footpaths and on to the Magpie Mine and a lunch break. This ‘cursed’ mine has existed since 1686 and has a chequered history with regards to its source of many disputes between lead miners and its financial viability.
From this old industrial setting the group proceeded to Sheldon and walked down its main street to reach Kirk Dale. Continuing along the small lane adjacent to Arrock Plantation the group reached the footpath and had a steady descent back to Ashford.
A nice short walk with enough varied content and climb to keep it interesting.
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation: 860 feet
Wednesday 15 June
Locko Park
Leader: Jean Photos: David
A footpath near Morley
Morley, Stanley, Spondon
A rural six mile linear walk from Broomfield Hall in Morley to Spondon, led by our Derby resident, Jean
– for ten Derbyshire Wayfarer travellers on a hot day.
The route took in Locko Park before arriving in Spondon just in time for the Ilkeston Flyer to whisk us back into Derby City Centre.
Locko Park
Robin Hood’s Stride
Leader: Mike Photos: Mel
Youlgrave, Bradford Dale, Long Dale, Elton, Alport
A group of 20 walkers assembled at Moor Lane car park, Youlgrave under the watchful gaze of 3 soaring buzzards, taking advantage of the morning thermals and rising slowly upwards.
These birds of the genus ‘Buteo buteo’ were replaced by a single bird of the family ‘Accipitridae’, the Red Kite. With its distinctive long forked tail and red colouring, it made a magnificent sight gliding effortlessly in the blue sky.With this rare sighting in our minds we descended from the car park following the Limestone Way, passing by Lomberdale Hall to reach the River Bradford. Walking upstream the group left this dale and followed the paths through the many fields to reach Weaddow Lane. The steady climb up this lane and adjacent bridleway brought the group to a well earned coffee stop on Gratton Moor.
Suitably refreshed, we continued along the bridleway and down into Long Dale. At the junction with Gratton Dale the group climbed out to reach the A5012 at Mouldridge Grange. A short walk then on the road to pick up the footpath along Elton Moor. The many fields walked on this section provided a good mixture of terrains from grassy pastures, wheat fields and oat fields. After encountering an overgrown final section with nettles and brambles we emerged fairly unscathed to reach Elton Church for the lunch stop.
After this, the group continued through fields to pick up the Limestone Way at Dudwood Lane. A steady climb was then made to reach the rocky outcrop of Robin Hood’s Stride. Staying on the Limestone Way we then followed the concessionary path through Spring Wood and onto the Lane ; making our way onwards through Hollow Farm and Millfield Farm to drop down to the bridge at Alport.
The group followed the path through Alport Dale and the River Bradford. Continuing with the river as our guide we followed the path upstream passing the many dams and waterfalls that make this area so special. Plenty of assorted wildfowl were seen to be taking full advantage of this environment. The group then retraced their steps upwards to climb out of this dale and return back to the start point along the Limestone Way
A good varied walk in great weather, with good views and for some of the group, new paths.
Mileage – 13 miles
Elevation – 1500 ft
Saturday 11 June
Sherwood Country Park
Leaders: Chris & Jill Photo: Mel
Church Warsop, Budby South Forest, Queen Oak Plantation
Nine members started out from the Carrs Car Park in Church Warsop for a circular walk around Sherwood Country Park.
The walk started through open farmland whose crops provided a reminder that summer is around the the corner.
Our coffee break soon followed as we entered Budby South Forest for the first time and our view of the flora and fauna was enhanced by a herd of inquisitive English longhorns.
The route then continued towards Budby Village where the more eagle-eyed amongst us spotted a speckled wood butterfly.
The eastern end of Budby South Forest is particularly attractive and many bird watchers arrive with their cameras hoping to glance lesser spotted woodpeckers, tree pipits, woodcocks, nightjars and woodlarks.
The walk then continued through Budby Preserve, stopping for lunch at the Queen Oak Plantation This plantation has many ancient oaks and several varieties of orchids and one member heard the call of the chiffchaff.
In the afternoon our route took us past Hanger Hill Wood and Ling Plantation before passing through Burns Farm – and then back to the Carrs Car Park.
Altogether a lovely day – 10.7 miles and no one mentioned the extra 1.2 miles to the advertised walk.
Wednesday 8 June
Rocking Stone & Cocking Tor
Leader: Liz Photo: Mel
Alton, Handley, Woolley, Cocking Tor
Monday 6 June
Bolsover
Leader & Photos: Isobel
Peter Fidler car park, Sutton Scarsdale
This was the first Monday evening walk of 2022, designed to appeal to members and possible new members.
A group of ten, which, included two potential new members, set off from the Peter Fidler car park on a cloudy evening.
The route stopped by the memorial to the man, who was born at Mill Farm in 1769, on the edge of the nature reserve named after him.
He worked for the Hudson Bay company in Canada and was responsible for much of the early mapping of the Great Lakes.
As well as working and exploring he managed to have 14 children with his wife, a Cree woman, called Mary Mackagonne.
The walk continued past the lake and then climbed up to Sutton Scarsdale Hall
By the lake we saw some early purple orchids.
Unfortunately, the hall is still closed but we were able to have a break sitting on the nearby bench that CNED Ramblers erected to the memory of Dennis Ransby, a former footpath secretary and a driving force behind our flagship Chesterfield Round Walk.
From this point there are good views of Bolsover Castle and his house which Beryl, his widow, pointed out.
It was then downhill towards a path under the motorway and across fields back to the car park.
Distance 4.5 miles approximately.
Saturday 4 June
Odin Mine
Leader & Photos: Mel
Brockett Booth Plantation, Losehill Farm, Castleton, Arthurs Way
Commencing from the Odin Mine near Castleton Saturday walkers, including visitors, followed a route taking in the mine crushing circle – followed by a gentle climb through emerging bracken and course meadows to Mam Farm.
After circling around the back of the farm and Tor House the group meandered along the lower footpath below Mam Plantation before climbing gently, pausing for a relaxed coffee stop of course, to the base of Back Tor.
Having taken in the view of the Edale Valley over the ridge, the walk continued through the
Brockett Booth Plantation and thence to the base of Losehill, before descending to Losehill Farm. After descending towards Hope, lunch was taken before turning right to follow the valley lower route taking in Spring House Farm and Losehill Hall to reach Castleton.
After crossing the road, the way through the village led to Goosehill Hall then on to the bottom of Winnats Pass. After crossing Arthurs Way the route took in Knowlesgate Farm before returning to the Odin Mine crushing circle to complete the walk.
The delight of seeing the now decaying bluebells was replaced by buttercups ‘en masse’ creating a carpet of bright yellow across a number of fields.
Wednesday 1 June
Holmebrook Valley
Leaders : Pauline & Clive Photos: John & Mel
Frith Hall, Bluster Castle, Barlow, Cutthorpe Hall
Barlow Grange Lane
Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Ramblers 