News Archive (March 2019)

Saturday 30 March

Castleton

Leaders: Pat, Mel, & Cathy   Photos: Mel

Looking over towards Odin Mine from Goose Hill Hall

Starting from the Three Roofs Cafe in Castleton, nine members set out in glorious spring sunshine to follow a route taking in the bottom of Winnats Pass, Treak Cliff, Odin Mine, Back Tor and Hope.
One slightly strenuous climb was rewarded with nothing less than spectacular views along the Hope Valley.
The Valley floor, now covered in the fresh green of new grass, made the limestone walls and dark hedgerows stand out in the bright spring sunshine.

Below Lose Hill Farm

Friday 29 March

Avenue Washlands

Leader: David


A gorgeous spring morning for a leisurely four mile circular from Grassmoor Country Park to the Avenue Washlands Nature Reserve, with guests from Sheffield, Belper, and the Friends of Grassmoor Country Park.

The Washlands provided a chance encounter with another of our group, pursuing ornithological interests today.

Avenue Washlands

Avenue Washlands

Grassmoor Country Park

Grassmoor Country Park

Wednesday 27 March

Morton to Pilsley Leader: Michael 21 walkers took the bus to Morton for a five mile linear walk to Pilsley Church. The route first took us into Doe Hill Country Park where we were able to look at an information board which explained how this park had been transformed from a coal mining pit into an attractive place to walk. The Silverhill Trail took us to Tibshelf Ponds where lunch was taken. About another two miles on the Five Pits Trail took us to Pilsley and the bus home. A cool, cloudy but dry day. On the Five Pits Trail

Another Edgy Walk Leader: Sue   Photos: Mel A group of 17 set off from Fairholmes to complete a circuit taking in Lost Lad, Back Tor, Cartledge Stones Ridge and Abbey Brook. Although it was mainly cloudy until the afternoon when the sun managed to break through, we enjoyed good views across the Derwent Valley towards the Great Ridge, and across the moors towards Bleaklow, Emley Mast and Castle Hill (Huddersfield). After a lunch break sheltered by a rocky outcrop, we took an initially narrow path descending the clough at the head of Abbey Brook. Crossing Abbey Brook at Sheepfold Clough we took a broader track which led downhill to the reservoir and so back to Fairholmes – 11 miles in all. Lose Hill, the Great Ridge, Mam Tor and Rushup Edge from the top of Abbey Brook Looking back up Abbey Brook Abbey Brook

Saturday 23 March

Elsecar

Leaders: David & Eileen

Eight of us set out from Elsecar Heritage Centre for a nine mile walk around a surprisingly attractive part of South Yorkshire.
Our route took us through woods and over fields to Wentworth.
Here we looked at the old and new churches, walked through the village past the appropriately named Paradise Square, then up by the windmill and into the grounds of the extensive Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate.
The tell tale green doors of the estate property were seen throughout the walk .
We went to see the magnificent mansion of Wentworth Woodhouse, with the longest frontage of any in Europe.

Wentworth Woodhouse

It was a particular joy for me to be able to lead the group right past the front door, as the mansion has passed from private ownership into the care of the Preservation Trust. What a task they have taken on to safeguard and then restore this magnificent, but crumbling property !
We then walked to Greasbrough, past the lake and up to Upper Haugh ; then on past the two follies of Hoober Stand and
Eye of the Needle.
We continued along the ridge path, with extensive views over to the Peak District hills before descending back to Elsecar.
A lovely bright sunny day for our walk.

Thursday 21 March

Wednesday 20 March

Mine, Low, and Rake

Leaders: Gavin & Rhona   Photos: Mel


Odin Mine, Cow Low, Eldon Hole, Oxlow Rake, Dirtlow Rake, Castleton

Coffee break at Eldon Hole

Panoramic view from Limestone Way ; Kinder in the background ; and the Great Ridge just below

Sunday 10 March

Saturday 9 March

Langwith,  Holbeck,  Creswell Crags

Leader: Val    Photo: Mel

The group above Creswell Crags

Wednesday 6 March

An Edgy Walk Leader: Hilary    Photo: John What a difference a week makes. Back to traditional March weather for a walk along White, Baslow, and Gardom Edges from the Grouse Inn. White Edge