News Archive (May 2018)

The Ramblers
Wednesday 30 May

The ‘short bus’ group headed into Nottinghamshire today.

Michael writes ;

It didn’t look too promising as nine members took the bus to
Newstead Abbey in the pouring rain.
However, it stopped after we had walked for about 15 minutes and though it was very wet underfoot the weather remained dry for the rest of the walk.
We were able to appreciate the varied colours of the many flowers and shrubs in the different gardens.
Lunch was taken in the Rose Garden and after this we stopped to chat with a gardener who was tending some roses. One of our ladies obviously made an impression upon him for he cut off a rose and presented it to her.
We timed our walk back to the entrance with less than ten minutes to wait for the bus back to Chesterfield.

The footsteps of Lord Byron (baldhiker.com)

Val reports ;

A group of ten ‘long bus’ walkers went to Tideswell using the revised 170/66 connection from Chesterfield.
Being wary of relying on it for returning, the plan was to walk back to Baslow.
Soon after we had started on the route to Tideswell Dale the rain started, but after a brief stop to put on waterproofs on we went.
We followed the Dale to Litton Mill, too wet for the planned coffee stop, and took the riverside path to Cressbrook Mill where a hydro-electric scheme is in progress ; plenty of water today.
Ascending to the Monsal Trail we continued over the viaduct and, as it was still raining, into the Headstone Tunnel, and then across to Great Longstone.
The rain having stopped we had lunch by the playing fields – and then it was over the fields to Rowland and Hassop.
A stretch of quiet road walking took us over the hill to find field paths back to Baslow and Nether End. Approximately 10 miles.

A walk to the ‘hidden gems’ of the Barrow and Grinah Stones, led by Gavin and Rhona was scheduled – and 15 turned up at Kings Tree in the Upper Derwent Valley to enjoy what would be a delightful route on a fine summer’s day. It was a favourite of Rob Randle, after whom we named the route.
Unfortunately the rains came down and it was decided to call it a day near the Deer Holes before facing the moors in atrocious conditions.
The Stones remain hidden for a better day.

The start of the walk at Kings Tree
(Hope Woodlands footpath HP 17 / 9)

The Ramblers
Saturday 26 May

John reports on the strenuous Saturday walk ;

We started in bright but hazy sunshine, a group of eight led by Jill – John H, Lorraine, Nicky from Nottingham, Paul and Hilde from Hallam, Diane from Sheffield, and myself.
We set off through Smeekley Wood to Totley Moor with our path marked with bluebells and other spring flowers.
On our way over Totley Moor we observed a few red deer amongst the heather.
On to Longshaw for lunch and then the ‘hidden gem’ that is Padley Gorge, Froggatt Edge, White Edge, Curbar Edge, Baslow Edge, and the Wellington Monument before a return to Shillito Wood car park in really good spirits.
A smashing 16 mile walk completed in 6.5 hrs with marvellous views all around.

A basking adder on a South Yorkshire walk
Photo: Collin

The Ramblers
Wednesday 23 May

St Mary’s, Cromford

The good weather continues ….
A route between High Peak Junction and Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills for ten ‘short bus’ walkers, led by Barbara.
After an initial stretch of the Cromford Canal there was a northward turn towards Holloway and Lea Bridge.
Lunch in Bow Wood led on to Cromford Station and Cromford Church before the Trans Peak bus at Masson Mill.

early wild orchids

One of today’s two ‘wildflower walks’
Monsal Head, Longstone Moor, Wardlow Mires, Cressbrook Dale
Leaders: Eileen & Terry Photos: John

The Ramblers
Saturday 19 May

Chesterfield Walking Festival

Another fine Walking Festival day for a linear walk from Millthorpe to Holymoorside, covering most of Section 11 of the Peak District Boundary Walk.
Ten set off from the Royal Oak at Millthorpe heading for Smeekley Wood and Fox Lane Top. The Boundary Walk then led on to Birchen Edge with its weekend collection of rock climbers before a lunch stop at the Robin Hood.

On the edge of Chatsworth

Climbing on Birchen Edge

Continuing along the western edge of the Chatsworth Estate it was on to the prehistoric burial mound known as Hob Hurst’s House where the Boundary Walk heads down to Beeley – but we crossed Eastmoor for a finish at Holymoorside.

The Royal wedding had a miss, but we ended in time for the Cup Final.

The Ramblers
Thursday 17 May

Chesterfield Walking Festival

An excellent week weather-wise for the Chesterfield Area Walking Festival and our ten contributions to it.
Our group area may be unique in having three excellent English Heritage properties in such close proximity and today’s ‘triangular’ walk took in Bolsover Castle, Hardwick Old Hall, and Sutton Scarsdale Hall.
28 walkers, with one baby, and one dog followed a 13.5 mile route via the Bolsover Backhills, Palterton, Glapwell, Ault Hucknall, Hardwick Park, Stainsby, Heath, Sutton Scarsdale, and the Bolsover Model Village. Slightly longer than planned, owing to footpaths not being re-instated after ploughing and cropping.
All were appreciative, including the youngest participant ; baby changing stops are perhaps a new feature of our group walks ?

Hardwick Row Ponds

The Ramblers
Sunday 13 May

descent into Deep Dale

near the summit of Chelmorton Low

Leaders : Terry & Eileen Photos : John

Taddington circular

The Ramblers
Wednesday 9 May

Sue & Isobel commented on today’s long car walk ;

Perfect walking weather to enjoy the views from the many vantage points on our circuit from Barber Booth – ideal walking weather ; bright sunshine but not too hot.
The route ascended steadily up to Hollins Cross via Greenlands, and then along the ridge with excellent views of Kinder and Castleton, to Lose Hill.
From there we descended to Edale Road and took a path through a wood by the River Noe to Bagshaw Bridge, before climbing slightly to Jaggers Clough.
The route back contoured along the other side of the Vale of Edale via Rowland Cote to Ollerbrook Booth.
A group of 14 walking 11 miles along ridges and rivers, and through woods carpeted with bluebells and white sorrel. An enjoyable day with 1750 feet of ascent.

The Ramblers
Saturday 5 May

John comments ;

Six walkers for a 17 mile circular from Cutthroat Bridge in stunning weather.
The group consisted of Nigel (Leader) John H, Mike B, myself – and two walkers from Stockport Ramblers, Kev and Mark.
We started with a stiff ascent to Ladybower Tor and progressed to Abbey Bank down the Reservoir.
Then it was up to Lost Lad and Back Tor, and on to Foulstone Delf.
Dale Dyke Reservoir was next and up to Sugworth Hall and Moscar Cross Road before a return to Cutthroat Bridge.
All happy at the finish of Nigel’s first lead.