News Archive (May 2023)

Wednesday 31st May

Alstonefield – ‘Above the Dove’
Milldale, Hanson Grange, Thorpe, Ilam, Damgate, Wetton

Leader, Report & Photos: Mike

A group of 15 walkers met at the car park and toilets in Alstonefield. Sadly, this location will soon require, like many in the PDNP, an hourly payment to park. The group set off in the direction of Milldale. The weather was unseasonably cold and damp for the end of May. The strong cool NE wind was evident for most of the day with low cloud.

The group took the lane down into Milldale. Then crossing over the River Dove the group made the steady climb to reach Bostern Grange Farm. Staying on the footpath the group reached an old Lime Kiln and a well deserved coffee break was taken at this sheltered spot. A herd of inquisitive cows in the next field kept watchful eye on the group.

Suitably refreshed the group continued on the footpath to reach Gag Lane. From here they followed the Limestone Way, passing by the Rifle Range down into the village of Thorpe. At the Manor House the group stayed on the footpath to eventually descend to Thorpe Mill Farm. After negotiating the narrow lane into Dove Dale visitor centre, members of the group took advantage of the toilet facilities. Following the path behind the Isaac Walton Hotel, the group headed in the direction of Ilam and then headed north to climb slowly on a path below Bunster Hill for a lunch stop. A pair of Red Kites could be seen soaring above Ilam.

After lunch the group continued on the footpath to emerge onto Ilam-Moor Lane. A steady walk along this lane brought the group to Damgate. Heading West the group took the footpath through fields to reach Stable Lane. From here the group walked along the path above Castern Wood Nature Reserve and the Manifold Valley below. Proceeding along this lovely section the group reached the village of Wetton. Passing through this village the group walked on the footpath through fields to reach Brook Lodge and continued along Furlong Lane to pick up the footpath back into Alstonefield.

Distance: 12.2 miles
Elevation: 1860 ft

Sunday 28th May

Eyam

Leader: Graham Photos: Mike

10 Walkers including 3 visitors walked from Eyam, Eyam Moor, Grindleford and Froggat. Although the weather was not as warm as Saturday we had a pleasant day with lovely views.

10 miles. 1180ft.

Knouchley Farm

Stoney Middleton Church

Group climbing up ‘The Cliff’ to Eyam

Hathersage from Eyam Moor

Saturday 27th May

Eyam

Leader & Report: David Photos: Mike

Just 9 of us started out from the car park at Eyam on our 8 mile Saturday walk, with 3 new members being warmly welcomed on their first walk with the Group. Holidays and a walk starting from the same point the following day perhaps kept numbers down

We passed Eyam’s ancient parish church and saw the Celtic cross dating from the 8th century. On past the plague cottages and bull ring and up by the Riley graves. We stopped for coffee on the way down to Froggatt , enjoying the warm sunshine and extensive views. Sadly one of the group left us by the bridge as 2 of the dogs on the walk couldn’t get on.Then it was up and through Froggatt Wood before descending to Grindleford and our lunch stop in the churchyard.

After lunch we joined the riverside path, passing the splendid Peak and Northern footpath Society guidepost dating from 1908-amazing how long such plaques have been helping walkers on their way. We passed through Froggatt once more and continued by the river down to New Bridge , then round and up to the path to Stoney Middleton through Knouchley Farm. We stopped briefly in the village to look at the (allegedly) Roman Baths and nearby St Martins church – built shortly after the battle of Agincourt in 1415 and one of only 2 in the country with an octagonal nave. We then followed the track op the hill back to Eyam ,where the cafes proved irresistible to several of us

8 miles (1100ft ascent)

Please click on an image to view it larger.

Wednesday 24th May

Touching the Cloud

Leader: Paul Photos: Mike

Please click on an image to view it larger.

Well, Well, Well.

Climbing Thorpe Cloud

Wanted in many counties!

Monday 22nd May

Chesterfield Walking Festival 2023

Photos: Mel

Chesterfield & North East Derbyshire Ramblers were pleased to lead several of the walks that cumulatively helped to form the Chesterfield Walking Festival programme. A great week was had by all, with the walks providing an opportunity for people to try walks of all lengths & difficulties. Here’s a few photos courtesty of Mel.

Coffee break – Grassmoore Festival Walk, near High House Farm North Wingfield

Ready for the off – The Round.

Getting close to the Doe’s – Big Moor, Saturday 13th festival walk.

Sunday 21st May

Monsal Head, Longstone Moor, Foolow, Silly Dale, Cressbrook Dale

Leader: Barbara Photos: Michael

A group of 15 walkers headed out for todays walk in the sunshine from Monsal Head, covering 11.3 miles with 1500ft of elevation.

This is what you get for getting in front of the leader!

Tuesday 16th May

Footpath Secretary, Mel, makes the local news!

Our footpath secretary, Mel, has recently contributed his comments on how a proposed housing development could affect access to the footpath network. You can read the full Derbyshire Times article by clicking here.

Wednesday 10th May

Round The Woods

Leader & Writeup: Neil Photos: Neil & Mel

Led my 1st walk on Wednesday. Seventeen other walkers attended. They put their trust in me to show them the way and show that I’d been paying attention to the advice other leaders had given me over the months of walking with the ramblers since joining last June. We started from Eddlestow Lot car park, then through Bottom moor to Matlock Golf Course, across to Farley Moor with a visit to a trig point. Does anyone know where this trig point is?

Well done if you correctly answered Hurker Woods!

We then continued down to Sydnope Brook. We stopped for lunch at Wayne’s Piece under the trees as the rain started. Showers continued off and on for the rest of the walk. We continued on looping around Darwin Forest to reach Upper Moor then continued over fields at the top of Jaggers Lane and onwards to Bottom Moor.

After a quick photo by the magnificent rhododendron we returned along the ant hill bordered woodland paths to our cars. Thanks to Mike for back marking and for all your comments to me about the walk. Looking forward to my next attempt in September!