News Archive (November 2021)
Wednesday 24 November
Winter is Coming
Leaders: John & Tricia Photos: John
Calver, Coombs Dale, Little Longstone, Hassop Common
Drone Valley Way
Leader: Kay
Dronfield, Unstone, Old Whittington, Tapton Lock, Chesterfield
A 7.5 mile route for 15 walkers on a typical November day, mainly following the Drone Valley Way
Saturday 20 November
Annual General Meeting
A return to a ‘live’ AGM at the Chesterfield Library Lecture Theatre.
Followed by the usual photo show of the year’s walks – probably the best ever from Mel.
Wednesday 17 November
Stainsby Mill
Leader: Dawn
Stainsby, Astwith, Ault Hucknall, Doe Lea
Glorious November weather for 14 on a Stainsby Mill circular ….
‘The first and fundamental law of Nature, which is, to seek peace and follow it’ (Thomas Hobbes)
Saturday 13 November
Stanton Quarry
Leader: Graham Photos: Mel
Stanton Moor, Alport, Robin Hood’s Stride
Climbing to Sugworth Hall
Wednesday 10 November
Low Bradfield
Leader: Mike Photos: Mel
Sugworth Edge, Moscar, Derwent Edge,
Strines Bridge
A group of 10 met at the car park at Sands End in Low Bradfield. As forecast, the rain cleared before we started and it remained dry throughout the walk but with low cloud remaining on the Edges.
We progressed along fields above Dale Dike Spring and climbed up Blindside Lane to enter the Woods at Bradfield Dale.
A steady climb through this attractive area on a blanket of leaves followed to pick up the
Sheffield Country Walk. Going along muddy and boggy sections we reached Boot’s Folly on Sugworth Edge and morning refreshments were taken. This prominent tower was constructed by the local magnate Charles Boot in 1926 to provide employment for his stonemasons. Good views of Strines and Dale Dike Reservoirs.Going around Sugworth Hall and we continued along the road and through Moscar House to bring us to the footpath and the steady climb up to Derwent Edge. Lunch break was taken at the Wheel Stones. These eroded rocks are also known as the Coach and Horses. The low cloud did lift occasionally as we progressed along the edge to give glimpses of Ladybower Reservoir and Derwent Dam. Other shaped rocks known as the Salt Cellar and Cakes of Bread were passed on our journey along the Edge.
The group declined the chance to climb the rocks at Back Tor to reach the trig point and so we descended down Foulstone Road to reach Strines Bridge. This is more abrupt than the route taken in ascent. The road here took us to Brogging End where Mel tempted us with his selection of toffees and chocolates. We followed the footpath that took us around the edge of Dale Dike Reservoir. The dam here was built to replace the one that collapsed in 1864 causing Sheffield’s Great Flood.
From here we took the quiet lane of Dale Road to bring us back into Low Bradfield.13 miles and 1800ft of elevation.
Wednesday 3 November
Hart to Hart
Leader: Isobel
A group of 19 met at the car park in Harthill on a cloudy morning.
After a vote, the planned route was slightly modified to avoid crossing the A57 and to take in the ‘Clive Wilson’ diversion.
The first half of the route followed the Rotherham Ring Route across fields to Netherthorpe airfield. The coffee stop was taken overlooking the airfield.From there the route continued to cross the canal at the picturesque Turnerwood bridge.
It then followed the canal feeder to Brancliffe Grange and Monk Bridge.
The ‘Clive Wilson’ diversion then started by going across the Lindrick golf course on a concessionary path following the yellow marker posts with views of the club house.
Then under the A57 via an underpass before reaching a bridleway at the southern edge of Woodsetts.
A short distance after turning left onto the bridleway we reached ‘Nirvana’ – the objective of the diversion.
In the garden of this property is a Bloodhound surface to air missile, a Spitfire, and portable radar. All decommissioned, we believe, and owned by a Rotherham scrap metal dealer.
The bridleway continued to meet the A57 near the entrance to Anston Stones Wood.
After walking through the wood the way climbed up towards South Anston Church.
The route the dropped down to the canal and the towpath was followed to Kiveton Park Station and then Hard Lane.At the end, a short walk across fields back to Harthill.
Distance 12 miles.
Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Ramblers 