News Archive (November 2023)
Wednesday 29th November
Barlow to Sheepbridge
Leader: Anne & Bob Photos: David
The 16 bus from Chesterfield to Barlow enabled a short local five mile linear walk to Sheepbridge on a fine, but cold day – via the Barlow Fishery and the Barlow Brook. It was originally scheduled as a longer circular route, but the lack of afternoon buses returning from Barlow led to it being terminated in Sheepbridge.
Nine members in the group.
Saturday 25th November
West of Bakewell
Leader: Barbara Report & photos: Mel
The Saturday group, including visitors from Norfolk and Doncaster, enjoyed glorious late autumn sunshine for an eight and a half mile walk starting from Monsal Head. Leaving surprise view the group walked through Little and Great Longstone to join the Monsal Trail near Rowdale House before moving on to Hassop station for a coffee break. Staying on what was a very busy trail, many others intended to enjoy the late and unexpected sunshine, way was made to Bakewell and the course of the river Why followed to reach Ashford in the Water for a leisurely lunch. After a short climb through the village way was made to Pennyunk Lane where we were treated to excellent views of across sheep dotted fields edged by the myriad drystone limestone walls brilliantly lit by the sun with Longstone, Curbar and Baslow Edges forming the backdrop. To complete a perfect day the group were treated to a flying display by a pair of buzzards lazily circling above Monsal Dale and the viaduct.
Group approaching Monsal Head
Dry stone walls – approaching Monsal Head
Wednesday 22nd November
Chesterfield Round 2024
It’s that time of year when we start looking for volunteers to back mark various sections of the Chesterfield Round Walk. If you are interested or would like more information about what’s involved please contact Mel on 07732 923862 for more information. Thankyou
Wednesday 22nd November
Reservoir Dogs
Leader & Report: Natasha Photos: Mel
A circular walk from Upper Burbage Bridge under dramatic skies, saw the group stride out along Burbage Rocks and then drop out of the wind along Houndkirk Road. We sheltered in Lady Cannings Plantation to enjoy some homemade apple cake before heading over to Redmires Reservoir for our lunch stop. There things became more interesting as the local forestry commission had closed the path to the Stanedge Pole, so guided by GPS we followed a permissive path through the boggy heathland before rejoining the main track. A tail wind encouraged tired legs by blowing us back along Stanage Edge to the car park!
The group at Stanage Trig Point
Distance: 10.6 miles
468m ascent
Final Agenda for AGM
For any members attending the AGM, please find below a link to view & download the agenda. Many thanks.
Wednesday 15th November
Up,over,down and round
Leader, Report & Photos: Neil
23 walkers and Mabel the dog set out in the drizzle from Baslow car park. We proceeded up Bar Road then across the paths below Baslow Edge to Curbar and then onwards below Curbar Edge. We had a coffee stop just before climbing up onto Froggatt Edge. We then proceeded across to Hay Wood then down to Grindleford and across to Froggatt Bridge for lunch. It was then on to Calver via Hare Knoll. The weather started to improve as we started a short, steep, slippy climb to Bradley Wood and Bank Wood. It was then a short walk along the lane and then down the slightly muddy fields back to Baslow.
Thanks to all for turning up and to Barbara for back marking.
Distance: 11.5 miles
1350 ft ascent
Wednesday 15th November
Cromford
Leader & Report: Bill Photos: David
Taking advantage of the extended Barnsley to Wirksworth X17 route, ten ramblers took the bus to Cromford for a circular walk via the Black Rocks and (the currently being renovated) High Peak Junction. A steep climb up to the Black Rocks, but otherwise a fairly gentle five mile route – although two energetic souls added an extension by taking a scenic route back to Matlock.
St Mary’s, Cromford
The Black Rocks
Sunday 12th November
Clodhall
Wellingtons Monument, Curbar, Froggatt Edge, Barbrook, Ramsley Moor
Leader & Report: Graham
18 Ramblers including 3 guests walked Curbar, Froggatt, and White Edges. The weather was showery with thick fog in the afternoon as the group headed across Big Moor. We had to divert from the route to avoid thick mud below Curbar Edge.
Saturday 11th November
Odin Mine
Leader: Gavin & Rhona Photos: Mel & Simon
Climbing on Cow Low
Lunch at Oxlow Rake
Distance: 10.2 miles
Ascent: 470m
Wednesday 8th November
Pleasley, Rowthorne, Ault Hucknall and Hardwick Hall
Leader, Report & Photos: John R
A group of 14 walkers set off from Pleasley Pit Car Park on a grey and wet morning. The route first took us to Rowthorne on mainly hard surfaces before heading off across fields to Ault Hucknall and St John the Baptist Church for our morning break. Fortunately, the rain had stopped by this time so we enjoyed a pleasant break for refreshments.
We then headed off towards Hardwick Hall Estate and the lower car park and ponds. It was a little ‘boggy’ in places near the ponds but most could be avoided. We then walked up the hill from The Hardwick Inn, a shortish but quite steep ascent but with the reward of lunch break in the grounds of Hardwick Hall. After a pleasant and dry lunch we walked past, the now open, Hardwick Old Hall and round the back of the main hall where we enjoyed the view looking towards the back of the Hall. It was here that the group photograph was taken.
A brief spell in woodland, then a pleasant wander along a quiet road and part of The Teversal Trail back to Pleasley car park. A walk of around 8 miles.
The group at Hardwick Park with Hardwick Hall in the background
Wednesday 8th November
Missing Boy on the Edge
Abbey Brook, Lost Lad, Back Tor, Derwent Edge, Grindle Clough, Ladybower Reservoir.
Leader & Report: Mike B Photos: Mike B & Mel
A cool, overcast start with rain clouds imminent welcomed a group of 12 walkers plus a dog called Koby. Rain showers stayed with us off and on for most of the walk until the last hour.
The group met at the visitor centre and set off towards the dam wall of the Upper Derwent Reservoir. This dam wall had transformed into an impressive looking waterfall with the full reservoir breaching its constraints and overflowing. A testament to the excessive rainfall experienced in the last couple of weeks.
After the steep ascent via the steps on the east side of the dam, the group headed northwards along the track beside the reservoir to reach Abbey Tip Plantation. From here the group followed the track above Abbey Brook, this track being wet and muddy for most of the way. A couple of fast flowing streams had to be negotiated on the way. Low cloud gave only partial views of the adjacent Howden Moors and Gravy Clough. The group stopped for coffee at Cogman’s Clough.
The group continued on this track along Wild Moor Clough and eventually taking the righthand track at Sheepdog Clough and began the steady ascent, through a few boggy sections, up to the cairn and the Toposcope at Lost Lad. We had lunch at the highest point of the walk at Back Tor (1760ft), Afterwards, we continued on the paved path along the edge passing the well known rocky features of Cakes of Bread, Salt Cellar, White Tor and Wheel Stones. We did have glimpses, through the mist and rain, of the views across to Winhill Pike and Crook Hill.
Passing the Wheel Stones, the group took the footpath on the right and began the steady descent. Excellent views of Ladybower Reservoir and the Derwent Valley could be seen as we dropped down. The group joined the bridleway above Grainfoot Clough. This section of the walk all the way down to Grindle Clough is showing signs of soil erosion and deep rutting caused by the constant cycle traffic. As a descent, It does not make for easy walking and in certain places is becoming hazardous.
The group emerged from Grindle Clough to pick up the track alongside Ladybower Reservoir and we had a steady walk back to the visitor centre.
Considering the wet conditions, the group still enjoyed this varied walk with its high edges, valleys and misty views.
Distance: 10.3 miles
Ascent: 1620ft
Sunday 5th November
Goyt Valley
Leader: Naomi & Chris Report & Photos: John
14 walkers including 3 guests made their way to Shining Tor which wasn’t shining today! 9 miles walked (mostly in cloud).
Wednesday 1st November
Wombling Home
Leader, Report & Photos: Mel
Starting along Burbage edge the Wednesday long car group were treated to superb views over the Derwent Valley and Stanage Edge. Turning east the group crossed Burbage and then the very spongy Houndkirk Moor to reach the northern edge of Blaka Plantation for coffee break. A short foray, through Blaka Plantation, then followed passing along the edge of this area, dedicated as an area of special scientific interest, before turning south east for the base of Wimbleholme Hill.
The group – Longshaw
Approaching the base of the hill a path was then used to reach Totley Moor and the tracks across Totley Moss, this was followed, passing a number of the recently released deep red Lewen cattle, to reach the eastern edge of the Longshore Estate. Turning south the group proceeded to a blustery White Edge Lodge for lunch in bright sunshine. On then to cross the Froggatt road just above the Grouse Inn and field paths down to Oaks Wood just above Nether Padley.
Honey fungus Longshaw
Along this section the group were treated to sight of a small heard of deer attended by a young Stagg. Turning North West the path followed the edges of Oaks then Yarncliffe Woods to enter the Longshaw estate and the path through to the top of Padley Gorge. Along this section a brilliant rainbow brightened the walk followed by a display of Honey Fungus arrayed on the stump of a tree. The path alongside Burbage Brook was used to reach Green Drive for the walk back, under the visually striking Burbage Rocks, to the car park at Upper Burbage Bridge.
Deer neer the Grouse Inn
…. previously on
chesterfieldramblers
Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Ramblers 