News Archive (September 2015)

Wednesday 30 September

Saturday 26 September

In the same neck of the woods as Dawn, John describes the ‘Ilam skyline’ walk – 17.5 miles and lots of ups and downs. The walk included the Dovedale skyline accessed from Lovers Leap to Shining Tor, a descent to Dovedale, an ascent of Gypsy Bank on to Wetton Mill via Alstonefield and the the Manifold Trail to Thors Cave – then up to Wetton, Casterne Hall – and a return via Rushley to Ilam. Five in number. A fantastic walk in brilliant weather which all participants completed in good heart. Eight hours including the stops. Dovedale before the crowds arrive Looking up Dovedale and Milldale Margaret, David and Liz above Dovedale Margaret, Graham and Liz at Shining Tor That tree in Ilam Park

Wednesday 23 September

A view from Crich Stand on a September day Tony reports ; On a beautiful Autumn day I led 33 ramblers from the market place in Crich. We proceeded past the Tramway Village to Crich Stand where the views were spectacular. Then it was on to Wakebridge Farm and the Cromford canal towards Ambergate. A climb up Crich chase led us back to our start. Unfortunately I only had 32 biscuits. A 7 mile walk enjoyed by all in such perfect conditions.

Eyam Moor looking towards Stoke Ford An early morning bus to Great Hucklow followed by a route to Eyam, via Abney Moor and Stoke Ford for 13 walkers, led by Jean. Plenty of time for drinking tea in Eyam for some, while the rest made their way to Calver or Bakewell for return buses.

Saturday 19 September

Where else would you want to be on a fine day ? Jim led six on a Kinder panorama of 15 miles and 2000 feet of ascent. The images say it all really with the heather still in bloom, stunning views – concluding with a pint in the Royal Hotel, Hayfield. Descending William Clough Kinder Reservoir looking towards Mount Famine Kinder North Edge towards River Ashop Valley Kinder Edge towards Bleaklow John H and Jim (our leader) at Kinder Rocks

This month’s walk with the visually impaired was Chatsworth based, led by Kath and John. There were 7 visually impaired, 3 guide dogs and 9 guides on a 5 mile circular from Calton Lees – over to Beeley Village, then on to Rowsley (Peak Outlet ) for a very civilized lunch stop. The route back to Chatsworth was by the river, with glorious weather. More volunteers to act as guides for future walks will be very welcome. ‘Beyond Limits’ garden exhibition currently at Chatsworth

Wednesday 16 September

Sometimes it pays to ignore the weather forecast.
Despite warnings of bad weather, the train ramblers had sunny warm weather on their visit to Attenborough Nature Reserve.
David led 13 on a circular route from Long Eaton station which went via the Erewash Canal and the River Trent on the outward walk, returning to Trent Lock via Trent Meadows for a welcome drink on the return.

Sunday 13 September


John led this Sunday’s walk from Calver.
There were seven in the group on this extremely pleasant 11 mile stroll in very good
weather.
A route via Stoney Middleton, Eyam, and Foolow – returning by Housley,
Black Harry Lane, Taylor Lane and Calver Peak.
The walk was enjoyed by all with tremendous views over the Hope Valley to Stanage.

Morning stop between Eyam and Foolow

Looking towards Froggatt from Calver Peak

Foolow Cross

Saturday 12 September

Wednesday 9 September

Ashover It’s that time of year A local route on a fine day from Clay Cross to Kelstedge, via Ogston, Brackenfield, High Oredish, and Ashover for eight walkers, led by David.

Tuesday 8 September


David led the last Tuesday morning joint walk of the summer programme
– with the Dronfield Footpaths and Bridleways Society ;

There were 20 of us on this morning’s five mile walk, including friends from the Dronfield Footpaths and Bridleways Society.
We caught the bus from Dronfield Woodhouse to Sheepbridge and walked into the industrial estate.
On to some little used paths along a green and wooded corridor, accompanied by the thrum from the almost hidden factories. Quite surprising that these routes have survived all the building developments in this busy area.
Our route continued into Cobnar Wood, using a path recently the subject of major improvement work by members of the Ramblers’ working party, then past the Barlow fishing ponds before climbing up Brindwoodgate Lane, along to Cowley Hall, and across the fields back to Dronfield.

Sunday 6 September

Ros and Dave led a party of seven on an eleven mile walk, starting from Stanton Moor, heading over the Moor and then dropping down along wooded paths to Darley Bridge.
The group then headed up past Snitterton to Jug Hole woods and cave.
Everyone viewed the entrance to the cave but, unlike these explorers, no-one entered.

From the top of the path the group headed across to join the Limestone Way and a return to Birchover and the car park.
All were able to appreciate the views as the weather remained sunny and visibility excellent. Good company – lovely day.

Saturday 5 September


The coach trip to Scarborough wasn’t the only recent visit to North Yorkshire.

John took his merry band northwards again ;

Eleven happy walkers attended this now annual five day walking holiday. This year the venue was Sedbergh, North Yorkshire.
The weather was not kind with some spectacular thunderstorms – some of which missed us, others caught us out, and even with good weatherproof clothing we got soaked, but we were all happy and it was a great experience for all.
We walked the Whinfell Range, the Howgill Fells to include the Calf, Arant How, and Winder – and on the last day Ingleborough.
All in all around 8000 + feet of ascent, and around 50 miles covered.
Everyone returned home safely and happy except for some sore knees from some very steep climbs and descents.

Next years venue will be Malham in the Yorkshire Dales, and again the limit will be 15, with this years group being given first choice.

Mel with a Mel-size ice cream

Happily retired boots in Kirkby Stephen

The way down from the Calf

Wednesday 2 September

A route from the Robin Hood Inn to Bakewell for the ‘long bus’ walkers, led by David. The first part followed the ‘Dr Wrench’ evening walk of last June when, on the eve of the 200th anniversary of Waterloo, a visit was made to the Wellington Monument and other features of Baslow associated with probably its most famous resident. After visiting Baslow Church with its memorial to Dr Wrench and the unique clock with which he was associated, the group made their way through Bubnell to Bakewell, via Pilsley. Nelson’s view is as proud as ever on Birchen Edge, but perhaps (in the year of Waterloo commemorations) trees on Baslow Edge should be pruned to restore Wellington’s view ? The Eastern Moors say ; We are just in the final stages of reducing the tree line under Curbar and Froggatt Edge which is a larger but similar project. I agree that trees are now obscuring the Monument and to re-establish it in the landscape a number of trees could be removed. You are not the first to mention and this request has been bought to us before. The woodland is noted for its wildlife interest being SSSI and is on a prominent access route so we like to consult with the public and other statutory organisations before we take action. It’s noted as being particularly important for wood warbler as a species as well as being important upland oak, birch woodland. We are approaching the writing of the next five year management plan and the public consultation around this will be happening this winter. If the project gets the go ahead and the necessary consents, works could go ahead in the winter of 2016. The Nelson Monument on Birchen Edge Wellington is left in the shade on Baslow Edge