Winster Stanton Moor

Date: 7 August 2010
Area: Derbyshire Peaks, West of Matlock
Distance: 6 Miles 10 k
Start Location: Winster car park (opp. Miners Standard PH)
OS Sheet: Explorer 24
Grid Ref: SK 2389 6023
Outline: Winster, Stanton Moor, Birchover



See route & GPX file at EveryTrail



Route
These notes are provided to enable the walk to be plotted on a 1 : 25,000 map. They are not walking instructions.

From the car park, down to the centre of the village, take the small road to the left, west, of the shop. Cross out of the field at the sign, cross the stream; bear right and right again to meet Clough Lane to the east of Ivy House. North to Barn Farm, crossing Lees Road onto Stanton Moor.

Explore the moor, leave south of New Park Quarry, south along the road into Birchover or after about 500m take the woodland path. From The Druids take the track west to the B5056 and follow the Limestone Way back to Winster.

Journey

This walk was a stroll, a gentle amble, a bimble from lovely village of Winster downhill, up dale, through cow field and campsite on to the heather clad dome of Stanton Moor.

Six of us old friends and new friends all moving in total disharmony, generally ignoring maps and clocks just enjoying the sun, scenery, chatter and somewhat ribald good humour.

After stopping for lunch alongside the Nine Ladies we moved slowly around the moor admiring the views,  the sight and smell of the heather, ending up by the Cork Stone which two of us climbed, then taking the woodland path bypassing Birchover we emerge at the front door of Druid Inn just in time to avoid the first rain shower.

An hour later, we wandered damp but cheerful around Rocking Stone Farm, down to the B5056 to join the Limestone Way, walking up Dubwood Lane , in the rain, as far as the historic Ore House. Another shower hit us as we arrived back at the campsite, but ten minutes later we sat around drinking tea and enjoying several slices of S’s moreish chocolate and courgette cake.

Later we went down to the Miners Standard for a few drinks and superb meal.

We enjoyed our day, thank you A & S, G & R