Whatstandwell to Riber Castle

Date: 2013-04-14

From: Whatstandwell

Region: Derbyshire Peak District

Walk :  Circular

 & OS Sheet: OL 24

Start Grid: SK 332 545

Distance: 9.3 ml, 16.1 km 

Height Gain: 1420 ft, 146m

Height Lost: 1420 ft,198 m

Walking with: Mrs G & Andy

Notes: Canal path, field and woodland paths. farm tracks and minor roads, muddy in parts.

Route

These notes are provided to enable the walk to be plotted on a 1:25,000 map.

From Whatstandwell Bridge, follow tow path N to High Peak Junction. Cross canal to road to Lea Bridge. Take track towards Splash Farm, at back of Mills, footpath L through Coumbs Wood to Hearthstone Lane. At Hearthstone Farm footpath R to Riber, NE through village to track and footpath E to join Carr Lane , E to junction, R on road to Wood, R footpath to Dethick, footpath SE to Lea, footpath SE across High Lane to Wakebridge Farm, cross road, through woodland to Canal and Whatstandwell.

Journey

This walk is one of Andy’s favourite old standbys. For the first one of the year it was not the easiest of walks or the nicest of weather.

This section of canal is getting a bit too familiar we've been along it too often of late. However, changes are planned, to the canal, not our walking, a new surface has been laid to the towpath and a great deal of tree felling and lopping, along with the clearing of undergrowth along the banks all a real improvement. In addition sections of the canal have been cleared of weed plus some of the culvert and weirs have been repaired. Hopefully, this much overdue maintenance and improvement work will continue to the benefit of all users.

There were quite a number of people out at High Peak Junction with the sunshine giving it a pleasant atmosphere. At Lea Bridge we passed the back of Smedleys Mills and started the long climb through Coumbs Wood and Hearthstone Lane. Here that slight felling of Spring we had felt along the canal rapidly disappeared as we trudged through the grey lifeless trees with little in the way spring like growth anywhere. In fact up by Bilberry Knoll we stomped delightedly through 9 inch deep snow banks.

By the time we got to Riber the sun had gone and a very stiff cold wind was blowing, with occasional rainy and sleety bits . There was little in the way of views and everywhere had that dark locked up look, so we moved swiftly on into the teeth of a howling wind (slight exaggeration), in the direction of Dethick. The fields, which were largely, empty although we did pass a couple of fields full of sheep and their lambs. 

We whipped around by Dethick Church and using the tower of Crich Stand as our aiming mark down to Lea, crossing the lovely little valley and river to get there. Lea and Wakebridge came and went and we were soon back in the car, then up the A610 to The Excavator, for a very good, well priced roast dinner and a beer.

On the day this felt a tough walk, the lack of fitness and strong cold wind certainly took a bit of pleasure out of the walk. On another day I could see this walk being enjoyable and I would like to explore some of the alternate routes in the area

 

Hope & Ladybower Reservoir

Date: 2012-06-04

From: Hope

Region: Peak District

Walk :  Circular

OS Sheet: Explorer OL1

Parking at: On street in Hope

Grid: SK 691 835

Distance: (Planned) 9.3 mls, 14.9 km 

Distance: (Actual) 9.9 mls, 15.9 km 

Height Gain: (Planned) 1410 ft, 430m

Height Gain: (Actual) 1715 ft, 523 m
Walking With: Andy

Route

These notes are provided to enable the walk to be plotted on a 1:25,000 map.

Almost opposite the car park and toilets in Hope take the footpath North through the housing and past the school. Turn right behind the school heading across the Edale Road, under the railway line and up to Fullwood Stile Farm. Follow the road, then track (Roman Road) to Hope Cross. Proceed on to the cross tracks, turn right heading down in the direction of Hagglee Ford. Pick up the track heading SE along the reservoir all the way to the Dam.

At this point our plan was to go on to Yorkshire Bridge and follow the paths across the fields south of Aston via Hallum Barn and on to Hope. Somehow we turned right up Parkin Clough,  turning South at the first footpath towards Thornhill Carrs then downhill to Aston Hall, by road to Hallum Barm and across the fields to Hope.

April & May, Lost Months

It had been fairly easy to accept the idea of redundancy and taking early retirement which was ‘offered’ to me in November last year, effective from 31 March . I anticipated lots of free time and being able to go walking when I wanted to. Naturally it didn’t work out that way, we never really expected it would, and  April and May has just flown by without a proper walk, other than a few short local strolls and the obligatory dog walking.

The main set back was that with redundancy my company lease car finished and we realised that from now on we would have to make do with only the one car. As Mrs G is likely to be working for a few more years yet it was only natural that she should use it for getting to and from work.

Then I spent hours trying to sort out Mortgages, Pensions, Insurances, bank and credit card accounts along with a dozen other things, each of which required multiple phone calls, emails and letters. The weather was crap week after week. Then there was the decorating that had been waiting months, in some cases years, for me to finish and of course there was new decorating to do, plus the gardening.

We bought a second hand caravan from a reputable dealer, who total failed to carry out the promised ‘extensive’ pre delivery checks resulting in two visits back for works and the loss of the van for three weeks

On the upside I have rediscovered public transport, and we have worked out a form of car sharing. Contrary to earlier expectations I feel that my walking will be more limited, but time will tell. However, I have am in the process of planning a number of solo mid-week walks based on the various bus routes from Loughborough, which will be interesting!, especially if I get my timing wrong.

Also with the caravan we hope to be able to get away for holidays and weekends and walk in more far flung places. In addition Andy and I are planning a few multi day (possibly backpacking) walks including in October a walk across Mallorca (carrying all necessary kit but not backpacking), which will be fun.

Journey

So 0830 Monday 4^th June Andy and I were bombing up the M1 on the way to Hope. The morning was chilly and overcast although the forecast had sounded quite good it looked for quite a while as if it could go either way. We stopped at Morrison’s in Chesterfield for food, top service and sarnies.

Then dropping down towards Baslow we got stuck behind convoy of ‘them’, 10mph less than the limit regardless of quiet roads, flinch and brakes at each oncoming car, curve or warning sign etc. all the way to Hope, thank god we weren’t going to Edale.

Big signs in Hope proclaiming Beer Festival but against all expectation we were able to park on road only a few yards beyond the Car Park, great.

With mountain bikers getting sorted out and several groups of walkers getting kitted up the place was pretty busy. Within a few yards of stepping off the Castleton Road and into the housing beyond we were walking through a quiet  field, surrounded by houses,  but occupied by a couple of sheep and some very free range chickens clucking about. 

Once across the Edale Road and under the railway line it’s about three solid miles of uphill walking with views up the Edale Valley and the hills that define it opening up all the way. We’ve done various versions (some longer) of this walk before and I certainly feel that it is one of the top ten walks in the Peak District. Walking up to Hope Cross from Hope makes a wonderful start for this route and the alternatives that lead from it. As we climbed, we stopped to take photographs and occasionally to watch the trains running to and from Manchester, Norwich or Skegness.

Gradually we overhauled a bunch of DOE’s who were on the third day of their Silver practice, and despite being cold and wet on the previous days they were in good spirits, but looking forward to the minibus, even if they weren’t entirely sure where they were going to meet it.

Dropping down through the thick woodland down to where the River Ashop runs into the Ladybower is great, if a little rough going at times.

Reaching the valley bottom and turning south following the track undulating and meandering above the river/reservoir you get terrific views down the valley, with the rocky top of Crook Hill, the woodlands and the water and eventually the viaducts carrying the A57 and the A6013.

As we headed east we met many more walkers and cyclists, plus the occasional fisherman. We also met several families walking and cycling which was nice it see. At the start of the uphill section opposite Crook Hill we were stopped by a young Asian couple asking how much further was it to the Derwent Dam. We explained that unfortunately they were on the wrong side of the wrong reservoir, showing them on our maps, they had none, so we advised that they head back to their coach at the Ladybower Dam. Last seen they were still heading west.

For information on the Ladybower and Derwent Dams and their history see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladybower_Reservoir  http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/visits/derwentdams.php

At the dam we stopped to take photos and look at the road, we know well, that climbs across the face of the hillside opposite, bending around the end of Bamford Edge and on up almost to Stanage Edge.The photo below is a tarted up image of the reservoir overspill  pipe, west side. 

We had intended to follow the Derwent Valley Heritage Way and swing west beneath Aston and on to Hope. Unfortunately, we branched right far too soon along a pleasant forest path which suddenly transformed into the near vertical rocky, slippery, tree root ridden, hell path that is Parkin Clough. I have been down it three times in the past and swore never to do so again and never to go up it. Now I have, I promise I will not again.

Once we got our breath back and the sweat cooled the walk across to Thornhill Carrs and down to Aston Hall was beautiful and the question of who made the mistake that lead to Parkin Clough was soon dropped!.

Back in Hope the Beer Festival was in full swing so we dropped our kit in the car and drove up to the Cheshire Cheese Inn (http://www.thecheshirecheeseinn.co.uk/) for a well-deserved pint and a chat with locals and some other visitors. A super walk, very much enjoyed. I’ve promised to take Mrs G on this walk, one day.

Part of Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk

Date: 2012-00-00

Region: Derbyshire

From: Osmaston

Walk: Circular

OS Sheet: Explorer 259

Parking at: Osmaston

Grid: 201 436

Distance:   9.25 mls 14.9 km

Height Gain: 815 ft   248 m

Height Loss: 815 ft   248 m

Walking With: Mrs G & Katie

Notes: Tracks, roads and fields, gates and stiles some poor, poor marking

Route

From the pond in Osmaston take the middle track to Shirley, through the village pick up the track to Wormsley and on to the Hall near Ardsley. Turn right across fields to Park Style Farm, Rodsleywood cross the road on path up to the track along the ridge  above Shirley Farm. Turn left along the track towards Wyaston Grove, turn right down the hill and right again taking the path curving left up to Osmaston.

Journey

I planned this walk a few weeks ago while looking at the map trying to find somewhere different to walk in the Peaks. I spotted the Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk, this purports to be the general route taken by Prince Charles Edward Stuart on his march on Derby, from Ashbourne, in 1745. 

Osmaston is a small village less than a day’s march from Ashbourne So using a section of the BPCW from Osmaston through Shirley to Ardsley Church I devised a circular walk along part of PCW and back via circuitous and slightly forced route back to Osmaston.

Unfortunately other than the warm sunny day a very quiet with a pleasant pastoral scene by the lake a mile from the start it was quite a dull walk and a bit tedious.

However, it was a steady nine miles, which was fine and it went up and down a few hills so it did give us the exercise we needed and showed up how unfit we had become. Other than that we could find little to say in its favour, it was lacking in views or interest with poor sign posting, dodgy stiles and too many slurry pits and ploughed fields.

Osmaston village and pond is quite attractive and there were plenty of people around, possibly because, as we were told, there had been a big wedding at the Church.

Clearly it is very difficult to determine what makes a walk good or not, I delayed posting this as I was unsure that posting  "quite a dull walk and a bit tedious" was the right thing to do. However, dwelling on it a bit and talking with Mrs G and Andy I resolved that I should post all my walks and leave it to others to decide to walk them or not and therefore decide on their merit. (But I do think a warning is sometimes necessary)

Not a walk, walkabout in Long Eaton

Date: 2012-03-16

Region: Derbyshire
From: Long Eaton

Walk :  Figure of 8

OS Sheet: Explorer 259 & 260

Parking at: On road

Grid: -

Distance: 7.6 mls 12.25 km

Height Gain: 60ft 18m

Height Loss: 60ft 18m
Walking With: -

Notes: Mainly road and canal/river tow path, some fields one or two stiles and gates

Route
I’m not writing up the route for this one as what I did was so convoluted. The route on the map above is a normalised version of the route I actually took.  I feel this actually makes a worthwhile walk with plenty of scope for extending or amending. If you disagree post a comment!


Journey

Last Friday found me back in Long Eaton, this time not on a walk with Andy, but taking my car to the garage for some works, leaving me four hours to kill. So I went for a  VERY DIFFERENT walk, not in the hills or countryside but around a busy town with  nothing planned, just taking turns left or right on a whim. However while the turns were random I did have an overall plan.  I’ve recently joined a Camera Group (Club sounds far too structured for us) so I was out to get photo’s for this week’s two Projects, Contrast and Foreground and despite the dull grey flat light Long Eaton provided a range of good photo opportunities particularly for the contrast theme.

I wandered down long rows of terraced houses dating back into the eighteen hundreds, past pre First World War houses, 1930’s houses all bays and gables and along roads of more modern properties. Intermingled amongst the houses I found factories and mills, workshops and yards, getting small glimpses of life here a hundred or more years ago.

Nearer the town centre some of the terraces and factories had been removed, others remain. In between new roads have been built, pubs converted to night clubs, new offices, retail units, private housing and workshops built, post WW2, producing a somewhat bizarre mish-mash of styles, colours and materials.

 If you were just walking from car to shop and back this area might be dull and boring but with a camera looking for Contrast and Foreground shots , plus thinking about Perspective and Experimentation, last week’s Project, along with what bloody F stop do I need at this shutter speed  it was interesting.

There was a colourful and busy small market along one of the pedestrianized streets where I had couple of conversations about ‘what was I taking pictures of''.

 I also went in to café for a coffee and a cake, not bad.  Earlier I’d walked through a graveyard where I saw the saddest Contrast of the day, the grave of a 5 week old baby next to one of a 96 year old man.

Moving on I made my way to the Canal, on the way crossing over my earlier track, and headed south towards the River Trent, meeting a fisherman, three dog walkers, one cyclist and one canal boat moving and several moored, plus a swan.

On reaching the Trent I turned east walking along the well surfaced path to the Cranfleet Lock.

As I continued east along the track I was nearly marmalised by two separate groups of 10 to 15 cyclists running a couple of minutes apart, all talking and generally totally unaware that anyone else might be on the path. I ended up some 3 foot, (sounds further than a metre) onto the grass, and not one of the b.ggers even gave a Hi as they passed.

I was fuming and chuntering so much I didn’t notice that I’d passed the path I need to take back to Long Eaton and I’d walked a good mile further before I realised and walked back to path going in the right direction. The OS map I was using is slightly out of date as it shows large open fields and a small pond in reality there are  huge water filled gravel pits and a small field.

I had a great day, walked nearly eight miles, got cold, warmed up again took 30 photos and will be submitting the first one I took on the day for the Contrast competition. Others are about dotted above.

Simple because I had no destination, no end point and no specific time constraint, I feel that everything I saw and everyone I met were seen differently, carrying a camera with the aim of taking photographs of specific types seem to create this slightly detached feeling. Or perhaps it was because I was doing something so free on a workday.

I must try this random walking again it was fun.

Long Eaton, Sawley, Breaston

Date : I8 February 2012.

Area  :Derbyshire

Walk :Long Eaton, Sawley, Breaston

OS Sheet : Explorer 259 and 260

Start Grid : 448 339 End Grid : 460 339

Distance (M/k) : 8.0 miles, 12.6k

Ascent  (ft) :81 Descent (ft) :54 Excluding bridges

Route

These notes are provided to enable the walk to be plotted on a 1:25,000 map.

From the twin roundabouts in the middle of Long Eaton go west on A6005 Derby Road at the bridge over the canal turn South onto the towpath, follow to Trentlock turn right along the north bank of River Trent, to the B6540 Tamworth Road, turn left over the Trent. Follow the south bank of the Trent west under the M1 past the Aquaduct and on to Longhorse Bridge, cross, turn right along the Trent then left on to the Trent & Mersey Canal. At the lock cross over the lock gates taking the path and road to Church Wilne. Pass by the Church to take path on right to Breaston

  

Journey

 This walk is one of Andys training walks, we had planned to continue from Breaston northeast under the M1 to pick up the Erewash Canal and walk back to the start at the Derby Road, making the whole walk some 10-11 miles. Unfortunately a freezing cold wind and freezing hard driven rain, two pints and a good lunch changed our minds and we used our “twirly” cards to get the bus back to Long Eaton.

Although Long Eaton is an old town dating back to before the Doomsday book it is clear as you walk through it along the Erewash Canal to the  River Trent and back over the Trent and Mersey Canal that in the 1800 hundred’s and early twentieth century it must have been a very busy industrial town. Even today there appears to be a large number of small industrial sites and buildings dotted around. 

The towpath is surfaced in gravel bonded to bitmac which is easy for walking. Even on a cold late winter day there is plenty to see Coots, Moorhens and ducks, walkers, cyclists and fishermen, a motor boat and a number of canal boats, some occupied others looking as if they have been laid up for the winter.

As well as canals Long Eaton appears to be well endowed with railway tracks, on the Erewash we passed beneath two and as we got closer to the Trent we see a couple more lines heading for the Trent Crossing and tunnel, where the concrete towers of Ratcliffe on Soar power station looming over everything.

Walking up along the Trent we walk under one of the railways again and head for Sawley Marina for a cup of tea and a warm in front of the fire. Heading out we walk under the M1, but before we get there we suffer the noise of it, it’s effect was physical, mind numbing. Moving rapidly on, we spotted a few fishermen sitting under umbrellas around some fishing lakes formed from old gravel pits. I bet they were colder and wetter than we were.

As the Trent swings around to the South the River Derwent comes into it from the North with alongside it the start (end?) of The Trent & Mersey Canal. A hundred yards or so up the Trent stands the new Longhorse Bridge, looking absolutely stunning in the rain and murk.

The old bridge was demolished in 2003 and the new one as built in 2011. See the film of whole bridge being swung into place Here 

The only way to cross the Trent & Mersey and get to Church Wilne is to walk up to the Derwent Mouth Lock and cross over the lock gates, a tricky little exercise.

On reaching Breaston we headed for The Navigation pub, a super well run little place with a good atmosphere, good beer and excellent food. Nearly two hours later we got off the bus just up the road from where we started.

It was not the best of days to do this walk, we had a few minutes of sun then full on.  wind and rain. However, it’s a great anytime walk, albeit a bit flat and I certainly recommend it. There’s plenty to see and loads of options to vary or extend the walk as far as you like and as Andy says being close to home he can get out and do an 8-12 mile walk at almost any time with little planning or preparation.