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.

Robin Hood and the Edges

Date: 2012-03-31

Region: Peak District

From: on A619 2mls East of Baslow

Walk: Circular

OS Sheet: Outdoor Leisure OL24

Parking at: Car Park by Robin Hood PH

Grid: 281 721

Distance:  10 mls  16.4 km

Height Gain: 1670 ft  509 m

Height Loss: 1670 ft  509 m

Walking With: Mrs G, Andy & Katie

Notes: Mainly on good paths, 5 road crossings, a few stiles and gates

Route

From the Robin Hood PH  walk down the A619 to footpath on right passing below Moorside Farm and Gardoms Edge to A621. Cross and take path through the woodland over Bar Brook and uphill to reach Wellingtons Monument. Head NW along Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt Edges.

On reaching the A625 cross over down to the woodland by the car park, take the path on right across the fields to the Grouse Inn. Cross the A625 again and up the path on to White Edge. Follow the edge to its end and head SE to the distant cross roads. Cross the A621 and follow the well trod route across the open land to a path running below Birchen Edge and back to the car park.

Journey

Walking along the Edges Baslow, Curbar Froggatt, is always a pleasure, the views are wonderful, the air is fresh, the changes of light and the movement of clouds can be intoxicating. Watching and listening to the climbers adds another dimension, different, but entertaining.

The Edges can become overcrowded at times with all sorts of runners, walkers and cyclists heading either North or South. Thankfully on Saturday things were fairly quiet

I can well remember, back in the 1970’s and 80’s walking from Curbar Gap car park along to The Haywood then plunging downhill to the Derwent, taking a gentle stroll by the river followed by a lung busting, leg seizing climb from Calver back to the car.

As a result it was not until about 2003, when I was introduced to White Edge, that I did my first really enjoyable walk along the Edges. Since then we’ve extended the walk by starting at The Robin Hood and coming back via  Birchen  Edge (above or below).

On Saturday we left home late but were lucky to get a parking space. By the time we got sorted out and dealt with the dogs (Katie) vomit it was nearly eleven before we set off along the A619 towards Baslow.

I love walking through wooded areas and birch woods in particular. The path passing below Gardom’s Edge was lovely with the silver of the trees, largely still in bud, the bright green grass and the grey of the rocks, some daffs and peeking through a smudge of pink blossom.

The old bridge over Bar Brook, with the high concrete bridge above, the brook, rocks flowers and shrubs below makes for a short break before slogging up through the woods to Wellington’s Monument. It was good to see that Chatsworth House is no longer ‘under wraps’ even though the dull light and the mist inhibited getting a clear photo of the house.

Very disappointed no ice cream van at Curbar Gap.

Looking to the west the we had  a stab at picking out some of the salient hills and places such as Stanton Moor, Longstone Edge, Calver, Stony Middleton, Sir William Hill,  Abney Moor, Win Hill Lose Hill and Kinder.

There are some new, well at least I’ve not seen them before, inhabitant’s on the moors, a herd of Longhorn (possibly Highland) cattle (negligently I didn’t have my ‘Observers Book of Cattle’ with me. They are very docile I took a dozen photos of them some as close as a couple of feet away. The ‘blonde’ one was heavily  in calf.

Even more disappointed no ice cream van at Haywood Car Park or on the road. It was a bit chilly. Had lunch sitting on some convenient rocks in Haywood before pushing on, past the Grouse Inn and up onto White Edge. Although many of the views south and west are the similar to those on the way up White Edge feels a whole lot wilder, more exposed, more ‘edgy’!

We zipped down to the cross roads on the A621, heading for the low side of Birchen Edge. Usually the first 800 to 1000m of the path here is wet, to say the least, as can be seen from the width of the walked area. Now it was almost dry, a clear result of the lack of prolonged rain in the last year. Unfortunately if the dry weather continues it is probable that many of the moors will be closed due to or to prevent grass fires.

Had a great couple of pints in the Robin Hood.

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.

Market Bosworth

Date: 2012-02-26

Region: Leicestershire
From: Market Bosworth

Walk :  Circular

OS Sheet: Explorer 232

Parking at: Bosworth Country Park

Grid: 412032

Distance: 8.10 mls, 13.00 km 

Height Gain: 400 ft,  122 m

Height Loss: 400 ft, 122 m
Walking With: Mrs G & Katie

Notes: Mainly fields and grassed towpath, few roads or stiles, some gates

Route

From the car park head west through the town to the School, turn right up the side of the school, left down the back, across the golf course to the railway bridge and on to the canal. Follow to the bridge south of Shenton, leave canal, over bridge to the Station, Ambion Hill, Sutton Cheney, the Lawns, north up the side of Spring Wood to Bosworth Park and back to car park

Journey

Sundays walk around Market Bosworth was a typical first proper walk of the year, decided at the last minute, too much gear packed in the rucksack, in case it was cold, got lost getting there, the cameras battery was flat and we (I) had several navigation faffs on a straight forward walk.  However, the sun shone, the sky was blue, occasionally, and the wind was not too cold. It was lovely to be out on something other than a dog walk around our local fields.

From the start we played spot the signs of spring, snowdrops , bunches of crocuses, one daffodil, buds on trees and hedgerows and a cheeky robin serenading us at lunchtime, golfers all over the golf course and barges were moving along the canal.

We parked at the car park on the edge of Bosworth Country Park a large area of what I would call heathland but others might call a park. Either way it must be a real asset to the residents and visitors to Market Bosworth.

The town centre is small and neat and the square was very full of traders and shoppers enjoying the sunshine, the banter, examining the goods, buying and selling and absorbing the smells of frying Angus burgers and onions.

Heading downhill we reached the school, walking along its side and down the track to its rear and into a golf course where we had the pleasure of watching a small plane taxi along a grass strip (not on the golf course) turn, and take off, flying south west.

I had a good look at the golf course as we walked and could not help but notice that it was undulating, but in an unnatural sort of way. Some humps were too high and too steep, plus the the transitions between humps and hollows and the flatter areas were unpleasing to the eye. Plainly it had been not built on the original fields, even if they had an industrial heritage. Later in the walk, a local confirmed that several million (!) tonnes of soil etc. had been shipped in to form the golf course.

Our route crossed over the Battlefield Steam Railway line, shame there’s nothing happening on it today,  then we crossed the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal and turned south along the towpath towards Shenton

Clearly the spring weather had bought people out walking and cycling and at every mooring point several of the boats had people on, most we assumed giving them a look over and tidy after the winter and getting ready for the season ahead, although one or two were moving on. We stopped and chatted to a few of the owners including those on a barge heading south, who kept pace with us for over half a mile as we walked and talked, mainly about our dog and their dogs.

 If you've read our only Blog in January, I mentioned that as I was being made redundant and taking early retirement we were thinking of getting dog, possibly a Labrador or maybe a Cairn Terrier. Well after much debate the Cairn won by a short head, and we picked up a rescue dog, Katie, from Glossop on a very, very wet and misty evening in early February. Katie is four years old, she has settled in very well, she’s friendly, usually quiet but with a loud bark. On the down side she gets car sick and we cannot let her off the lead, because if she gets out she is off at twenty miles an hour hunting every scent she can find. We have a lot of training to do.

In the past I have, on several occasions, stated that I do not like walking along canal towpaths, because they are boring and because they are so flat and so even that you walk faster than usual and every pace is the same length, resulting in sore muscles and possible injury. Yet here I am walking a canal towpath again. My only excuse is that in order to make a good walk of about the desired distance the only alternative route was along roads. So the canal was the lesser of two evils. Also it is grass, not paved and is rarely even.

We stopped at Shenton Station spend a good half hour sitting in the sunshine with a cup of tea and a Kit Kat admiring the Crocuses and listening to a disembodied voice describing how he and his mates were getting ready for the mornings battle, sharpening swords, preparing their armour and other things, over and over again. This was our introduction to Market Bosworth Battlefield.

As we proceeded up to Ambion Hill we listened to several more voices and read a bunch of explanation boards including a big one that said something along the lines of: We have told people for years that the battle of Bosworth (1485) was fought over there, now after a proper archaeological  study, the battle actually happen in a completely different direction. As a result some of the signs and explanation boards are being moved or replaced. While I found this mildly amusing,they are doing the right thing as this battle was an important English battle, a turning point in English history and even if a few of the details have moved, it is still the battlefield and Ambion Hill is a great place to see it and learn about it from. 

The walk back to Market Bosworth was spent talking as we walked with Tom and Pat, from Markfield. Tom and Pat are two charming and well travel people, with whom we had much in common.  It was a great pleasure sharing experiences, ideas and plans with them.

As I said at the start my camera battery was dead so I used the iphone for a few shots. I apologise for the lack of photos and the poor quality of these but whenever I pointed the phone to take a photo the only thing I could see was my reflection, very disconcerting.

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.

Calver, Hassop, Pilsley, Baslow

Date : 30 December 2011

Area  :Peaks

Walk :Calver, Hassop, Pilsley

OS Sheet : OL24

Start Grid : 239 749 End Grid : 239 749

Distance (M/k) : 7.6miles, 12.25k

Ascent  (ft) :920 Descent (ft) :920

  

Route

These notes are provided to enable the walk to be plotted on a 1:25,000 map. There are a number of places to park ‘on road’ in Calver. From the crossroads on the A623, head through the village past Folds Farm, SE to Bramley Woods. Take the path SW across Bramley Lane, through Bank Wood to School Lane follow to Hassop. Take B6001 south past Home Farm to take path on left, SE to the A619, turn right, cross A619 to track to Pilsley. Pass through the village downhill to join the B6012 left to A619 into Baslow, stay on west side of the river, through Bubnell, take track on right, along the river to Calver.

Journey

After several months when we have only be able to get out for a very few short (5miles and under) local walks it was a pleasure to plan a proper walk again. Calver was selected as the start point because it is easy to get to and parking is fairly good. The Outside Shop has an outlet and café there, opposite them is the Peaklander Shop and a Garden Centre. Across the road is the Eyrie Arms a favourite end of walk drinking place, so plenty for everyone.

Our route took in sections of countryside we’ve walked before, new bits including a village we’ve not visited previously, but with a good pub for lunch.

The ridge walk through Bramley and Banks Wood is a delight at any time of year. The path undulates gently along between a moss covered dry stone wall and the steep wooded slope to the valley below. Chatsworth and Baslow can be seen to the east and the opencast mine workings to the west. iI walking northwards, however, the feel good feeling the walk creates, quickly fades when you have to tackle the slope down towards Calver. I have never managed to get up or down this slope without a lot of slipping, slithering and cursing. But I promise you it is well worth negotiating this mud bath (slight exaggeration) of a hillside to walk along the ridge.

In Hassop the track starts part way around the road to the south of Home Farm and goes through part of its yard, into the fields beyond and down to the Rymas Brook where the track crosses a ford. If you walk along this track, while you stand wondering if you can walk across the ford without getting wet, look upstream to where a small clapper bridge sits hidden among the reeds and bushes. I first spotted it one Christmas several years ago while walking back towards Chatsworth, just after I had struggled across the ford in six inches of snow, slush and ice then turned to take a photograph, there was the bridge.

A little further on, on the same walk I was nearly mown down by a bunch of 4x4’s, I only got out of their way by scrambling up a snow covered bank. Thankfully, from the condition of the track now, it looks as if 4x4’s may have been stopped.

After crossing the A619 a tree lined track climbs up the hill to Pilsley in a series of gentle bends and slopes. Here can be seen the damage wreaked by 4x4’s, deep ruts standing water, mud, loss of the stones and gravels that hold the track together, loss of natural drainage.  What was once a pleasant walk is now a nightmare of ruts, mud and water.

The Devonshire Arms in Pilsley was the perfect place to stop for lunch and timely as the first heavy rain of the day came in from the west when we were a hundred yards or so from the door.

The staff here were all very friendly and efficient, the food and beer were first class and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. This place and its partner over at Beeley, also called the Devonshire Arms, are now on our list of places to build into future walks. I highly recommend this pub

Due to the rain and the diminishing light, rather than strike out across the fields as planned we stuck to the road as far as Baslow and through Bubnell passing the weir below before finally turning off across the fields alongside the River Derwent back to Calver, stopping to talk to a nice lady and her Golden Labrador who amused us with stories of the dogs antics, bathing at the end of a walk and love of mud.

As I am being made redundant in a few months time this conversation was very interesting as Mrs G and I have been trying to decide what sort of dog we should get and Labrador is high on the list as is a Cairn. Which tells you how much argument there is to go before a final decision is made.

This was a very good, enjoyable walk, ideal for the time of year, the weather and our fitness levels. It explored a small very agreeable area of the Peaks that often gets bypassed. Unfortunately there were few usable photographs.