Black Rock, Harboro Rocks, Via Gellia, Middleton

Date: 2012-08-18

From: Black Rock, South of Cromford

Region: Peak District

Walk :  Circular

OS Sheet: Explorer OL24

Start Grid: SK 291 557

Distance: 9.7 ml, 15.6 km 

Height Gain: 1745 ft, 332 m

Height Lost: 1745 ft, 332 m

Walking with: Andy

Notes:  Between Black Rock and Harboro Rocks the walk is along a well paved track. After that it’s on open hills, farm tracks, fields and woodland. Some of the paths are steep and slippery. Loads of stiles etc.

Route

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

From the car park (Pay and Display) follow the High Peak Trail/Midshires Way to the works buildings below Harboro Rocks turn right, North East to New Harboro Farm and North on the Bridleway. Where that meets the Limestone Way, fork right down to the A5012, cross over and up the path to Beeches Farm. Turn right through Ible then turn left Eastwards onto the Limestone Way. Turn right onto path leading to down to Slaley, through the village take the road fork right, turn right onto footpath down to the A5012 turn left to Via Gellia Mill, cross the river at the Mill pond and take the footpath up to Groaning Tor. Follow the track into Middleton. Turn left along the first road then just short of the B5023 turn left onto road/track continue Eastwards to Black Rock.

Journey

When we finished this walk we both felt knackered and what’s worse we were surprised we were so tired.

It is not a long walk, we’ve both done longer walks recently. The walk itself was fine, we’d had a couple of navigational faffs along the way, nothing spectacular.

1 in 8.25 slope up to Middleton Top 

When we started out The High Peak Trail was busy with walkers and cyclists as usual. Several we spoke with expressed doubts about the weather. This was understandable given that the forecast predicted bits of everything and anything at almost any time, anywhere. Meeting a group of a dozen or more walkers dressed in boots, gaiters, full waterproofs, fleeces, scarfs and bobble hats did not inspire our hope for good weather for the rest of the year, let alone the day.

Turning to go over the top of Harboro Rocks seemed like a good idea, or at least a better one than continuing along the High Peak Trail for a mile and a half to join the Limestone Way. Unfortunately it’s one of those areas that are covered in tracks formed by cattle and/or climbers (no slights or comparisons intended in this sentence). As a result we followed the most distinct path which took us a bit further North and West than we intended before we spotted that the Trig Pillar wasn’t where it should be. A quick orientation “discussion” and a curve to the right got us back on course.

Cimbers on Harboro Rocks

As is common in the Peaks as soon as you get of the main or popular track you scarcely meet a sole. Indeed between Harboro Rocks and the end of the walk we didn’t see or meet another walker or cyclist.  

Prospect Quarry

Path up to Ible

The paths down to the Via Gellia and back up to the fields behind Beeches Farm were quite steep and in places slippery, even so it was a lovely walk. The path from Ible to Slaley led us through a series of small fields bound by stone walling, with a slightly different style of stiles at each crossing. Most were squeeze stiles (where you step between two vertical stones set about 9 inches apart) some of which were fitted with spring loaded small wooden gates. Normally these are not a problem.

What a dry stone should not look like

However, between the Limestone Way and Slaley we came across some band new recently fitted gates with really strong, vicious, stupid, dammed springs. As a result when you get to one, and if you’re a bit large or are wearing a rucksack, they are a pain. Should the gate be in your field you must hold the gate open, backwards, step through, easing the rucksack etc. up, keeping the gate open with one hand until you get to the point when you can no longer hold gate openand it slams shut smacking you on the backside and propelling you across the next field.

If the gate is in the next field and particularly if there a step down into the field, you hold the gate open and inevitable you have to rotate your body on the leg that is in the next field to move the rest of the body through, at which point you can no longer hold the gate and thumps to, trapping you in a vice like grip with your googlies squashed against the vertical rock edge.

From Slaley the path narrows and drops steeply through woodland down to the Via Gellia.  The maps show a path opposite going up the far side to Groaning Tor, we looked around but it was all overgrown and we couldn’t find a route we felt confident in following. So we walked down the road to the Via Gellia Mill, crossed the head of the mill pond and worked our way through more woodland up to the Tor.

Via Gellia Mill and Mill Pond

Discussing the day in the Sun Inn at Middleton, we reckoned it was a great walk and that the tiredness was probably a result of the steepness and especially the slipperiness of the surfaces on the Via Gellia paths. Also we had only had one stop, for lunch, and then only for twenty minutes.

  

We have to get fitter as the flights are booked and we are awaiting the final details of our walk along the GR221 across the Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, in October.

Croxton Kerrial, Branston, Knipton and Harston

Date: 2012-08-15

From: Croxton Kerrial

Region: Leicestershire, South of Grantham

Walk :  Circular

OS Sheet: Explorer 247

Start Grid: SK 835 291

Distance: 10.8 ml, 17.3 km 

Height Gain: 1025 ft, 312 m

Height Lost: 1014 ft, 309 m

Notes:  The first part of the walk is along farm tracks and through woodland. The later part is on roads with a few fields at the end. Two stiles.

Route

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

From the A607 take the Knipton Road (Middle Street), before the church turn left onto road/track towards Branston on reaching the road turn left to T junction, turn right. At bend in road turn left on to track marked Jubilee Way, keep left to join road above Sherricliffe Farm, turn left then right on to Toft’s Lane (track).  Follow Jubilee Way through woodland to Reeded Cottage, turn right to road to Knipton, through village to Knipton Lodge and Harston. Turn right into Croxton Lane, at the sharp bend either take footpath by Harston Wood to Croxton, or continue along the lane to T junction, turn left to Croxton

Journey

The number 8 bus was packed, it was Market Day in Melton Mowbray, as more passengers got on, I and two other over 60’s had to offer up our seats to even older passengers. Thankfully, the bus was almost empty after Melton.

Croxton Kerrial

The day was nearly perfect for walking and I was doing so through my favourite landscape, rolling hills and valleys, big open fields rich with crops, long hedgerows, scattered woodland and long winding tracks leading to unspoilt villages and hamlets with some history to them.

Branston

The Wheel Inn, Branston

Branston is one of these, it was a delight, small but with farms, cottages, a pub and church all built out of the local rich butterscotch coloured sandstone. The village is largely part of the Belvoir Estate. I noticed that the church is dedicated to St Guthlac in Framland, which intrigued me.  From Wikipedia I found that St Guthlac was around between 673 and 714, and Framland is recorded in the Domesday Book as one of Leicestershire's four Wapentakes.

Harvest

Even though it is only August the harvest had harvest and the sound of tractors and harvesters was almost constant, distant but discernible, as was the dust cloud they generated.  Where a field was being ploughed, hundreds of birds were perched on the surrounding trees, hedges and telephone wires, then judging the moment swooping down to grab anything edible turned over by the plough.

Hay Bales

I pleased to get into the woodland at the end of Toft’s Lane and get a chance to cool down a bit, having checked I was heading in the right direction I slowed down and enjoyed the shade. As a result I was totally unprepared for the sight that was before me as the track swung right. I was on the edge of a steep downward slope some 150 high and spread out in front of me was pretty much the whole of Nottinghamshire and a big chunk of Lincolnshire. I was stunned, gobsmacked, speechless, flabbergasted. I have seen some surprise views in the past, the one above Ashness Bridge and at Orrest Head in the Lakes spring to mind along with others, all certainly more majestic than this, but nothing this big. 

See for miles

A little later I met two guys who had walked up from north of the escarpment and we reckoned that we could see about 40 miles over what was essentially the Trent Valley. We also watched a buzzard enter a thermal, spiralling up until it was no more than a dot, absolutely thrilling to see.

Jubilee Way, Belvoir

Fire wood?

Having left the woodland near High Leys the walk went downhill literally and mentally, as from here I was walking on tarmac. The countryside was just as beautiful and interesting but the heat and the road took its toll. I accept having to walk on roads to join sections of path or track together but when I planned this walk I was stuffed I could find no off road route back to the bus stop so I just had to plod it, out stopping off at the Manners Arms for a pint of larger, so it wasn't all bad.

House near Halston

On the bright side the walk was over 10 miles long and I enjoyed the greater part of it, had a pint and didn't miss the bus home. If you are that way inclined I reckon this entire route can be done on a bike, which is a first for Journeys on Foot, please check this is indeed correct before you try it.

Burton on the Wolds, Walton, Cotes, Hoton

Date: 2012-08-08

From: Burton on the Wolds

Region: Leicestershire, East of Loughborough

Walk :  Circular

OS Sheet: Explorer 246

Start Grid: SK 589 211

Distance: 8.45 ml, 13.6 km 

Height Gain: 357 ft, 109 m

Height Lost: 357 ft, 109 m

Notes:  The walk is mainly though fields and along farm tracks. There are several sections of road walking joining things together. No stiles, a couple of gates and two foot bridges.

Route

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

From the mini roundabout, South along Barrow Road at top of hill, footpath on left to Walton on the Wolds. At road turn right, to footpath on right heading North West to the hedgeline at top of the ridge turn left to Nottingham Road. Turn right, to footpath on left, East to Burton Bandalls Farm. Turn left onto bridleway East to Cotes Road. Turn right to Loughborough Road left then right into Back Lane into Cotes. Cross the A60 into Stanford Lane to bridleway on right to Moat Hill and on to Hoton. Follow A60 South West through Village, turn left on road to Prestwold, at bend take footpath on left all the way to Burton on the Wolds.

  

Journey

This is the second of my walks based on the Number 8 bus from, and back to Loughborough. The previous Number 8 walk was from Harlaxton was the furthest one from home, this one from Burton on the Wolds is the nearest. 

Burton on the Wolds

The morning was warm and sunny with a cooling breeze which was great and walk was a nice steady stroll through very pleasant, well farmed countryside. Burton on the Wolds and Walton on the Wolds are both pretty villages. Walton probably the more so, as it is smaller and is not blighted by a main route to and from the A46 Fosse Way as Burton is. I can vouch for the quality of the beer and food in the pub in each village.

May Cottage, Walton on the Wolds

Clouds, Trees and Tracks

Shortly before reaching Burton Bandells you pass the Natural Burial Ground, a very peaceful location.

Burton Bandells is the home of Muggins Pottery. Muggins. http://www.muggins.com

As you walk from Cotes along Stanford Lane you are looking for the bridle way on the right. If it is as badly overgrown as in the photo above, just walk on another 100 metres or so and you will be able to join the path just as it starts to climb the slopes of Moat Hill and on to Hoton Hills. 

The path up and along the ridge, almost as far as Hoton, is broad and easy going. The views into the valley below and onto the hills beyond can be stunning. This path is just as good, possibly better when walked in reverse, from Hoton. Having said that, I have walked this route both ways, as a check, and I reckon as a route it is better walked this way round.

Stanford Church Tower

Standing prominent on the far slope is the imposing face of Stamford Hall. Please note its Stanford Hall, Nottinghamshire, not to be confused with Stanford Hall, Leicestershire. This Stanford Hall was built in 1774, and has passed through various hands since then, including Sir Julien Cahn, The Co-operative Union and two developers. It has now been purchased by the Duke of Westminster and is being converted into a ‘Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre’ (DNRC) where injured service men and others can be treated and rehabilitated, with I understand accommodation for their families to use when necessary. It is a wonderful location for this purpose.

Stanford Hall, Nottinghamshire

 Hoton was decorated with bunting and there were dozens of 4 pint milk cartons with their bottoms cut off, painted and decorated, filled with plants and strapped to lamp columns sign posts etc. I believe this was done for the Torch coming to the Village and has carried on through the Olympics. 

Milk Carton Flower Arrangements

Packe Inn Hoton

 In Route above I described the route I planned and walked. However there is an alternative route between Hoton and Burton on the Wolds which may be more to appealing. I like both. Instead of turning left at the cattle grid carry on South along Prestwold Road to the next footpath on the left at a gap in the wall, follow the path south from here to Prestwold Church through the next field and across the stream, turn left, East, along its south bank passing in front of Prestwold Hall and on to Burton on the Wolds. 

Burton on the Wolds (seen from the North)

Harlaxton to Croxton Kerrial, Lincolnshire

Date: 2012-08-01

From: Harlaxton to Croxton Kerrial

Region: Lincolnshire, South of Grantham

Walk :  Linear

OS Sheet: Explorer 247

Start Grid: SK 884 330

Finish Grid: SK 836 291

Distance: 8.5 ml, 13.6 km 

Height Gain: 497 ft, 151 m

Height Lost: 324 ft, 99 m

Notes:  Walking mainly on canal towpath and farm tracks, with sections of roads and paths to join things together. There were a few stiles and along the canal there were a couple of chicane type barriers.

Route

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

From the A607 Grantham Road go down High Street to the footpath on the left to the Grantham Road, along the road to the track North to the Grantham Canal and Harlaxton Lower Lodge. Join the canal towpath heading West to Longmoor Bridge. Cross the bridge onto the Viking Way South to the A607. Go West along A607 to footpath on right, through fields to just outside Croxton Kerrial.

Journey

This walk is the first of several walks I have planned based on using the bus services available from Loughborough to get me to the start and back home again.

It is many years since I made regular or frequent trips on buses, about 45 plus years in fact. Although since getting my bus pass I have made use of it for short hops, a journey of over an hour was going to be a new experience. The 8 service runs from Loughborough to Grantham via Melton Mowbray once an hour throughout the day, travelling across 35 miles of wolds landscape and through a dozen villages. I got off the bus at the cross roads in Harlaxton. I felt that the  journey had been long and tedious but interesting at the same time as I watched and listened to the people on the bus and saw things along the way I would never see while driving a car.

I had the usual 5 minute faff of getting myself organised, GPS on, map out, hat on, camera ready, rucksack on and comfortable, all done on the side of a main road with cars zipping past and a bunch of Council workmen doing a repair seventy metres away, instead of behind the boot of a car. Then having got myself orientated I strode off about twenty metres the wrong way, before tentatively headed off in the right direction.

Harlaxton Manor

Crossing the first field I was surprised to see what looked to be a splendid stately pile sitting above a shallow valley with a wooded hillside as a backdrop, and gate houses and parkland in the foreground. I immediately racked my brains for stately homes in the area, with Belvoir and Belton the only contenders it wasn’t Belvoir Castle and Belton House was to the north of Grantham. The map showed it as Harlaxton Manor, which the internet now tells me was built in the 1830’s and is an American owned and run College. See Manor 

Grantham Canal

2 Miles from Grantham

Moving on I was soon on the Grantham Canal towpath, as I walked I realised that this part of the walk was a journey along the canal which had been used by bargees, their families and horses for a hundred years or more. The Grantham Canal had been a vital link between the coalfields of Nottingham and the farmlands of Lincolnshire. The canal opened in 1797 to move of coal from Nottingham to Grantham and the towns and villages beyond. In return the barges brought much needed food, sheep, pigs, cattle, vegetables and building materials to Nottingham. Movement of material by canal was quicker, cheaper and in much greater quantity than had been ever been possible by road. This process continued until the late 1800’s, although from about 1830 the railways gradually took over much of the trade. See Canal

Bridge 62

Swans

Walking along the towpath was very pleasant and quiet, even though it was well used by cyclists, walkers, including two small groups of ladies and a couple of fishermen, unfortunately in many places sight of the water was limited by the height and density of the waterside vegetation. Walking the canal gives an insight to the countryside, its history and how it has developed. The canal is also a wildlife habitat and corridor. I have little knowledge of flora or fauna but what I see as I walk I enjoy.

As an engineer I am always attracted by industrial remains and the second part of the walk is another journey with probable industrial and agricultural links to the canal but possibly also much older.

Shortly after crossing the canal and heading south along the Viking Way the track passes through the remnants of an embankment and bridge. The map shows a network to lines leading to the bridge site from the south, while a short distance east near the Rutland Arms there’s bridge over the canal and what could be sidings along the side of it. I guess that this may well have been a track-way or even a small/light railway network taking stone and timber from quarries and woodland down to the canal for shipping to Nottingham or Grantham and beyond. The OS Map shows a number of quarries, open workings and sawmills in the vicinity of the interconnected tracks.

However, having walked from the canal, past Brewer’s Grave, which I could not find, and up to the A607  I am fairly sure that from its route, appearance and feel that this part of the Viking Way is probably a much older route, possibly a drove way or similar. Looking at the wider map it certainly appears to extend over many miles beyond this section.

Trapped Rabbit

As I walked up towards Brewers Grave I found a small rabbit with its foot caught in what I assumed was a snare. When I got closer to it I could see that it had a bunch of tough grass stems twisted around its leg, it was squealing and thrashing but I managed to hold it and break most of the stems off, it didn’t try to bite me, but as soon as it could it ran.

On the section from the Denton - Harston Road towards Big Wood there were several  sweet Chestnut trees all with these long yellow catkins sprouting all over them. When I took photograph below the noise from the bees etc. in the ‘flowers’ was so noisy and intense I could feel the buzz, it was weird and I was glad to move away. Then I came upon a section of track that could almost be called cobbled, but I think the stones were too small, I’ve not seen any paving quite like it before. Further up the hill the track was paved in smashed up old concrete and tarmac (demolished airfield?)

Sweet Chestnut Flowers

'Cobbled' Track

I expected this walk to be a fairly bland training walk and it turned out to be more interesting than expected. At only 8.5m miles it was completed in exactly 3 hours including stops and photographs. I reached Croxton Kerrial along the A607, not quite as hairy as anticipated, in time to eat my lunch and catch the next bus home.

Belvoir Castle from A607

If anyone can shed any light on the history of rail/tracks down to the canal, the Viking Way, or the cobbles please leave a note in comments. Ta.