Walking the Pennine Bridleway ~ the first day.

Just before Christmas I think it was I started to walk the Pennine Bridleway. Not all in one go but in short sections ...

I drove up to Middleton Top and did about five miles, less than half of it on the Bridleway. At this rate it will take me a few years to do the whole 350 miles ... once the whole 350 miles are opened up.

It was cool and sunny. A good start to what may prove to be a long seris of walks.

Graves Wood

Graves Wood is just inside Nottinghamshire at grid reference SK535718. You're unikely to be in a crowd around here as this isn't 'walking' country. You're also unlikely to see many more impressive bluebell woods ....

During the next half an hour we saw five hares.

Winding down .....

My penultimate walk for the Derbyshire Dales Group of the Ramblers looked as though it would be a non-starter with so much rain early in the morning. Secretly I was hoping there would be no one there at the start so then I could go and do some other 'stuff'. As I travelled to the starting point at Hurdlow Station on the High Peak Trail the weather improved and lo and behold there were six other walkers waiting for me.

And what a delightful walk it proved to be and they were lovely company. Here from left to right are Mary, Annie, Peter, Irene, Petra and Frank. I don't think I could have chosen a nicer mix of walkers to have with me.

I did the same walk as I followed last Sunday but this time it was more enjoyable probably because I was not so introspected this time .... They really seemed to enjoy it too. So for anyone who might be interested we left the Trail and walked across the fields to the Bull i' th' Thorn, that ancient roadside inn on the A515 ~ which is worth a visit. Then along the Hutmoor Butts track past the emus and alpacas behind the pub.

Turning left we headed for Flagg, just kissing it before heading back along field paths to reach the A515 again though this time we came out beside the Duke of York. I wonder if it's just coincidence that these paths seem to come out on these roads near the pub ?

We then crossed the High Peak Trail to reach Hurdlow Town which comprises just three properties. Still, there is said to have been a village here in time gone by. After scrambling over a poor stile which needs improving we reached the Trail again and headed back to our cars.

Oh and the sun came out.

Must try harder !

I haven't posted anything on Blogger for months now and I must get into the habit of doing so.

Since I was last here I've resigned as Footpath Secretary of the Derbyshire Dales Group of the Ramblers ~ something I should have done years ago. But more of that another day.

At present I'm working towards finishing off my tenth book and so today I was walking around Holmesfield, just south of Sheffield, and visiting the Angel Inn ~ a pub worth visiting.

Pictured is an unusual stile made by British Gates and Timber Ltd of Biddenham, Kent. I know because it says so on the stile. The only other one I've seen like this was at Orford Ness in Suffolk.

Have overlooked you ....

Please forgive me .... I have been otherwise engaged. I will do my best to try and keep this blog up to date ....

To start the ball rolling here is a view of Litton Mill from the Platelayer's path.

Taken on an autumn day a few years ago it captures something of the splendid views from this de facto path .... if you want to know where it is - be in touch !

Carsington village

This was taken a week ago on a lovely path in Carsington village. We were sorting out another route for the Pocket Pub Guide due to come out next year.

The weather wasn't that good but we enjoyed a five mile walk with a very stiff climb up out of Carsington onto Carsington Pastures.

This particular path is kept like this by the owner of the cottage which is in the background.

I had some very enjoyable roast pork from the carvery at the Miners in the village .... 

The Rhodes family go forth .....

Yep, Ruth and Graham and son Tom are out checking the first walk for my tenth book - a 5 to 6 mile route based on Dovedale - see the picture in the last blog.

Last week we were walking down near Ambergate walk. The walk took us into Shining Cliff Wood and up to Alderwasley - we had a look at St. Mary's Chapel [with its Sheela-na-gig] - before descending to the A6.

We then followed the Cromford Canal back to the Hurt Arms.

It was way too hot for walking but when the sun shines, the feet itch [to walk !].