Walking in Derbyshire

Walking the Pennine Bridleway ~ the first day.

2009-05-24T20:30:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-05T19:37:00.004+01:00

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 .....

2006-11-26T08:01:00.000Z

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 !

2006-11-18T17:30:00.000Z

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 ....

2006-08-03T08:07:00.000+01:00

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

2006-06-25T19:35:00.000+01:00

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 .....

2006-06-18T09:52:00.000+01:00

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 !].

Starting Book 10 ..........

2006-06-05T08:26:00.000+01:00

We were down in Dovedale yesterday, walking the first walk to go in my next book. We parked near Thorpe and walked into the village before descending the hill towards Ilam [pictured]. Even though the sun wasn't shining it was still a glorious view and in autumn it is spectacular.

Then we walked up Dovedale past all the strollers. Immediately past Doveholes we were ...... alone ! All the casual walkers had been left in the valley and there was just the two of us.

An enjoyable walk - still got to work out which pub to use. As usual we didn't get off early enough.

2006-06-03T09:36:00.000+01:00

We walked across the access land behind Chatsworth on Tuesday evening and then through the grounds of Chatsworth itself after that. This photograph shows Swiss Cottage on the far side of Swiss Lake.

It was a beautiful evening with hardly anyone about. Perfect walking weather.

The River Dove, without the crowds ...

2006-05-29T11:08:00.000+01:00

Friday afternoon I went out to pre-walk the Ramblers' walk I was going to lead the following day. It had been wet in the morning but by early afternoon this had stopped and there was a promise of sun .... and shine it did.

Being an Friday afternoon there were likely to be few walkers about and as I was walking between 3.30pm and 6pm, even fewer.

From Alsop Station on the Tissington Trail I followed the Trail north to Alsop Moor where I left the old railway line and turned left down the valley for Coldeaton Bridge. There were Early Purple Orchids on the left and rabbits on the right as I descended. Then further down the valley there was a thick drift of cowslips on the steep, valley side.

The level of the Dove was higher than normal and the brown, muddy, water was really pouring over the weirs as I walked downstream. Lode Mill looked lovely in the sunlight and I took a few photos which are posted elsewhere.

Then I crossed into Staffordshire to walk down to Milldale. On my way a sole fisherman was looking to cast his fly into the murky waters of the Dove - would the trout actually be able to see anything ?

At Milldale, the National Trust Information 'centre' was closed which was surprising seeing as it was only 4.30pm. Coffee was taken on a seat right beside the river as I watched a duck and her seven ducklings forage for food.

A steady climb up from Viator's Bridge beckoned but this didn't prove too hard and I was able to take the photo shown looking down from the bank above Milldale.

I then proceeded along the rim of the dale and took another shot looking down on the weirs where I'd seen the angler half an hour before.

Nothing much happened on the way back though I did have a look down onto Lode Mill from the access land above it. It's surprising how quickly you can climb up from the valley bottom when you're enjoying the scenery.

Next day of course I was joined by 23 other walkers and it was a very different walk. More sociable, not so sunny, but still very enjoyable .... and they did seem to enjoy it.

Shipley Park, near Ilkeston

2006-05-25T15:26:00.000+01:00

I was due to lead a walk from Straw's Bridge, Ilkeston, up to Shipley Park on Sunday. And I would have done - if anyone had turned up .....

I'm putting it down to the heavy rain rather than my lack of popularity.

I decided to walk on my own though, in the rain, and it was a really enjoyable 5 or 6 mile morning stroll.

There is usually plenty of wildlife at Straw's Bridge, including the odd rat. Curiosities on Sunday were a Mandarin Duck and a pair of terns flying round the pond.

The route I followed went along the Nutbrook Trail to Shipley Park itself, passing the American Adventure across the other side of a small lake. Even at 11.00am and in the rain there was a handful of people no doubt enjoying themselves.

I had a stop at Nottingham Lodge and enjoyed the view and my coffee.

A few hundred yards later I passed Derby Lodge where I see you can get a cup of coffee though I don't know whether it's open during the week. I pressed on.

At Mapperley Reservoir I followed the concessionary path through the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Reserve before picking up a bridleway which led me in the direction of the start. After following a few more paths and getting my boots mudded up and then cleaned in the long wet grass I got back to the car.

I really enjoyed walking in the rain !

A walk near Chatsworth

2006-05-15T08:24:00.000+01:00

Apologies for not keeping you up to date with what I've been doing. [Too busy on my other blog - that's a more personal, topical and provocative one - let me know if you're interested in looking into The Pit].

Yesterday though we went through the bluebell filled woods above Rowsley. The photos I took were slightly disappointing being rather bleached so instead you've got one of the pond on Calton Pastures.

It was a cloudy day and whilst we were walking between 3 and 5 pm there were very few people about though we did bump into someone we know.

It was a lovely walk from Rowsley up Church Lane passing Bouns Corner before we took the Haddon Estate concessionary path through Manners Wood. This brought us out onto Calton Pastures where we walked across the fields, past the tumulus and into the wood again by the bridleway which drops down into Manners Wood. We had a coffee here and having passed through a couple of farmgates on the bridleway watched a cyclist haul his bike over the ladder stile. We were too tired to climb the stile whilst he said he was too knackered to open two gates !

Then we walked down the bridleway which is much drier than it has been before getting back to the car.

No problems - just a beautiful springtime walk in England admiring the spectacular display of bluebells.

A walk around Melbourne and Stanton by Bridge

2006-04-30T10:05:00.000+01:00

In the spring sunshine yesterday I led a walk from Staunton Harold Reservoir. There were eight other walkers there plus a dog named Reg.

We visited Melbourne Church [pictured in the handheld shot taken without flash] which is very impressive with its large columns and Norman features.

We then wound our way through the more modern features of Melbourne and had a tea-stop in the cemetery - well, we were resting too ! Melbourne is of course where Thomas Cook came from and [I believe] where the Australian city got its name from.

After following the old winding packhorse lane away from Melbourne we arrived at Stanton by Bridge with Swarkestone Causeway stretching into the distance to reach [and cross] the River Trent.

Before long we had climbed slightly and passed through some of the woods which form part of the National Forest.

We arrived back after just four hours of walking having taken a tea-stop and a lunchstop.

It's out !

2006-04-26T20:12:00.000+01:00

The book is out - I saw it for sale at the Firs Bookshop yesterday. There's no turning back now !

I was out walking on Sunday afternoon, in the sunshine, as most walkers were heading back to their cars. We set off from Eyam car park and walked along the old lane [pictured] to Housley. Then across the fields before we reached Silly Dale where we turned round and came back to Foolow where we sat and had a coffee by the village pond.

The sun was still shining and the handful of ducks upended in the pond as we enjoyed the peace of the afternoon.

On the way back we had to do a bit of roadwalking where we made the acquaintance of a fully grown Irish Wolfhound. It came bounding out on the road with a woman shouting "Don't worry, he doesn't bite" [they all say that don't they] before the dog went in and she apologised.

Then we had an uneventful walk back, to reach Eyam at 5.30pm just as the coach took a bunch of walkers from Nottingham back home.

This will be the walk I will lead on Sunday, the 7th May, and an enjoyable one it will be, if it doesn't rain.

Before that though I'm leading a walk this Saturday, from Staunton Harold Reservoir. It's a 7 to 8 mile walk - if you're interested feel free to come along.

Path between Litton and Cressbrook Mills

2006-04-21T08:11:00.000+01:00

I hear on the grapevine that after the recent heavy rain this riverside path, which runs through Water Cum Jolly, is a mess. There's mud and deep puddles.

If you're going to use it beware !

2006-04-18T10:15:00.000+01:00

I've not written about our trip to Shropshire yet; our six days walking on Offa's Dyke.

In the event we probably didn't cover more than fifteen or twenty miles on the long distance path itself. We were doing circular walks using it and so then followed other footpaths or very quiet country lanes.

This area is a lot quieter than Derbyshire that's for sure. On none of the six days did we see more than ten walkers all day. On one day we saw none. Try and imagine walking in the Peak District and seeing no walkers ....

Pictured here is my walking companion acting as foreground interest whilst enjoying a view of the Clun valley after a heavy hailstorm. This was the first day and we wondered what the next five days would bring - a mixture of weather it has to be said.

If you're thinking of walking Offa's Dyke and have any queries then get in touch. It is fairly tough in places with the dyke tending to go straight up a hill rather than skirt round it. Having walked 5 or 6 other long distance paths I have to say this is my favourite, though I would like to go back and do the Cotswold Way in summertime.

A friendly grouse

2006-04-17T10:43:00.000+01:00

I led a walk yesterday from Fairholmes car park beside Ladybower Reservoir for the Derbyshire Dales group. We had five walkers out and a dog.

The walk I followed was one that I had walked on my 55th Birthday last August and which I had considered using in Drive and Stroll in Derbyshire and the Peak District. After climbing up towards Pike Low and realising that if the mist came down people could get lost I soon dumped the idea. Still, it is an excellent walk for people who know how to use a map.

There was an unusual incident on the walk as we encountered a very friendly Red Grouse. As you can see from the picture it came to within a few feet of us. It didn't appear to be trying to draw us away from its nest - it just appeared to want to be near us. It may be that it has been hand fed in the past.

Any theories anyone ?

Away for a few days

2006-04-07T19:49:00.000+01:00

Yes, I'm going to be away for a day or two so if you post anything here be prepared for a little wait ...

I'll tell you where I've been, when I've been there.

Bye for now.

Drive and Stroll in Derbyshire & The Peak District

2006-04-05T18:56:00.000+01:00

I have just received an advance copy of my latest book - No. 9.

I'm very pleased with it and hopefully so will people who buy it.

There's something of an innovation involved as I've given details of this 'Walking in Derbyshire' blog. It will be interesting to see whether we get much traffic.

There are twenty walks in the book covering a large area but I can honestly say there are some excellent ones.

New paths created at Hardwick Hall

2006-04-03T08:13:00.000+01:00

After my short Sunday walk from the Rowthorne Trail succeeded in attracting no takers yesterday I made the most of it by driving to Hardwick Hall and doing a different walk.

I'd noticed the previous day that the National Trust has opened up some new paths mainly in the woodland in the park so I worked out a three mile route and followed it. I didn't see anybody else on it though as can be seen from the photograph taken in one of the woods the paths are getting used.

Perhaps the new open access law has had a knock-on effect with charities such as the National Trust opening up previously unused areas. It's certainly the case with Forest Enterprise.

There was a lot of activity in the countryside with a couple of wood pigeons 'canoodling', a jay foraging for food, a long tailed tit and a robin having a scrap, a green woodpecker calling in the nearby woodland and a pair of tree creepers chasing each other up a tree. Then there was a hare running across the other side of the field as I got about halfway round.

All in all worth exploring - and the woods will get more interesting once the wild garlic and the bluebells flower - and the trees turn green.

A lovely walk.

Save Longstone Edge ?

2006-03-29T19:49:00.000+01:00

The Public Inquiry in respect of Backdale Quarry on Longstone Edge has been cancelled ! It seems hard to believe when you see what damage is being done to this hillside.

Go to http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/index/news/news-display-page.htm?id=11942 for more information.

I wonder what happens now ?

A walk to Sutton Scarsdale Hall

2006-03-26T11:19:00.000+01:00

[Please note that since I posted the original blog the image has been changed. I went back today, the 2nd April, and took another photograph in the April sunshine, in between the showers.]

It was great to get out and enjoy some warm sunshine yesterday. I led a walk with ten other Derbyshire Dales group members from Grassmoor Country Park. It's not an area we walk in that often which is a shame because it's an interesting area. Many walkers only want to walk in the Peak District but not me.

We followed the Five Pits Trail initially [with me taking the wrong turn at one point]. This brought us into Heath which if I'm not mistaken [judging by the shade of blue paint on some of the houses] includes some Chatsworth Estate properties. We crossed the bridge over the road leading from Chesterfield to Junction 29 on the M1 as the cars ground to a standstill below.

Half an hour later we enjoyed lunch [in the sunshine] at Sutton Scarsdale Hall - the ruin of an 18th century Hall which apparently rivalled Chatsworth in terms of grandeur. In the 1920s though it was stripped bare of roof, interior decor and most everything else so that all that is left is a shell.

Sutton Springs Wood is an interesting area where there are rather large bungalows in a woodland setting - we followed a track [that is also a footpath] through the wood having to get out of the way of the odd car as we went.

We finished at 2.30pm having kicked off at 10am.

The two of us then went to Hardwick Hall where we paid a visit to the tearoom and had a walk round the garden which is just beginning to show signs of life. The photograph shows the front of the Hall - I should perhaps have held the camera slightly leveller ! My apologies.

High Tor, Matlock

2006-03-19T11:29:00.000Z

This is a view of High Tor, Matlock. I spent the first year or so of married life enjoying this view from a picture window in one of the houses shown at the bottom of the photograph. It was interesting to go back yesterday and walk some of the paths that I've not been on for a couple of years.

Firstly I wanted to see what had been done in Hall Leys Park, Matlock. It lies between the town and the River Derwent and has always been one of my favourite parks probably because it is so well known to me. I used to walk to work through the park beside the river for three or four years when I was in my late teens/early twenties. The money that has been spent there recently seems to be largely cosmetic though a skate board area has been built and seemed popular with 20 or 30 kids who were riding their bikes and skateboards as I passed by.

I then followed the river round to cross the A6 and climb up St. John's Road where I took the photograph shown.

Passing behind The Rocks I walked up through the fields to the top of Masson Hill where I had a coffee on Geoff's Seat. Geoff was Geoff Wildgoose [no relation] was a Matlock Solicitor who died in his 50s 15 years or so ago. It's a lovely view of Matlock from here.

Coming out on Salters Lane I followed the steep bridleway down the hillside to reach Snitterton [in Charlie's Blog there's a picture of the bullring there].

Then I followed the riverside path back into Matlock. As usual this path is spoilt by the amount of litter. We'll have to see if we can do something about it.

On North Lane, Belper

2006-03-18T10:17:00.000Z

It seems unlikely that we're going to get any snow this weekend, which is a shame if you're walking.

Last weekend though I led a walk which started at Firestone Hill and followed ancient North Lane [pictured here]. It must be at least two thousand years old, probably much older, running as it does along the ridge above Belper.

Next Saturday, the 25th March 2006, I'm leading an eight to nine mile walk from Grassmoor Country Park near Chesterfield. We'll be visiting the ruin of Sutton Scarsdale Hall and following an unusual woodland path. If you're interested get in touch.

2006-03-12T17:41:00.000Z

This is Hazelwood Spring, south west of Belper.

The sign at the side reads :

This spout was erected to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It is fed from a spring which has never been known to fail.

Until 1952 it was the main water supply for local people who collected the water in buckets suspended from a yoke. Water could also be discharged straight into a churn or a cart. This was done by blocking up the main spout and diverting the water into the upper pipe.

What always fascinates me is the length of time the spring has been there. Potentially it is thousands of years. A running supply of water for all that time .... quite amazing.

Up on Longstone Edge in the snow

2006-03-07T08:23:00.000Z

Briefly, before I set off for work, let me upload an image I captured on Sunday, the 5th March 2006.

It was taken on Longstone Edge, near Calver. It was a near cloudless sky with a cold, cold wind blowing along the top of the Edge - straight into my face.

There were few people about - just the odd walker, a few mountain bikers and about ten 4x4s using the old lanes and tracks that criss cross the hillside.

I walked about five miles and enjoyed the sight of the catkins on the trees and the promise of Springtime which is presumably soon to be with us.

A lovely day and a nice change to enjoy some 'winter' walking.

Working party : 4th March 2006

2006-03-03T08:14:00.000Z

It sounds as though we're chopping down hawthorn again tomorrow - up at Taxal - between Buxton and Whaley Bridge.

There are three of us going from the Derbyshire Dales group and we'll be working with some Peak Park volunteers before a Venture Scout group go in on Sunday and carry on the work.

No doubt pictures will follow hereabouts !

From White Lodge Picnic Site to Sheldon - and back - with the Group.

2006-02-26T12:25:00.000Z

Yesterday I led twelve members of the Derbyshire Dales Group of the Ramblers's Association [plus Hedley's dog, Jess,] on a five mile walk.

There was a cold wind blowing and the open nature of the countryside, especially on the first half of the walk meant that it was best we kept on the move, though we did shelter underneath a wall for our coffee stop just before 11am.

Deep Dale was muddy and as we tramped up it we got nearer to the snowline. A hare ran across the hillside above us but other than this and some blackbirds there was little wildlife about in the dale itself.

At the top of the dale we reached Wheal Lane, an unsurfaced track, where we turned left. Coffee was taken in the shelter of the wall. Away to our right five Fieldfares flew into a tree as a flock of rooks fed on a field 50 or 60 yards ahead of us. After 15 minutes we had to stick our heads up into the cold air and walk across the fields, into the wind, to Sheldon. We kept moving as fast as we could and eventually enjoyed some respite in the bus shelter at the top of the village.

It was nice walking down through the village, past The Cock and Pullet [it was open as we passed though the open fire viewed through the windows looked inviting].

We turned left on a path at the bottom of the village leading into Little Shacklow Wood. Don and I were saying that it's an uninviting wood though it was a favourite with someone who later ended his life there [and to whom flowers are left by the entrance to a cave in the wood].

The path leading down from the wood to the River Wye was slippery and muddy and some of them walked through the dead undergrowth at the side of it.

We turned left beside the river, with me at that point leading from the back. Then we headed back to White Lodge meeting a few more walkers now, two groups of them following a guidebook and looking underdressed without rucksacks or provisions presumably.

Don left us to walk back along the road but the remaining 12 and Jess followed the path through Great Shacklow Wood to get back to the start. It seems that all enjoyed the walk .... and I was looking forward to whupping the Scots in the Six Nations .... ah well, at least Derby County won.

2006-02-20T08:16:00.000Z

Pity we didn't go out on Saturday rather than yesterday. Saturday was sunny [we spent the day in Meadowhall] whilst Sunday was overcast with the sun peeping through just very occasionally.

We parked at Upperdale just below Monsal Head and then walked along the Monsal Trail. Someone [the Peak Park Rangers presumably] have been cutting back the trees beside the Trail and so this opens it out more.

We got to Cressbrook Mill and even on a cold day D's Brew Stop was busy with people sitting outside sampling the drinks and hot vegetable soup. It's good to see the Mill now full of apartments. If nothing had been done who knows what would have become of this historic old mill.

We pressed on, rising up the hill before bearing right to Ravensdale Cottages - by the way English Nature have posted a notice that no ravens have been seen of late looking for nesting sites in the tor you can see in the background in the photo. I'm never sure who owns these cottages - are they part of the Chatsworth Estate or private ?

We climbed up through the Cressbrook Dale Nature Reserve. Here the walls and even some of the old trees are covered with moss which adds to the feeling of dankness.

Eventually we came out into the open and turned right to head onto the access land where we eventually reached Wardlow Hay Cop - a trig point seen from miles around. A trig point we hope to paint in due course. It was good to use some access land. So far we've not been out on it much.

After that we followed the concessionary path down into Hay Dale where we walked down the quiet lane back to the car.

I've not worked out how far we'd gone - probably less than five miles - but it was an enjoyable walk on someone special's birthday.

Drive and Stroll Press Release

2006-02-18T10:03:00.000Z

Countryside Books have just sent me a draft press release in respect of Drive and Stroll in Derbyshire and the Peak District so production of the book is moving ahead at a pace. It is likely to be on sale in early May.

They are suggesting that this blog be featured with a view to inviting my readers to comment on the walks they do them - that will be fun !

Pictured is a nettle leafed bellflower that I saw growing in a hedgerow near Waterhouses in the south of the Peak District. This is another photo that hasn't made it into the book - still it would lose something in black and white.

Proofs received

2006-02-15T08:18:00.000Z

The proofs of Drive and Stroll in Derbyshire and the Peak District dropped through the letterbox this morning and Paula from Countryside Books would like them back by next Wednesday - which shouldn't be a problem.

The proofs look good but as usual one or two photos [which I thought would be featured have been omitted] - such as the one here. It's interesting how we have different ideas as to what ought to be in and what didn't.

Still, the checkers have all got their names in [unless I've forgotten someone] and it sounds as though the book will be out in June or July just in time for the summer.

For me, like many others I'm sure, the work is done and the book is out of the way. I am now looking forward to the next project - whatever that is. I never become blase about the books I've written as I feel very lucky to have done them [and it's what I always hoped I would be able to do] but sometimes I think I spend too much time looking forward and not enough time looking back thinking "You've achieved quite a lot ....." - perhaps it's human nature.

Plantlife update

2006-02-14T07:56:00.000Z

Looking back on Sunday's working job I can reflect on what a good day we had. It wasn't cold, it wasn't too wet and it wasn't windy.

Ten of us were out on the side of Deep Dale including four members of the Derbyshire Dales Group of the Ramblers' Association. Some of those four are also members of Plantlife and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust - there's a fair bit of cross-fertilisation.

We hacked at and cut down hawthorn and hazel so that the precious limestone grassland isn't over-run. Alan [pictured] was the Peak Park Ranger in control and once he'd got the fire going he tended this for most of the day.

You can see from the picture that we were working on quite a steep slope which made dragging cut hawthorn in particular difficult.

Some of us finished off at 2.15pm and by the time we had got down to the car park [near the road in the photo] we could see others were starting to wend their way down the bankside.

Plantlife who own the dale need more members so visit their website if you're interested in wildflowers - their website is at http://www.plantlife.org.uk/. They are undertaking a survey in May to calculate how many Early Flowering Orchids there are in this one reserve - they believe there are a million cowslips and they think there may be about the same number of Orchids.

Back home I counted the small puncture wounds where the hawthorn had retaliated as it was being cut down.

Working with Plantlife

2006-02-07T20:51:00.000Z

This coming Sunday, the 12th February, members of the Derbyshire Dales Group of the Ramblers' Association are going to be working with Plantlife in Deep Dale, near White Lodge Picnic Site.

To get there drive up the A6 from Bakewell towards Buxton, a mile or so beyond the Ashford in the Water turn, White Lodge is on your left.

You can visit the Plantlife website at http://www.plantlife.org.uk/ - we'll be working with them clearing the dale side of overgrowth I should think. We won't really know what we're doing until we're there to be honest.

There's should be a photograph with this but it's proving awkward so perhaps I'll upload it tomorrow ! Ah - managed it .... it just wouldn't upload last night. Anyway this is a photo of us working on the hillside last year. We were cutting down all the small trees so that the grassland is preserved.

From White Lodge Picnic Site to Sheldon - and back.

2006-02-05T17:13:00.000Z

Sunday, 5th February 2006 : a grey day with some high level fog and no sun.

We walked from White Lodge up Deep Dale and we couldn't help but notice that the bridleway has got muddier this last few years. The stream was in water so that may have something to do with it.

There are quite a few posts in the dale courtesy of Plantlife which tell you a bit about the history of the place and the flowers you can expect to see. It also tells you that there is such an organisation as Plantlife. This is their only site in Derbyshire [and we'll be working there a week today with them].

We missed the stile on the left at the top of the dale leading to Sheldon but backtracked and found it ok - not paying enough attention to the map.

Across the fields we went seeing our first walkers since the car park. Sheldon itself was quite - the main sign of life was in the Cock & Pullet - a nice pub if you get the chance to visit it.

Then we went down into the wood where we found a few flowers at the bottom of a tree which seems to be a memorial of some type. I will try and post the picture in a few days after finding out something about it, if I can. The tree stands near to the entrance to a cave so I suppose it could be in memory of someone who died underground.

A coffee stop in the wood and then we followed the main path back to the start. We met quite a few more walkers and at least four of them had walks books which they were following.

At last - it's done .... and 'Drive and Stroll in Derbyshire and the Peak District' will hit the shops later this year.

2006-02-03T19:37:00.000Z

Yes, the various questions on the manuscript have been answered; the maps have been checked [we nearly ended up with 'Parwick' rather than 'Parwich']; and, well, it's just great to be free.

This great feeling will last about two weeks after which my life will begin to seem aimless again. Still, I'm sure I will be able to fill my time with plenty of other things.

Pictured is Lyme Hall in summertime. You could spend a day up at Lyme Park near Stockport with no problems at all. There's some excellent walking through the park and down to the Maccclesfield Canal. Then there's a tearoom and a restaurant. After that you could walk round the garden or visit the Hall - though I have to say I've not been in it.

Pilsbury Castle

2006-01-29T10:33:00.000Z

Don't you feel that we walk through the English landscape and take it for granted ?

If you stopped nearly anywhere in the countryside and started to dig the chances are that you will find something of interest whether it be an old coin, a piece of pottery or perhaps something even more exciting. Certainly I've always fancied carrying a metal detector with me on the ancient paths we use. Bearing in mind the thousands of people who have followed these paths there must be no end of items that have been dropped or mislaid over the centuries.

Pilsbury Castle is one of the places I have walked past and hardly given a second glance. The Peak Park have now created a website all about this old site - http://www.pilsburycastle.org.uk - and very interesting it is too. You can even download a couple of walks - a four and a half miler from Hartington and a six miler from Longnor. These cost £2 when purchased - nothing when downloaded.

If you're interested in history, the countryside or archaeology then you'll find it worthwhile I hope. I will certainly be following both walks before long.

Derwent and Howden Dams in Winter

2006-01-22T10:12:00.000Z

This is Howden Dam in Derbyshire. Yesterday the sun shone and it was a glorious day for walking. We walked around Derwent and Howden Dams which [according to a leaflet I have] is eleven and a half miles long. We did it in just over four hours so I don't really believe it can be as far as that.

After parking at Fairholmes and paying the £3 parking fee [I really must get a season ticket] we walked beside Derwent Dam initially. Here we saw the memorial to The Dambusters [see http://www.dambusters.org.uk/dermus.htm ] as well as the memorial to Tip [also pictured].

After that the walk didn't feature anything of great import until we got up to Slippery Stones where we crossed the old packhorse bridge which had been moved from further down the valley and rebuilt by public subscription 100 years or so ago. That isn't quite true of course because by the time we'd got to Slippery Stones we'd already walked through all that remains of Tin Town [or Birchinlee as it was properly known]. Here at the beginning of the 20th century, the navvies were housed and with their families there were 910 people at one time. This little village had a grocery store, and all the facilities that the navvies needed. All that remains are a few flat earth platforms and the odd wall here and there.

After Slippery Stones we walked down the other side of both Howden and Derwent Dams enjoying the sun and being thankful that we'd walked it this way round as we would have been in the shade otherwise.

There were plenty of walkers out [and just as many cyclists. Most of whom didn't say 'Hello' or 'Hi' like most walkers do to each other]. Two cyclists had bells and used them - the rest didn't. Perhaps someone could tell me why cyclists don't have mudguards now ? They'd all got muck and mud up their backsides ....

Stroll on ......

2006-01-19T08:19:00.000Z

More words are required for the manuscript ! This makes a change as usually I am a thousand or more over budget but not this time. So it's back to the grindstone! It shouldn't be too much of a job but once the manuscript has gone off I always hope it won't come back with queries quite so quickly.

Paula at Countryside Books has called the photogaphs "wonderful" which is of course wonderful.

Here's one that isn't in the book though it might have been if the walk hadn't been so tough. We followed this path up to Pike Low in August on my 55th Birthday. Now me and my beloved managed it but as it's a book of strolls I decided that others might not be so keen on it so we went for the low level walk ..... for the book. However, all is not lost as we had a great day and I'm recycling this walk by following it on Easter Sunday. This is the only walk in the Derbyshire Dales Group programme that weekend so I just wonder how many walkers will turn up ....

This is looking down at Ladybower Reservoir.

Nearly done ....

2006-01-14T09:44:00.000Z

Just another three or four walks to finish off ... as in 'finish typing up the fine details'. Then I can send them off to Countryside Books and they will have the manuscript. Then I will be free !

I've enjoyed working on 'Drive and Stroll in Derbyshire and the Peak District' but having revamped 'Pub Strolls in Derbyshire' as well during this last year it's meant a lot of work. That's over 50 walks I've walked. This is a man who doesn't just talk the talk - he actually walks the walk.

So later today I hope to go out on a walk without having to think about the book. Pictured is one of the images that has been sent to the publisher so it might feature in 'Drive and Stroll .....' - it may be too dull however. They usually like 'sunny' photos and whilst I can see why, sometimes mist is more evocative. The photo itself was taken in Holmesfield Park Wood and I do recommend walking in that area, just south of Sheffield, very near to Totley.

We'll see what happens.

Off the beaten track

2006-01-09T07:48:00.000Z

Some days I set off and it's damp, it's foggy, and I wonder what the heck am I doing out here. Then I find something which makes it all worthwhile - and so it was yesterday.

I was walking from Holmesfield, which is just south of Sheffield. I walked up the field in this picture towards this white metal gate which at the time was closed. It has hinges at both ends so I couldn't see [initially] how to open it. Obviously someone else had had the same problem as they had clambered over the gate, judging by the clod of mud on the top bar.

Then I realised that it splits diagonally so I opened it at one side and clambered over the other end of it which is lower.

If anyone wants to know exactly where it is then be in touch.

Well it fascinated me anyway.

There's an unusual [for these parts] stone step stile further down the fields too.

What happened on the North Lees working party ?

2006-01-08T10:58:00.000Z

Following up the previous blog ...... six of us got up to Hollin Bank car park for 10am. The sky was overcast and misty .... and there was snow in the air.

Also there were three Peak Park volunteers - Tony, Mary and Brian - plus six Asian lads from Birmingham. It was good to see them up in the Peak District in their hoodies and jeans. Note for the Peak Park : why not let us work together in future instead of them being sent off on one job and us off on another ? It would be good to get to mix the cultures surely.

We were set up on Sheepwash Bank planting rowan trees. It is hoped that as these grow the bracken will die down because it doesn't like shade. If we go back in 10, 15 or 20 years we may see if our efforts in 2006 pay dividends.

It was another enjoyable day out - a privilege to be able to stand on the hillside, near the old hollow way and just enjoy 'being'. It's a very primal thing for me - I don't know why I like it so much.

Pictured are Rob and Philippa clearing the ground and digging out the rhyzomes before planting a rowan sapling.

For anyone who is interested - we'll be working with Plantlife in Deep Dale on February 12th. Be in touch if you'd like details.

Working on the North Lees Estate

2006-01-05T19:35:00.000Z

Tomorrow, Saturday, the 7th January, me and a few walking friends are off up to the Dark Peak where we're going to be working with the Peak Park Rangers somewhere on the North Lees Estate. We don't know what we'll be doing but it's usually good fun and we head home feeling that we've done something useful.

Pictured are Rob Ashton and Juan Other [in camouflage blue] in Dennis Knoll Wood the last time we worked with the Peak Park. We were clearing some of the smaller saplings in the wood mainly to ensure that the habitat that suits pied flycatchers is not lost.

Look out for more information on our day sometime from Saturday onwards. [Incidentally - thanks are due to Philippa House for supplying the photograph.]

Lyme Park

2006-01-02T19:17:00.000Z

Today we travelled up to Lyme Park where of course the BBC's version of Pride and Prejudice [starring Colin Firth] was filmed. The Hall itself [pictured] was closed but the grounds were open, as I believe they are most days.

We were here during the summer working on a short route [a 'stroll'] for my forthcoming walks book. On that particular day the sun shone [I believe it was either August or September] and we saw very few walkers. Today was very different - it was dull, slightly overcast and cold but there were so many people and families walking. Perhaps they're trying to lose the calories they all put on over Christmas.

Well the walk was fine and we enjoyed ourselves. The next few days will be taken up [after work] with tidying up the manuscript etc. before sending it off to my publisher.

Back to work tomorrow after ten and a half days off.

Starting the New Year off as I mean to continue ...

2006-01-01T21:03:00.000Z

After an excellent short walk in Longdendale near Glossop we travelled back towards Darley Dale and decided to stop off at The Devonshire Arms in Beeley. I'm in here fairly regularly .....

Just one of the joys of the Devonshire Arms is the beer and I have yet to taste a better pint of Theakstons Old Peculier than you get at the Devonshire. The Landlord, John, also let me try one of Peak Ales' beers - Noggin Filler I think it was - and that tasted very nice too. I tried this somewhere else recently but it hadn't been kept so well.

Pictured is Old Peculier on the right. I can thoroughly recommend the Devonshire Arms [as well as their ham and eggs!].

Festival of Winter Walks

2005-12-29T18:01:00.000Z

If you fancy a walk this Saturday, the 31st December, why not join me at Sir William Hill for a five to six mile morning walk in the vicinity of Eyam Moor. We're meeting at 10.00am and if you want to know exactly where then get in touch with me. I check this site morning and evening.

The walk I'm leading is part of the Ramblers' Festival of Winter Walks and there's a special offer available - you get 20% off membership of the Ramblers' Association if you join having been on the walk. That means that an individual subscription of £24 is reduced to £19.20 and joint membership from £32 to £25.60.

Gratton Dale

2005-12-29T09:48:00.000Z

Gratton Dale near Elton is apparently a mess !

A recent letter I have seen speaks of a walker using the dale and being "horrified at the state of the path" with the damage caused being "immense".

If you're thinking of using the dale then be prepared. If you do use it then I would be interested in what you find.

Backdale Quarry and Longstone Edge

2005-12-28T09:02:00.000Z

If you know the Peak District then you'll know there are strange happenings on Longstone Edge - you might say that's been the case for many years and you may be right.

Nowadays though the Edge is taking an even bigger pounding than it used to do - especially at Backdale Quarry. As you drive along the road between Hassop and Calver crossroads you may get a hint of this quarry to the west of the road but if you're walking to the east of the road along the Bramley Plantation ridge on Hassop Footpath No. 9 [yes each footpath can be identified by its parish and number] then you will get a view of the quarry face in all its 'glory'.

It is alleged that the quarry owner is overstepping the mark in that they are in breach of the planning permission. The Peak Park has taken enforcement action to stop the continued work but the quarry owner has appealed and a public inquiry will ensue - in the meantime more Peak District stone is ripped out of the hillside.

The website of the Save Longstone Edge campaign at http://www.longstone-edge.org.uk/ explains it much better than me - and they need your support - and they have the photographs - so why not have a look and see if there's anything you can do. By the way do watch the new dvd referred to on the homepage - it's well worth it.

4 x 4 fun - for how long ?

2005-12-26T10:15:00.000Z

Here's a photo I took about a year ago between Earl Sterndale and Chelmorton - a little bit further along the track is the end of the High Peak Trail.

Since this photo was taken this track has been resurfaced with gravel and probably won't be so popular with trail riders or green laners.

There is a fierce debate between walkers on the one hand and green laners and trail riders on the other - who is right ? I don't know the answer ........

But what I can say is that one of the things that walkers object to [from their point of view] is that these green lanes/unclassified county roads are often made impassable to the person on foot - surely that isn't right is it ?

Peak Park's Paul

2005-12-21T08:08:00.000Z

Paul Hopkins left the Peak Park yesterday. After the best part of 15 years he's left his job as Rights of Way Officer and is now exploring new ways of making a living.

He has done a great job in the time he has been there working to improve and safeguard the paths in the Peak District and we shall miss him. The trouble is that most walkers don't realise the amount of work that goes on just to maintain paths let alone improve them. A flight of wooden steps can take three or four workers three or four days to build - like the ones in Litton Frith, Cressbrookdale [these probably took longer in fact]. A stile can take the best part of a day for a couple of people to replace.

Let's hope he is adequately replaced. With talk of cutbacks though I wonder.

Eyam Moor

2005-12-18T09:00:00.000Z

It was very, very cold yesterday when we walked from Sir William Hill down to Stoke Ford. We then swung round towards Leam having walked a very muddy path through a plantation which had not so many years ago been an open hillside.

We then climbed back onto the moor with a view to finding Wet Withens using the compass and hopefully following some beaten paths - there were none. So we tried to make it up as we went along but walking through the long heather is not easy and someone went her whole length ...... she was not amused.

It probably wouldn't have been so bad if the wind hadn't have been so strong. Still the sun shone and otherwise it was a lovely day. Before I go out next time to find Wet Withens I shall get its grid reference from one of the websites. Wet Withens is an ancient stone circle which until recently was on private ground - this is now all access land.

Next walk to be checked - Radbourne

2005-12-13T20:05:00.000Z

Ian has just been sent details of the Mickleover-Radbourne walk and says he will check it tomorrow. Now that route 54 of the National Cycle Network has been opened up there is a new option to use for walkers wanting to explore this area.

Radbourne church is worth visiting and you can do this by following the Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk with other footpaths hereabouts.

Pictured is one of the distinctive mile posts on route 54 near Mickleover.

Mr. C. goes to Wincle ?

2005-12-11T09:50:00.000Z

With luck Mr. C will be out today walking from Wincle via Danebridge to Lud's Church. He's hopefully going to be checking one of the walks for the next book - Drive and Stroll in Derbyshire and the Peak District - and hopefully he won't get lost.

Lud's Church [pictured] is an unusual place and well worth visiting. It's described as a chasm on the OS White Peak Map and that's what it is I suppose. Nearby Sir Gawain killed the Green Knight and there are all sorts of stories of what it used to be used for - it seems unlikely the Luddites met there but it would make a good hiding place. [However as most everybody locally would know of it I would assume that if someone was going to hide thereabouts Lud's Church would probably be the first place they would look !]

The pub I'll be using in the book is The Ship at Wincle - this is just up the road from Danebridge itself and is a really nice pub. If it was nearer I would visit it more often. The last time I was there I had an excellent pint of beer and two Staffordshire oatcakes filled with bacon and brie. Delicious.

A good walk and a good pub.

Access points

2005-12-09T18:55:00.000Z

This is Chrome Hill about a mile to the west of Earl Sterndale. Parkhouse Hill is on the right side of the image. They are both now access land though I haven't been up Parkhouse yet.

There's no doubt that the creation of access land has given us a lot more places to walk but what we really need to know is where all the access points are.

The Peak Park have said they will soon have these details on their website but what we really want is the infomation on the OS Maps.

To be honest I've not used that much access land so far though I'm sure I'll use more in future - once I've finished my latest book !

Paying to enter the Peak District

2005-12-08T20:07:00.000Z

There's talk of having to pay to go into the Peak District in future. Why should we ?