Previous walks
Sunday 18th May, 2025: Baslow Edge, Birchen Edge
Walk leader: Sue L
Meet at Curbar Gap Pay and display car par on Clodhall Lane, for a prompt 10.30 start.
The postcode is: S32 3YR but that may not be that accurate, so it is best to use the what3words link is: https://w3w.co/windows.fountain.precluded
Parking charges and payment options: the web suggests £3.50-£4 for the day, and mobile data reception is difficult so take case incase, but there are sometimes spaces along the roadside if you arrive early enough. There are no public conveniences.
The walk begins with walk across Baslow Edge, passing the Eagle Stone and the Wellington monument. We then walk along the pasture of Jack Flat where wild looking Highland cattle sometimes graze, and down to the busy Sheffield Road (A621). Crossing over, we walk up onto access land and take the path towards Birchen Edge, where we will find Nelson’s monument and The Three Ships (no, it isn’t a pub!) and some excellent views. This is the suggested lunch stop and photo opportunity!
The path down from Birchen Edge down to the Robin Hood hamlet is very steep and might be quite difficult for some, so poles are recommended. A short walk follows, (approx. 300m) alongside the A619, before we climb over the stile and pick up the path into Megwalls, which takes us through a small, but interesting, Neolithic enclosure to the Cat Stones. From here, we walk down through the wood below Gardom’s Edge, to the busy Sheffield Road again, crossing over to pick up the path that will take us over a lovely stone footbridge and uphill through the wood below below Jack Flat, eventually bringing us back to Baslow Edge, where we will walk back to Curbar Gap.
Post-walk refreshments: The café at Derbyshire Craft Centre for tea/coffee and cake is open until 5.30 pm.
Sunday 16th March, 2025: Hartington to Pilsbury Circuit. Walk leader: Yvonne
The post code is: SK17 0AL and the What3words link is: https://w3w.co/willpower.decorate.file
On street parking can be found in and around the market place. Hartington public toilets are a little further down Mill Lane at: https://w3w.co/squeaking.slid.punks
Meet by the seats at the duck pond in the middle of the Village Green, for a prompt 10.30 start.
We will walk clockwise around the Dove Valley: up to Sheen and then around to Pilsbury, returning back into Hartington via Carder Low. The walk is around 7.5/8 miles, with around 200m ascent over the day, mostly in two climbs, with a few other ups and downs.
There are a number of stone stiles on the walk, some of which are quite high. We also walk through a couple of fields with cattle/sheep. It is lambing season so dogs will need to be on a lead.
Notts HD Lite
For those of you wishing to do a shorter walk, there is a there and back route, details of which will be given on the day.
Tea, cakes and ice creams will be available at Hartington Farm shop and café
Sunday 16th February, 2025: Tissington & Eaton Dale. Walk leader: Deborah
We start in Tissington which is a picturesque Estate Village, five miles north of the market town of Ashbourne. Tissington Hall - a central attraction in the village – was built in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert to replace the moated fortification that guarded the Norman Church of St Mary’s in the centre of the village.
The post code for directions is DE6 1PA.
The What3words link is: https://w3w.co/dove.aged.lilac
Meet for a prompt 10.30 start in the pay and display car park in Tissington where there are also toilets. Parking costs for the day is £4.75 (card & cash) or £5.15 (Ringo). Don’t park on the bank opposite the Hall as this is 2 hours free only and you will get a ticket.
The walk is a 8.2 miles, with one steep climb around an hour in, and another long but steady climb later in the walk, but otherwise a bit of up and down and flat, on good trails including an old disused railway track. There are quite a few stone squeeze stiles, and about 4 stone step and wooden stiles, but none too high or difficult. A few fields have grazing sheep and one has a very quiet horse, so dogs on leads for those bits. The areas leading up to gates can be very wet and muddy, so sticks are helpful then, but otherwise not needed.
We head away from Tissington through the Norman Church of St Mary’s yard and over some fields to join a track that leads us over the old railway line and into rolling hills. The trail follows the Limestone Way into Parwich. We will stop just beyond here for an early lunch (after which the Notts HD lite group will head off in a different direction) and then out towards Alsop Moor, where we join up with the Tissington Trail on the disused railway, to work our way back to Tissington. The scenery is less diverse (mostly rolling hills) but has great long views over the numerous valleys and is very quiet, so good for walking and talking.
Sunday 19th January, 2025: Magpie Mine and Deepdale. Walk Leader: Sally
Meet on the village green (at the junction of Fennel St, Buxton Road and Vicarage Lane) in Ashford-in-the Water. There is a very small car park (honesty box £2 for parking/20p for toilets) on Court Lane. The post code for the car park is: DE45 1QGand the what3words link is: https://w3w.co/strapped.superhero.ruler but there's lots of street parking in the village.
Arrive early for a prompt 10.30 start.
The walk is 6 1/2 miles with a lite walk just over 4 miles. There is a stiff climb out of Ashford-in-the Water with fabulous views over the valley. We head towards Magpie Mine where we will have an earlyish lunch.
Magpie mine was the last working lead mine in the Derbyshire ore field and is one of the best surviving examples in the UK, of a 19th century lead mine. The mine has a fascinating history spanning more than 200 years of bonanzas and failures, of bitter disputes and fights resulting in the “murder” of three miners, and a Widows’ Curse that is said to remain to this day. It is very atmospheric whatever the weather.
The walk then descends steeply to Deepdale, goes through woodland before descending again to the River Wye before meandering along the river back to Ashford. There are some high stone stiles to negotiate along the way.
The lite walkers will walk to the mine and return along the same route. (A circular lite walk was recced but was not appropriate due to a very steep descent along a slippery woodland path).
For those who would like refreshments at the end of the walk we will be going to The Ashford Arms which has a heated outdoor area which is dog friendly.
Sunday 15th December, 2024: Cromford Mills: Walk leader: Mo
Here are the details of our December walk.
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill. The post code is: DE4 3RQ and the what3words link is: https://w3w.co/butterfly.constrain.shrubbery
Approaching from Cromford the first car park on the right plus the main car park on the left are £5 (cash or card). The second car park on the right “the Wharf” is £7 for the day. There might be some free street parking for the early birds, but it’s the Xmas Market so it will be busy!
The walk will start at 10.30am, so plan to get there at least 15 minutes before the start.
The lit walk is 4.5 miles and the longer walk about 6.5 miles. The plan is to walk together until lunch and then the HD lite walkers will split off and meet back at the Xmas market in the courtyard, so a good shopping opportunity at the end, and there are a number of places offering refreshments.
We look forward to seeing you there
Sunday 17th November, 2024: Baslow & Curbar Edge: Walk leader: Deborah
Here are the details of our November walk.
For those doing the longer walk, meet for a prompt 10.30 start in the pay and display car park, next to the Baslow Village Hall, where there are also toilets. The post code is DE45 1SR.
The What3words link is: https://w3w.co/sunshine.systems.submerged Parking costs around £6.20 for the day. YOU WILL NEED COINS as the card link has a very poor internet connection. There is some parking on the local roads, but it may be very busy at the weekend.
For those of you choosing the HD lite walk, details of starting point are shown below. We suggest you meet us at your different starting point at 11.40am.
The longer walk is quite a challenging 7 mile walk because of a couple of long, steep ascents and a fairly tricky and steep descent through woods over rocks. Good boots and sticks are a must.
We head up to the moorlands above Baslow. This is a long ascent (can be tiring) taking at least 45 mins. From here, we walk past the Wellington monument heading left along Baslow edge, until we meet Clodhall Lane. This is where we will meet up with HD lite hykers (see below for more details). Crossing over, we walk up onto Curbar Edge and carry on toward Froggatt, until we come to a walled enclosure. We will stop here to have lunch, after which HD lite hykers will return back along Curbar Edge to the car park. Those on the longer hyke will descend below the cliffs into the woods, crossing the A625 and heading to Froggatt Bridge, where we follow a riverside path through a pine forest and tree fringed meadows. There is one more long steep climb (15 mins) before we descend back to Baslow through fields and farmyards. If you have the OS map app, here is a link to the HD longer route
NOTTINGHAM HD LITE WALK
Having scouted the walk, we think that the long, steep climb at the beginning may well be too exhausting and the descent through the woods too challenging, so thought to offer this 3.5 mile flat-ish there-and-back-walk. If you are opting to do this walk, please can you let Deborah know before the day, by emailing us.
The parking for the HD lite walk is Curbar Gap Car Park, Eastern Moors, which can be reached on Clodhall Lane, Hope Valley S32 3YR. The what3words link is: https://w3w.co/coasting.glee.steepest and here is some information on Google maps about the car park.
For those of you choosing the HD lite walk, meet us at the starting point (yellow X) at around 11.40am. If you have the OS map app, here is a link to the saved HD lite route. There won’t be a HD lite leader, but the route is very straight forward, and we’ll provide a copy of the short route map for those walking it.
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Sunday 20th October, 2024: Market Bosworth, South West Leicestershire
Bosworth - but not a battle! Walk leader: Janina
The walk is about 7 miles of gentle, rolling countryside with a shorter ‘Lite’ walk of 5.5 miles. It is not a strenuous walk although there are a few quite challenging stiles.
Meet in Market Bosworth's Market Place, by the cross.
The post code is: CV13 0LE
The What3words link is: https://what3words.com/flattered.limits.headless
There is limited (free) on street parking in the town centre and a small pay-and-display car park in Rectory Lane. However, you may find it more convenient to park in the large pay-and-display car park in Market Bosworth Country Park, CV13 0LP or https://what3words.com/stealthier.leader.office where there are better public toilets than in the town centre. Whichever option you choose, if you require the toilets, please visit prior to meeting for a prompt 10.30am start.
To get from the Country Park to the start of the walk, turn left out of the car park and walk along The Park, taking the left fork of the one-way system along Rectory Lane. Turn right at Sutton Lane to enter the Market Place.
The outward section of the walk to Carlton (on the Leicestershire Round long-distance route) takes you across slightly hilly arable and pasture land with views from the higher ground. The return to Market Bosworth is a more difficult walk has several stiles and there may be some wet and muddy areas. There may also be livestock in some fields, so dogs will need to be on a lead.
After the walk, Market Bosworth has a variety of pubs, shops and cafés.
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Sunday 15th September, 2024: Hartington (8 miles). Walk leader Sally
Here are the details of our September walk.
Meet in middle of Hartington village outside Charles Cotton Pub in Lea Market Place. The post code is: SK17 0AL and the What3words link is: https://w3w.co/badly.hiking.manifests On street parking can be found in and around the market place.
There is a car park a few minutes on from this - Parsons Field Car Park: SK17 0BE or what3words: https://w3w.co/reduction.suggested.village but cost is £6.20 for the day. There are public toilets opposite the car park if needed, but please visit these prior to meeting for a prompt 10.30am start.
The walk is a lovely 8 mile walk. We start with a short climb out of Hartington then walk with fine views across the fields to see Sheen Hill in the distance. The route takes you via the old site of Pilsbury Castle, here you can see the earthworks of the motte and bailey castle, built partly on a limestone knoll. We continue walking towards the outskirts of Crowdecote. There is a short but steep climb up to a road (it may be muddy) with some road walking on a quiet country road. We end the walk with a lovely stretch back into Hartington.
There are a number of stone stiles on the walk, some of which are quite high. We also walk through a couple of fields with cattle/sheep so dogs will need to be on a lead.
Nottingham HD Lite
Those walkers wishing to do a shorter walk (approx 5 miles) will walk to Pilsbury (just before the castle remains) and will then divert to join the return route. The plan is to stop for lunch prior to the Lite walkers departing.
Tea, cakes and ice creams will be available at Hartington Farm shop and café.
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Sunday 18th August, Youlgreave Walk (7 miles). Walk Leader Sally
Here are the details of this month's walk:
Meet outside Youlgreave Youth Hostel for a prompt 10.30 start.
The postcode is: DE45 1UR and What3words: https://w3w.co/fairway.cemented.handfuls
Parking is available on street, or at Coldwell End car park at the far end of Youlgreave village Main St DE45 1UW - honesty box for donations. There are toilets at the start of the walk.
This is a lovely 7 mile walk which follows a concession path in Lathkill Dale down into dales with tumbling water and over hills with panoramic views. There is one steepish climb at start of the walk and a descent down a path with slabs which can be slippy when wet. We end the walk at a tea shop in Youlgreave for tea and cakes.
NOTTINGHAM HD LITE
Starting from this month, we are introducing an additional shorter route - ‘Nottingham HD Lite’ walk - of around 4 to 5 miles. The same arrangements as the regular walk apply; meeting outside the YHA and ending up in the same tea shop. Mo will lead this one but future walk leaders are needed. Spread the word to others who have dropped out of HD due to injury, ill health or old age.
Sunday 21st July, Butterton Walk (6 miles)
Here are the details of this month's walk:
Meet at Mo’s caravan on Wetton Road in Butterton for a prompt 10.30 start. Postcode: ST13 7ST. The entrance to the site is What3words: https://w3w.co/scribble.flows.sugar One of us will be at the entrance to wave you in.
The walk is about 6 miles (shorter routes are available) down to Wetton Mill then up to the Back of Ecton for wonderful views. There are some ups and downs so poles will be helpful. Also a few stiles but all manageable. If there are cows we can find an alternative route. Dogs will need to be on leads most of the time as there will be nesting birds.
Please bring a chair, mug and cakes to share for tea at the end, and let’s hope for good weather. There is camping (£5 per night) if you’d like to extend your stay.
Sunday 16th June, Five Dales Walk (7 miles)
Meet at the Fountain Square Church, High Street, Tideswell SK17 8JX at 10.15 for a prompt 10.30 start. What3words: https://w3w.co/stated.hobbyists.emails
There is a lot of on-street parking in the High Street and a couple of small car parks further back on Commercial Road (if you come in on the B6049). The public toilets are right beside the church, and there is a café at the turning of Commercial Road and the High Street called High Nelly’s Café for those who want a delicious breakfast before we set off. This café has delicious food for all diets.
The five dales that are featured in this walk are, in order, Tansley, Cressbrook, Water-cum-Jolly, Miller's and Tideswell, each attractive and with its own distinctive character. The walk begins at a fine church known as the 'Cathedral of the Peak' and there is evidence of former industrial activity along the banks of the Wye in the mills at Cressbrook and Litton. The section along the banks of the Wye through the adjacent Water-cum-Jolly and Miller's dales is outstandingly beautiful.
This is a very beautiful 6.5 mile walk, passing along dales, woods, rivers, babbling brooks and limestone cliffs. Overall this walk is easy, but there are some steep steps at the start, around five styles to get over (some high over walls), and two steep bits (one can be avoided). Most of the walk is on good paths (and a bit of road) but some bits can be muddy and slippery after rain, so sticks are handy (also for steep bits).
If you want details of the walk, it can be found in the Peak District Walks Pathfinder Guide (Walk 16), and also on OS maps (slightly different start). It looks possible to plot a shorter route for those who need one. Let us know if you would like us to do that by emailing [email protected].
For a café at the end of the walk, High Nelly’s may not be open, but across the road there are others available.
Sunday 19th May, Two Dales Walk (7 miles)
Here are the details of this month's walk:
Meet at Millers Dale Old Station car park Post Code: SK17 8SN, or what3words https://w3w.co/costs.milk.lordship for a prompt 10.30 start. The car park charge is £4.75 all day. Pay by card, coins or RingGo (location ref: 51716).
The payment process is very slow, and there are often queues at the machine, so please arrive early enough to pay and be ready to leave on time at 10:30. Also, be aware that the mobile signal is very poor at the car park. Those familiar with RingGo will know you have 24 hours to pay after you have parked. There are public conveniences next to the café.
There is some road walking on this hike, but there is very little traffic usually. There are also a couple of up-hills and some steps, so walking poles might be useful for some.
From the car park we walk briefly into the village of Millers Dale before picking up the Limestone Way and the Pennine Bridleway. The pavement is quite narrow in the village, and the road can be busy, so walk with care. We then walk to the village of Wheston and take the road down to Peter Dale and a lunch stop. We continue into Peter Dale, where the terrain is quite varied, and there are some stretches of loose limestone, which are a bit tricky to walk along. On the recce, the overall ground conditions were fairly mud-free and easy.
We will then take the footpath up to Wormhill, making our way down through the village to the lovely Chee Dale Nature Reserve and along the River Wye, before climbing the steps to the trail taking us back to the station car park. The cafe is open until 4pm for refreshments. We may or may not make it! Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads, as there are sheep and cows in the fields.
Please note there is an opportunity for a shorter route of 4.5 miles if needed but, unfortunately, this means you cannot meet us for lunch.
Sunday 21st April, 2024: Winster, nr Matlock
Walk Leader: Julie F
Here are the details of this month's walk. We will meet to start the walk at 10.30 prompt, at Winster South car park (small & free) Winster, near Matlock. The postcode is: DE4 2DR The what3words link is: https://w3w.co/intent.jolt.airfields
There is additional free parking at the triangle opposite the Miners Standard pub, near by. Public toilets can be found next to the NT Market Hall (on our route).
The walk is approx 6.5 miles. From Winster we walk down through the village to Wensley road and take the grassy path along the river Derwent. As we cross the river, the path becomes wet underfoot. We walk up to Cambridge wood, Wensley village and through Wensley Dale where we pick up the Limestone way and return to Winster. There is also a short circular route. Join the group walking through the village and at Headland cottage follow a clearly defined route to Lutnor rocks from where you can pick up the Limestone way (which is clearly waymarked). At the B5056 turn right and the car park is 100 metres on the R.
Dogs are welcome, but there are sheep in the fields and it’s likely to be lambing time so please keep on leads. Some short road sections and some mud. Poles useful. For those who want refreshments after the walk, this is available at the Miners Standard pub: https://w3w.co/stereos.unframed.kindness
2024
Sunday 18th February, 2024: Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park
Walk leaders: Jane W and Jane A
Meet in the car park of the Moira Furnace Museum & Country Park. Post code: DE12 6AT. Grid ref: SK312152
What3words: https://w3w.co/lavished.retrial.crops
Moira is near Measham - just off the A42, or near Ashby or south of Swadlincote (depending where you are coming from). The road in is clearly signed, Moira Furnace Museum - there are tourist brown signs.
Car park (There are several on site - park in whichever one has space but we will meet in the first one you get to after turning off the road / the lowest of the carparks. The car park is on the right as you come down the lane towards the site.) There are toilets in the courtyard and a good cafe called the Hub. The cafe opens from 10am.
Car parking is free- but they suggest donations which you can do via QR code, text, or cash in the Museum when it is open - which it is not during winter. (However, some of the promotional leaflets for the area say that the car parks are free.)
Distance 8 miles. Easy. If the weather is really bad we can adjust the walk to make it shorter.
There will also be an option to wait part-way round as the walk loops back to the lunch point and cafe - see below. This option might make a total walk of just over 6.5 miles.
This is a very interesting walk on the former coalfield with lots of industrial archaeology, the Ashby canal, the Furnace, and former coal fields. There is a mix of walking - along the canal, through parts of the National Forest, including nature reserves, and there are even views, weather permitting.
The walk is on tracks, surfaced tracks, some paved areas and few short footpaths - some of which can be muddy and wet in parts. Waterproof boots will be needed, especially if it’s been raining recently. It is mainly flat - with a few inclines but always on good tracks, so not difficult.
There are only 3 stiles (with good dog access) and one ‘bar’ across onto a footbridge.
Although we do not cross any fields with livestock (on the recce at least), most of the walk requires that dogs are on leads - partly because of shared use of tracks (cycles, horses, and in a couple of places vehicles) and nearby canals/roads, or because of local bye-laws.
The best cafe for tea/cake etc is about 1 - 1.5 miles from the end of the walk - at Hick’s Lodge. This is also the most likely lunch spot (good picnic tables and toilets etc), and is also the place where anyone not wanting to do the whole walk could wait for us to come back from our woodland loop.
(There is also a good cafe at the end - see car park info - but it’s small and won’t accommodate us all. We can work it out if some people would rather go there at the end; it closes at 4.)
Sunday 21st January, 2024. Ilkeston, Derbyshire
Walk Leaders: Lynne and Sally
The walk starts from Straws Bridge Nature Reserve (Swan Lake), Ilkeston, DE7 5FG. This post code delivered us slightly short by approx 500 yards. You will find the nature reserve just after the right-hand bend coming out of Ilkeston on the right.
The What3words link is: https://w3w.co/runner.give.slowly
Car parking is free. No toilets at the start.
The walk is approx 7 miles. We walk to Shipley Country Park, via the Nutbrook Trail which is mainly flat with a couple of stiles with side gates. Lunch will be at the halfway point at Shipley Park Visitors centre where there is a cafe and shop.
We then follow the path around the park clockwise walking above Osborne Lake and will stop for a cuppa at The Nutbrook coffee shop before picking up the Nutbrook trail back to the carpark.
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2023
Sunday 17th December, 2023. Cromford Mills
Walk Leader: Mo
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill. http://cromfordmills.org.uk The post code is DE4 3RQ. The what3words link is https://w3w.co/butterfly.constrain.shrubbery There is some free street parking for the early birds, otherwise it’s £5.
The walk will start at 10.30am, so plan to get there at least 15 minutes before.
This is a 6 mile walk to Black Rocks and the canal. There are few stiles and dogs will need to be on leads for much of the walk. There are toilets, cafes and a Xmas market in the courtyard so a good shopping opportunity at the end!
Sunday 19th November, 2023. Ellastone, near Ashbourne
Walk Leaders: Anne B & Deborah D
The walk starts at Ellastone (near Ashbourne), and the postcode for satnavs is for the Duncombe Arms pub in Ellastone: DE6 2GZ or you can use the what3words link: https://w3w.co/basic.snoozing.taster
This is a lovely 7.5 mile walk which takes us through a beautiful, secluded area comprising hamlets and woodlands between the Weaver Hills and the River Dove, and which provided inspiration for George Eliot's novel Adam Bede. Handel also produced his most famous masterpiece during a stay beside the River Dove. One thing to note is that there are a lot of stiles! If the rain continues, no doubt it will be muddy under foot, so it might be good to bring poles too.
There is parking off Church Lane by the Village Institute, but you may have to find other spaces on Ribden Road if it is busy. The what3words link for the car park is: https://w3w.co/troubles.reassured.desktop
There are no public toilets at the start of the walk but previously we have asked the pub, and they have been accommodating. The pub it is a good place to stop for tea at the end of the walk.
Sunday 15th October, 2023. Croxton Kerrial - The Ear of the Fox
Walk Leader: Janina H
Why the walk name? Well, if you imagine the county of Leicestershire as having the highly appropriate outline of the head of a fox – we’ll be walking in its left ear!
This is a walk of about 8 miles in very undulating countryside, with good views (if the weather co-operates) visiting three picturesque ironstone villages in the Belvoir area.
The walk will leave at 10.30am prompt.
We start from the village of Croxton Kerrial, which is on the A607 running between Melton Mowbray and Grantham. The best place to park seems to be the layby on the north side of the A607, the entrance to which is marked by the village’s first 30mph sign on the left, if coming from the Melton direction.
For satnavs, please use the postcode for The Geese and Fountain Pub (unfortunately closed): NG32 1QR. The pub is on the corner, right next to the layby and has a large (unused) car park, but I suggest if you want to park there you make your own arrangements with the pub, which still has a website: http://www.thegeeseandfountain.co.uk/ The village car park signed off the A607 is for the school (staff only) and village hall – and is very small indeed.
As the pub in Croxton Kerrial is closed, there are no toilets or refreshments. However, our route first takes us to Branston, 3.5 miles away, where The Wheel Inn will be open from 12 noon.
Sunday 17th September, 2023. Monyash
Walk Leader: Sue L
Meet in Monyash outside the Old Smithy Cafe for a 10.30 start. The postcode is DE45 1JH and the what3words ref is ///darling.loafing.will There is a small car park in the village and plenty of on-street parking. The Old Smithy opens at 09:00 on Sundays, if anyone fancies breakfast beforehand.
The 7 mile walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way, across to Taddington and down towards Deepdale, Hard Rake Plantation and across the fields to Horse Lane, back to Monyash. It was very dry underfoot when we reccied the walk on the 5th September. Please bear in mind that it can be quite muddy in places, though, following wet weather. Not much in the way of steep hills but walking poles might be useful for the walk down Wheal Lane, as loose shingle and stones can make it a bit tricky underfoot. Some stiles, but generally dog friendly. Cattle and sheep may be around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary. There were lots of cows around on the reccie, which might not suit some, but there are alternative road routes if anyone would prefer to avoid bovine encounters.
The Old Smithy Cafe is open until 5 p.m. for refreshments. Alternatively, The Bull's Head is open all day, serving tea and coffee (and alcohol!).
Sunday 20th August, 2023. Longstone Edge from Calver: Walk Leader Yvonne
Meet in Calver just off the A623, near the pub, gallery and café on the right if coming from the south. The postcode is S32 3XA.
Roadside parking near the Bridge Inn and Curbar primary school. We’ll gather by the bridge/subway sign. Map OL24 GR246745.
After walking through Calver village we ascend in stages up to our high point of 360m at Longstone Edge. It is quite a climb to start, but not all in one go and there are some level stretches where we can enjoy the great views. Mostly on well surfaced tracks with some little used footpaths through woodland. The final descent is over Calver Peak so we keep the views until we drop into an old sunken path back to the village.
The walk is approx. 7 miles (11.5km) with about 300 metres of ascent in total.
Sunday 16th July, 2023. Tideswell Dale: Walk Leader: Felicity
Meet at 10:30 in Tideswell Dale car park which is on the B6049 between Miller's Dale and Tideswell village. The nearest postcode is SK17 8QJ but this is about 0.5 mile from the car park. The grid reference is SK 1540 7422 and What3Words: text.wisdom.comedy
Parking is by cash only and is £4.75 for all day or £4.00 for 4 hours. There are toilets.
The walk is around 6.5 miles long taking in Tideswell Dale, Litton Mill, Miller's Dale, Water-Cum-Jolly Dale, Cressbrook Dale and Tansley Dale. From here we walk across fields and paths to Litton and Litton Dale back to the car park. In Litton, there is the Red Lion Pub and the local post office which does tea and cake, so we could stop here near the end of the walk or it's a short drive back. In terms of terrain there are 2 short uphill sections and a steeper climb to the top of Cressbrook Dale for lunch with a view (option to avoid by continuing the riverside path) There are two dales where dogs need to be on leads for conservation reasons.
Sunday 18th June, 2023. Butterton. Walk Leader: Mo
Meet at Butterton for a prompt 10.30 start. Postcode: ST13 7ST
Revised directions: There are currently road works and closures around Butterton so it is best to approach through Butterton village from the B6053 Warslow. Ignore the road closure warnings and drive through Butterton past the Black Lion inn with St Bartholomew's Church on your right onto Waste Lane. Turn right onto Wetton Road (clearly signed) and after 200 meters turn left into the camp site. One of us will be there to direct.
The walk is about 6 miles down to Wetton Mill then up to the Back of Ecton for wonderful views. Shorter routes are available.
Sunday 21 May, 2023: Grindleford / Padley Gorge Walk leaders: Felicity & Sally
Meet at Grindleford Station car park S32 2HY for a prompt 10:30 am start.
Parking is £2.20 and has to be done using the RingGo app location code: 35712 or call 0113 8090070 or pay online at www.RingGo.co.uk. We recommend downloading the app at home as the 5G signal is patchy at the station. The station cafe is open from 9am-5pm and has customer toilets. There is road parking as you approach turn for the station. The walk is around 6.5 miles long taking the east side of Padley Gorge following Burbage Brook up to Burbage Bridge on the A6187, and onto Hathersage Moor and then across to Carl Wark Fort, returning via the Longshaw Estate. In terms of terrain there are 2 short uphill sections. There is one steep descent with a very short section being rocky initially and then along a wide non-slippery path. The moorland was quite wet underfoot in April so we recommend poles if you have them. There are also groups of cattle on the moor so dogs will need to be on a lead.
Sunday 16th April, 2023: Canal, River and Railway in Froghall & The Churnet Valley. Walk Leaders: Anne & Deborah
Meet at Froghall Wharf Car Park, Foxt, ST10 2HJ (off A52 just north of Froghall). For those of you who use what3words – Hetty’s Tea shop is found at: nightfall.piled.mermaids Parking is free. There is a toilet by the café. Meet at the back of the car park for a 10.30 prompt start.
This walk is around 7.5-8 miles, taking in the Churnet Valley’s deep wooded gorge, and its industrial past, recalled by the canal and steam railway, both of which thread through this secluded rift in the Staffordshire moorlands. In terms of the terrain, there are some quite awkward (downward) steps to navigate early on, a couple of steep climbs, and around 6 stiles overall. It was quite soggy underfoot at the time of scouting (there had been lots of rain in February/early March), so definitely bring a pole to use. Otherwise much of the walk is gentle ups and downs and through fields and woods and villages, and by the river, canal and railway. There are cows and lambs about, so dogs on leads where necessary.
Beside the car park, Hetty’s Tea Shop serves up refreshments and delicious cakes, which is available before and after the walk for those who want. Both the café and the toilets close at 4pm, but we should be back before then.
Sunday 19 March, 2023: Manifold Tops - Walk leader: Mo
Meet at Ilam Hall National Trust car park DE6 2AZ (you need to go through the Ilam Hall entrance gate to get to the car park). Parking is £7 (cash) but free for National Trust members...please try and share lifts or find a friend with a card. Meet outside the toilets for a 10.30 prompt start.
This is a strenuous 8 mile walk....with wonderful scenery and views. There are a few steep climbs but the effort is well worth it. Quite a few lambs about (so dogs on leads where necessary) and birds preparing to nest.
There is National Trust Cafe where we can have refreshments before and after the walk.
Sunday 19 February, 2023: Staunton Harold Reservoir-Dimmingsdale - Calke Abbey
Meet at the Staunton Harold National Trust Cafe car park on Calke Rd, Derbyshire, DE73 8DL for a 10.30 start.
The postcode covers a wide area so isn't exact. If you approach Calke Road from Ashby Road (B587) you may find the that your satnav stops short of the actual car park. Continue along Calke Road, - look out for the windmill with no sails as you you approach the carpark which will be on your left. (What 3 words /// cube.alas.messaging). Parking is £5. Coins or pay-by-phone app.
This 7 mile walk gives good views of Staunton Harold reservoir taking us over low rolling hills. There is some mud (a walking pole might be useful) especially by stiles and some of the walk is along country lanes, the National Forest way and tarmac paths. We walk alongside Calke deer park to Dimmingsdale nature reserve which is known for its spectacular display of snowdrops in late winter. We may extend our walk by a mile to some benches by the stables cafe at Staunton Harold at lunchtime. On our return, we walk through Calke park and drop down to Mere pond before walking by Broadstone holt. The walk is dog friendly but there are sheep in some fields. For those who want to, we will have refreshments after the walk at the NT cafe.
Sunday 15 January, 2023: Whatstandwell: 7.5 miles
Meet at Whatstandwell station car park - post-code DE4 5HE - for 10.30 start. The car park costs £2.50 cash or card.
This is a lovely 7 1/2 miles along woodland and field paths and canal tow path. The walk takes us along the Cromford Canal into Crich Chase and Crich village, passed the Crich Tramway Museum and on to Crich Stand. We circumnavigate Crich quarry before winding downhill back to Whatstandwell. There are some ups and downs and a few stiles. The walk is dog friendly. You might want to bring a stick.
We will call into The Family Tree restaurant for refreshments which is a 5 minute walk from the car park.
2022
Sunday 18 December, 2022: Three Hills Walk, Outwoods, Loughborough: 6 miles
Meeting point: Outwoods woodland car park, Woodhouse Lane, Loughborough LE11 3YG. 10.30 am start. There are public toilets available in the car park. Car park £1 all day. YOU WILL NEED a COIN.
We walk through the Outwoods to Buck Hill, then onto Felicity’s wood (it is often muddy here and there can be a stream to cross). We then go up to Beacon Hill through Martin’s wood, down through Beacon Hill Country Park and up to Broombriggs. Finally we go up to Windmill Hill and down into Woodhouse Eaves, returning through the village into the Outwoods and the car park. The total elevation is 870 feet (so not as much as it sounds!). Walking poles are advised for those who usually use them. We’ve arranged the walk so that we can enjoy a pre-Xmas catch up at Olivia’s bakery and cafe in the Outwoods. They do drinks, cakes and savouries.
Sunday 20 November, 2022: Wetton, Staffordshire
Meet at the car park in Wetton at 10.30am, where there are public toilets. The car park is free so fills up quite early so park on roads around the village if it’s full. There isn't a postcode, but the car park is just off Carr Lane. You can get there using the whatthreewords app - the reference is monkey.roosters.awesome!! The walk is a 7 mile circular walk with fabulous views taking in part of the Manifold valley, past Throwley Hall to Rushley Bridge and back via Castern Hall. There are cows in a few of the fields so dogs need to be on leads. Also, it’s likely to be muddy but there are alternatives on pleasant lanes if we have a deluge in the preceding week. There are a couple of climbs but the views are worth the slog up! Wetton tea room is open at 10 am for breakfasts (highly recommended!). It closes at 3pm so we’re unlikely to be back for tea and cake so might be worth purchasing in the morning if you wish to sample! The Royal Oak pub will be open for drinks when we return.
Sunday 16 October, 2022: Long Clawson, North Leicestershire
Buzzards, Bison and Belvoir Angels
Meet on the little village green (with bench and fruit trees) next to Long Clawson Pharmacy/Medical Practice. For satnav please use: LE14 4PA.
There may be some spaces in the small car park on the other side of the Pharmacy, but please park on the street nearby if you possibly can. The Crown & Plough pub opposite does not have its own car park but will get busy at lunchtime. There are no toilets in the village and on the route (lots of bushes), but the pub will be open for a drink (and toilets) when we get back.The walk will leave at 10.30am prompt.
The walk is about 8 miles long with only a few stiles. It is mostly flat, with there is one steep climb up the Leicestershire Wolds escarpment, but it is rewarded with good views of the Vale of Belvoir. There's lots of natural and historical interest along the way, including the possibility to see the small Norman church at Wartnaby. We'll walk through several fields of livestock (though the bison will be behind a fence!) so dogs will need to be on leads, please. The vegetation along some of the paths is long at this time of year so, after rain, wear waterproof trousers or be prepared to get wet legs.
Sunday 18 September, 2022: Yougreave
Meet outside Youlgreave Youth Hostel (DE45 1UR)
Parking is available on street, or there is a car park on Coldwell End as you approach the village from the Newhaven direction - there are toilets near the start and finish, then the Peak Feast Cafe for tea & cake.
The walk itself is about 6 miles, with some stiles, one long climb out of Lathkill Dale and a couple of other paths with fairly short steep ascents or descents...we take in parts of Bradford Dale and Lathkill Dale – a site of special scientific interest and fields with livestock – so dogs will need to be on leads please! There are open fields with wonderful views across the Peak District and lovely riverside paths at the start and finish
Walk leaders Val and Sue
Sunday 21 August, 2022: Winster, DE4 2DR
Meet at the Winster South Car Park, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2DR for a 10.30am start. Parking in the car park is free but limited. There is also roadside parking nearby. From Winster we will head to the Elton Cross and into Elton Village. A gentle stroll across fields then leads us to Gratton and the limestone valley of Gratton Dale. After a brief road walk we’re back onto a green lane which takes us to Greenlow Farm and from there we head over little used field paths across the Via Gellia, Winster moor and then back into Winster.
This is an 8 mile walk which can be muddy in places, has several stiles and livestock in a couple of the fields we will be crossing. There will be an opportunity for refreshments and toilets at the end of the walk at The Miners Standard pub located just across from the car park.
Sunday 19 June 2022: Butterton. ST13 7ST
The walk is 7 1/2 miles and explores the quiet hills to the west of the Manifold valley. It is one of the lesser known areas in the Peak District and part of the route makes use of the former narrow-gauge railway which has been converted into a traffic free walkway and cycle lane. We walk along a lovely valley below Osmans Hill to Wettonmill, onto Weags Bridge into the hilltop village of Grindon before returning to Butterton.
There is one fairly steep ascent, with much of the walk being through farmland and pastures where there is grazing cattle and sheep - dogs will need to be on a short lead at times. There are a number of stiles along the route.
Sunday 15 May 22: Hartington,
Meet outside the Hartington toilets SK17 OAN for a 10.30 start for a 7.5 mile walk down Beresford Dale, up Narrowdale and return up Wolfscote Dale. There is a very steep descent back down to the River Dove….sticks recommended..otherwise straightforward with a few stiles. Dogs will need to be on short leads for some of the walk as loads of tiny lambs and nesting birds. Walk leaders: Deborah and Anne
Sunday 17 April, 2022: Millers Dale SK17 8SN
Walk leader Sue. Met at Millers Dale Old Station car park SK17 8SN, ///costs.milk.lordship. The 7 mile walk went briefly into the village of Millers Dale before we got up onto the Limestone Way and the Pennine Bridleway. Then on to the village of Wheston, where we picked up a quiet road toward the start of Hay Dale. We continued into Peter Dale, and then our final Dale was Monk’s Dale
Ellastone 16 May 2022 see 20th March 2021
Walk Leaders: Anne & Deborah. The walk started at Ellastone (near Ashbourne); the postcode for satnavs is for the Duncombe Arms pub in Ellastone: DE6 2GZ. This was a lovely 7.5 mile walk which takes us through a beautiful, secluded area comprising hamlets and woodlands between the Weaver Hills and the River Dove, and which provided inspiration for George Eliot's novel Adam Bede.
Sunday 20 February, 2022: Cromford Mill.
Walk Leader Mo Murray. This was a 7 mile walk from Mills - towards Cromford Moor, following the Midshires way, dropping down to Whatstandwell, and back along the Cromford Canal, past Florence Nightingales family home, through Lea Woods and rejoined the canal back to Cromford.
Sunday 16 January, 2022: Swithland Woods/Bradgate Park, Leicestershire
Walk Leader: Sally. Swithland Wood, is acknowledged to be one of the best remnants of native woodland in Leicestershire, and Bradgate Park offers an enclosed medieval deer park which contains the oldest rocks in England. The walk was 7 miles long, and muddy in places.
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2021
Cromford Mill. Sunday 19th December, 2021
Walk Leader: Mo. Due to the Alvaston walk route being flooded, unfortunately we had to change our plans. The walk instead started from Cromford instead. It was around 6 miles, with a few stiles and only a few sheep so the walk is generally dog friendly. We met in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ. http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570.
Manifold Tops. Sunday 21st November, 2021
Walk Leaders: Anne & Deborah. The walk started from Ilam Hall Car Park - Satnav link: DE6 2AZ. This was a lovely 8 mile walk that took us through the rolling hills overlooking the Manifold river. Most of the walk was pretty easy going, but there was one very steep hill (all on road) which is quite a long climb, a few stiles, and some muddy entrances to fields where cows have gathered by gates.
Matlock. Sunday 17th October, 2021
Walk Leader: Sally. The walk started from Matlock Station Car Park and despite dodgy weather early on, we enjoyed a lovely walk viewing Matlock from above.
Hollingsclough 19th September, 2021
Walk Leader: Mo. The walk started from the Hollingsclough phone box and was longer than the predicted 6 miles but fairly easy going.
There were some lovely views from Hollins Hill and then through the wonderful Reef Knoll hills. Afternoon teas from Hollingsclough Chapel Hall were delicious.
Curbar Edge. 15th August, 2021
Walk Leader: Aud. The hyke started and finished in Curbar.
Butterton. 18th July, 2021
Walk Leader: Mo. The walk was around 7 miles with a steep climb to Ecton Hill…and steep descent. It was beautiful unspoilt countryside with paths less trodden and great views.
Ashover. 20th June, 2021
Walk Leader: Sue D. The walk started from the pretty village of Ashover with an ascent through fields and old quarries to give us magnificent views of Ashover and all around. We followed well defined paths as we looped back to Ashover going down into the valley and up through more former quarry sites. The walk was approximately 7 miles long and involved some hills and descents, but nothing more strenuous than other HD walks.
Ellastone, near Ashbourne. 16th May, 2021
Walk Leaders: Anne & Deborah. The walk starts at Ellastone (near Ashbourne); the postcode for satnavs is for the Duncombe Arms pub in Ellastone: DE6 2GZ.
This is a lovely 7.5 mile walk which takes us through a beautiful, secluded area comprising hamlets and woodlands between the Weaver Hills and the River Dove, and which provided inspiration for George Eliot's novel Adam Bede. Handel also produced his most famous masterpiece during a stay beside the River Dove. One thing to note is that there are a lot of stiles, so it isn't that dog friendly, or easy for anyone who finds it difficult to manoeuvre over stiles. There is parking off Church Lane by the Village Institute - but you may have to find other spaces on the street if it is busy. There are no toilets at the start of the walk (sorry), so it will have to be bushes/hedges. Also there are no cafes but there is a great pub.
Youlgreave Village: 18th April, 2021
Walk Leader: Sally. This is a lovely 7 mile walk which follows a concession path in Lathkill Dale down into dales with tumbling water and over hills with panoramic views. There is one steepish climb at the start of the walk and a descent down a path with slabs which can be slippy when wet. Sally B
Covid lockdown so no hykes January/February/March 2021
Radcliffe-on-Trent: 20th December, 2020:
Walk Leaders: Sue Price & Linda Cooper-Clayton. We walked 6 miles from Radcliffe on Trent. NG12. A pleasant walk along the River Trent.
Covid lockdown so no hyke in November
A Five Dales Walk: Tideswell: Sunday 18th October, 2020.
Anne Benson & Deborah Davidson led the walks.
10 women enjoyed our October walk (Sunday 18th October from Tideswell. It was a very beautiful 7 mile walk, passing along dales, woods, rivers, babbling brooks and limestone cliffs.
Overall the walk is easy, but there are some steep steps at the start, around five styles to get over (some high over walls), and two steep bits (one can be avoided). Most of the walk was on good paths, but some bits were muddy and slippery after rain, so sticks were handy.
If you want details of the walk, it can be found in the Peak District Walks Pathfinder Guide (Walk 16), but the directions have also been posted up here. Postcode SK17 8LA .
20th September 2020..Staunton Harold Led by Sally B and Sue L
Walk started at Staunton Harold Reservoir Visitor centre - grid ref DE73 8HS. 11 am Sunday 20th September
(NOT STAUNTON HAROLD HALL)
12 women enjoyed our September walk (Sunday 20th ) from Staunton Harold/Calke Abbey.
There was a large car park (£3 for days parking - machine takes cash and card ) and toilets. The walk took us through the grounds of Calke Abbey via fields, woods and alongside a deer park. We walked through Staunton Harold Hall Estate and visited the Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts and returned through the grounds of Calke. The walk was 8 miles and was generally flat on good paths and had lots of interest along the way. There were quite a number of stiles throughout but most were dog friendly.
There was a cafe back at the car park which is open for takeaways and which closes at 4pm.
16th August 2020..Youlgreave
Our first HD walk since the COVID 19 lockdown. We are allowed a maximum of 6 in a group....the plan was a walk for 2 x 6 from Rowsley but both walk leaders were incapacitated so instead Val C and Sue G led a wonderful walk from Youlgreave.
15th March 2020 Ashford-in-the-Water and Magpie Mine. Viv P
Meet at the car park behind the church (there are loos), there is plenty of on-road parking in the village and an honesty box in the small car park. Grid Ref: SK194698, Postcode: DE45 1QG. 10.30 am start as usual for a 6.5 mile hike with added geological and archaeological interest and a nice tea shop at the end!
16th February 2020 Woodhouse Eaves
SORRY FOLKS!! THE WEATHER HAS WON....TOMORROW'S WALK IS CANCELLED.
Meet in Woodhouse Eaves, outside the Village Hall LE12 8RZ. There is a small car park (with toilets) and also on road parking.
We head out of Woodhouse Eaves with a quick nip up to Windmill Hill, then adjacent to Broombriggs Farm Country Park over to Beacon Hill Country Park and upwards to Beacon Hill. From there we head over towards Deans Lane and Felicity’s Wood and up again to Buck Hill. We return back to Woodhouse Eaves via The Outwoods down Brook Road back to the Village Hall.
The walk is approximately 7.5 miles and sticks are advised for those who would normally use them for ups and downs. There are fantastic views from the Windmill Hill and from Beacon Hill where you should be able to look back and see Old John Tower in the distance, an iconic folly in Bradgate Park.
January 19th January 2020- Cromford
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ.
http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570. There is some free street parking for early birds or ample parking. £4 for the day. 8 miles (short cut possible) Black Rocks, Lea Bridge and past Florence Nightingale’s family home and the Cromford canal. One steep climb and occasional mud. Sally B.
FRIDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2019. Rowsley
see January 2019
15th December Ticknall Calke Abbey Estate and the Tramway Trail
10.30 start at Ticknall Village Hall car park Ingleby Lane Derby DE73 7JX. The car park is free, they ask for donations, and there are toilets there. If the car park is full there is parking on the street.
An easy roughly 6 mile walk taking in the lime pits of Calke Abbey and the Tramway Trail, which follows the route of the old Ticknall to Ashby horse drawn tramway. The first part was pretty muddy and a bit slippery when we scoped it at the end of November -gaiters and a stick could be handy. The second half is on a good path. It is all fairly low level with a little up and down in the first part, very minimal. There are several stiles. There is a café (Shop and Scoff open for breakfast before if anyone fancies it) and a couple of pubs in Ticknall. We may struggle to get in for tea afterwards on that Sunday afternoon just before Christmas. There are also a couple of places with café’s nearby. The Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts – car park costs £1 (for an hour) £2 (for 2 hours or more) And the National Trust place at Calke Abbey, car park costs £4.20 / person unless you are an NT member and then its free.
17th November Blore and Okeover Hall. Mo
Meet in the National Trust courtyard (next to toilets) at Ilam Country Park DE6 2AZ. The car park is £5 for non members. 10.30am prompt start. 6/7 miles with wonderful views..to Blore, Okeover Hall and Coldwall Bridge and the bottom of Dovedale. It’s the Peak District in November so expect mud!! Mo . DRIVE CAREFULLY..THE ROADS WILL BE WET BUT I DONT EXPECT THEM TO BE FLOODED. IT WILL BE MUDDY..POLES MAY BE HELPFUL. SEE YOU SUNDAY!!
Sunday 20th October Longstone Edge and Coombs Dale from Calver. Yvonne
Meet in Calver just off the A623, near the Eating Place cafe ( Derbyshire Craft Centre) S32 3XA...... by the bridge/gallery/subway sign ( turn right if coming from the south). OL24 GR246745. Roadside parking and by the school/church. After walking through Calver village we ascend in stages up to our high point of 360m at Longstone Edge. It is quite a climb to start, but not all in one go and there are some level stretches where we can enjoy the great views. Mostly on well surfaced tracks with some little used footpaths through woodland. The descent down Coombs Dale is gradual and on a good track. Walk is approx. 7 miles (11.5km) with about 300 metres of ascent in total. Yvonne
15th September. Beresford and Wolfscote Dales from Hartington. Sue Price
Free parking around Hartington but if no joy then car parking at Parson's Field is £6.20 (change needed). Meet between Hartington Farm Shop and public toilets. Post code SK17 0AN. 8 miles.10.30 start. It will take us on an undulating, and gradually ascending, route through Beresford Dale, along the River Dove, through Narrowdale and Alstonefield (toilets here). We continue Eastwards via narrow overgrown paths eventually making a sharp descent to the River Dove. We will then follow the river, going north, through Wolfscote Dale back to Hartington. Recommend sturdy footwear, sticks, gaiters and trousers (due to overgrown nettles). The route goes through cattle fields and so dogs on leads. There also parts of the route along the road with little footpath (grass verge only).
Sue
Sunday 18th August Hollingsclough. Mo
Walk starts from the Hollingsclough phone box..SK17 0RH at 10.30 am. Parking is very limited so suggest we meet in Longnor at 10am to share cars. or join us for breakfast at Cobbles Cafe, Market Place Longnor SK17 0NT. Walk is 6 (string measured) miles...wonderful views (weather permitting) from Hollins Hill and thru the wonderful reef knoll hills. Bring poles if you have them. Afternoon teas in Hollingsclough chapel hall. Mo 07970 420713 IF YOU HAVE A FULL CAR THEN PARK NEXT TO THE PHONE BOX IN HOLLINGSCLOUGH AND RESERVE SOME SPOTS FOR US!!
Sunday 21st July Monsell Head/Millers Dale Sally B
Meet at Monsell Head Car Park DE45 1NL for 10.30am start. Car park charge is £6 for all day. There are no longer public conveniences at the car park but there are loo’s at our lunch stop.
We begin this lovely eight mile walk by walking over the viaduct and along the Monsell Trail to Millers Dale alongside the River Wye. We will see evidence and signs of abandoned quarries, kilns, mills and railways which were once so prominent in this locality. The second half of the walk is along quiet country tracks and roads. There is one (fairly lengthy) very steep, stepped ascent out of the Dale which requires care - poles may be helpful.
There is a lovely teashop with a garden with stunning views at Monsell Head on our return.
Sunday 19th May ..Three Dales Walk..Sue
Meet at Millers Dale Old Station car park SK17 8SN for a 10.30 start. Car park charge: £4.50 all day and there are public conveniences. Our walk takes us briefly into the village of Millers Dale, before we get up onto the Limestone Way and the Pennine Bridleway. The pavement is quite narrow in the village, and the road is busy, so walk with care. We then walk to the village of Wheston, where we pick up a quiet road that takes us to the start of Hay Dale, where there is a good path. When we reccied it recently, there was an abundance of cowslips and early purple orchids - nice place for a lunch stop! We continue into Peter Dale, which has slightly different terrain and features. It can be quite muddy in places after rain. Our final Dale is Monk’s Dale which is a different experience altogether. Walking here can be a little bit tricky, as the limestone paths are uneven and sometimes slippery. It is a lovely walk, though, through moss covered trees, rocks and walls, so well worth it.
Back at the station, the cafe is open until 5pm for refreshments. There is some road walking on this walk, but there is very little traffic on them and there are a couple of uphills, but they are not overly strenuous. PS...7 miles and bring poles if you have them
Sunday 16th June Manifold Tops. Mo
Meet in the National Trust courtyard (next to toilets) at Ilam Country Park DE6 2AZ. The car park is £5 for non members. 10.30am prompt start. 7 miles with wonderful views, but quite a challenging walk, several UPS and downs, some fairly steep. Mo
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Sunday 21st April.Easter Sunday.Manifold Valley. Ruth and Deborah
This classic White Peak walk in the Manifold Valley will be hugely rewarding without too many crowds on Easter Sunday. Just bear in mind that, starting as it does on the popular Manifold Way, parking might be trickier than usual if the weather’s good. It’s a 7ish mile walk that starts in the valley, heads straight up towards Sugarloaf and up to Ecton Hill, Wetton Hill, through Wetton and back onto the flat Manifold Way. A great walk which has a few dog friendly stiles, a few sharpish climbs and descents, may be muddy and where poles are recommended if you have them.
The walk starts from Wetton Mill car park in the Manifold Valley. This is not the small car park in front of a café bedside the river, but one on Leek Road driving up toward the café. Put in the postcode for Dale Farm - DE6 2AG. There are outside toilets to the lefthand side of the café entrance and, once earned, the small café serves good tea and cake! Deborah, Ruth and Betty
SUNDAY 17th MARCH - Wirksworth
The next walk will be on Sunday March 17th and will start at the National Stone Centre, Porter Lane, Wirksworth, at 10.30 am. There’s a cafe and loos there and lots to see if you’re into rocks and fossils and dry stone walls!
Grid ref: SK 287 552, postcode DE4 4LS. The distance is 8 miles but the second half is an easy stroll along the High Peak Trail past Middleton Top.
Viv.
Sunday 17th February .Sally B. Matlock
Start at Matlock Station Car Park DE4 3NA. Cost is £6 for a days parking - not the cheapest I am afraid. Prompt 10.30am start. This is a lovely 61/2 mile walk on good paths with a fair few ups and downs. There are some stiles but all are dog friendly. From Matlock we walk to Lumsdale and then onto Tansley before climbing up to Riber Castle. There are great views on our return of Matlock's impressive limestone gorge. There are toilets at the start of the walk and we will have tea and cakes at the Cafe in the Park in Matlock. Sally
Sunday 20th January. Fradley Junction, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7DN. Jane W
The walk starts from outside the “Laughing Duck” canalside cafe at Fradley Junction.DE13 7DN at 10.30am. The car park is alongside the Canal and River Trust visitor centre (£1.50 for the day..I think) . 10.30 start...but the cafe is worth a visit so may be there for breakfast!!.
The walk is about 6 and a half miles to Alrewas. The mainly flat route is a mix of tarmac, towpaths and tracks / footpaths across farmers fields. At least one of the fields may have livestock. Parts of the route may be muddy. There are several stretches of road walking with no pavements. So dogs will need to be on leads for much of the walk. There are only a few stiles.
The centre is accessed from the A38 at Alrewas and Fradley Park. Take the A513 towards Kings Bromley. After two miles turn left, signed towards Fradley Junction. Follow signs to the car park which is pay and display, Approximate post code DE13 7DN.There is plenty of wildlife to see along the way.
At Fradley Junction there are several listed buildings including cottages, a warehouse, a crossover bridge and lock, and on the wharf you will find the original stables, carpenter's shop and blacksmiths, which are now part of the cafe and visitor centre. On the opposite side of the canal is a Nature Reserve. The cafe is excellent.
PS This is under an hour from Nottingham..the same as Cromford!!
Jane
THURSDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2018. Christine will be leading the crimble bimble...a joint Sheffield/Nottingham walk from Rowsley .
http://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close, Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. Grid Ref SK 257 658 White Peak map OL24. This is not the Caudwell Mill car park which is marked on the OS map. Old Station Close is off the A6 in Rowsley between the Grouse & Claret hotel and the road that goes through Chatsworth Park. From Bakewell look out for the Grouse & Claret on the left and then it's next on the right. Coming from Baslow through Chatsworth, turn right onto the A6 and it's immediately on the left. Coming from Matlock its on the left just after the right turn to Chatsworth. There is a small P and recycling sign.
7 mile walk over Stanton Moor and around Birchover, featuring standing stones, stone circle, great views, nice woodland. Some ups and downs but not too strenuous. Christine
Sunday 16th December 2018, Hickling.
10.30 start. A 6 + mile walk thru the Nottinghamshire countryside and along the Grantham Canal. The walk starts a bit muddy but soon improves. Meet on Main Street Hickling LE14 3AH near the canal basin...please park sensibly on the main street and not in the teashop carpark. The teashop (www.theoldwharf.co.uk) is my nomination for the Nottingham HD's teashop of 2018.......
18th November... Gunthorpe.... Julie
We will meet at Biondi Bistro car park by the River Trent. It's free parking, I've checked. Postcode NG14 7FB. Note....after turning off to drive along the river, pass the Unicorn, then the Bridge and Bayleaf and keep driving to reach the starting point in the parking at Biondi Bistro. Website www.biondibistro.co.uk (http://www.biondibistro.co.uk/)
We will set off 10.30 sharp.
This is a 6 mile walk which is largely flat through river meadow and along field headlands. The walk is within a popular walking area and on well-maintained paths with lots of interest along the way.
We will begin by walking along the Trent Valley Way. We start at Gunthorpe Lock by the River Trent, heading north, and then eventually we take a sharp left to walk in a Westerly direction throughHoveringham and Caythorpe. Weather permitting, we will take a short detour and sit by one of the gravel pit reservoirs for lunch (close to Gonalston).
There are a few stiles and some of the paths were quite muddy in parts so boots needed especially if there's rain this week. Also, we pass through a farm which has sheep so dogs on leads at this point. We will also be walking along roads for a small part of the walk and crossing roads. So again dogs on leads at this point.
For those who want to we will end the walk by having refreshments (such as tea and cake) at the Biondo Bistro café.
21st October...Baslow Village Hall
6 miles. Uphill climb at start (Bar Hill up onto moorland, approx.1 mile); short, steep path up onto Birchen Edge; uphill, but fairly gentle walk through the wood below Jack’s Flat, on return. Conditions underfoot were good when the walk was reccied, but it could be boggy on the access land if we have any lengthy periods of rain.
Meet in the Pay and display car park, next to the Baslow Village Hall (DE45 1SR), for a prompt 10.30 start. Parking is £5.50 for the day, and there are public conveniences. The dog friendly Cafe on the Green is open at 9.30, for anyone looking for breakfast or a hot drink. Be warned that they will only take card payments for £10 or more.
The hyke begins with walk up Bar Hill, to reach the moorland above Baslow, where a “catch your breath break” is recommended, to have a coffee stop and take in the views. From here, we walk the path past the Wellington monument, along the pasture of Jack’s Flat where wild looking Highland cattle sometimes graze, down to the busy Sheffield Road (A621). Crossing over, we walk up onto access land and take the path towards Birchen Edge, where we will find Nelson’s monument and The Three Ships (no, it isn’t a pub!) and some excellent views. This is the suggested lunch stop and photo opportunity!
The path down from Birchen Edge down to the Robin Hood hamlet might be quite difficult for some, and poles are recommended. There is an alternative, which we can discuss on the day. A short walk follows, (approx. 300m) alongside the A619, before we climb over the stile and pick up the path into Megwalls, which takes us through a small, but interesting, Neolithic enclosure to the Cat Stones. From here, we walk down through the wood, below Gardom’s Edge, to the busy Sheffield Road again, crossing over to pick up the path that will take us over a lovely stone footbridge and uphill through the wood below below Jack’s Flat, eventually bringing us back to the brow of Bar Hill for a nice downhill groove into Baslow.
Post-walk refreshments: The Cafe on the Green is open until 4pm and the Devonshire Arms, next door, is open all day.
Sunday 16th September. Manifold Tops
Meet in the National Trust courtyard (next to toilets) at Ilam Country Park DE6 2AZ. The car park is £5 for non members. 10.30am prompt start. 7 miles with wonderful views, but quite a challenging walk, several UPS and downs, some fairly steep. DOGS........there are 2 herds of cows/calves and bull on the side of the unfenced road and there is another herd in a large field.
SUNDAY 19TH AUGUST - AFTER-PARTY Hike
There will be a short (5 to 6 miles) hyke on Sunday, usual 10.30 start, back to the field for tea and cake at the end.
15th July, Monyash
Meet in Monyash (DE45 1JH) outside the Old Smithy Cafe for a 10.30 start.(some of us going early for breakfast)
The walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way. From here, we cross the fields towards Taddington, turning just above the village and heading along the track to Over Wheal and Deepdale (suggested lunch stop and the option of taking a shorter route back to Monyash). Taking the path out of Deepdale, we walk up a steep field to the village of Sheldon. We then walk out to the old Magpie Mine and back across the fields to Monyash. The full walk is 7.5 miles and roughly 5.5 on the shorter route. It can be quite muddy in places, following wet weather (ha! Ha), so please bear this in mind. Some stiles, but generally dog friendly. Cattle and sheep may be around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary.
The Old Smithy Cafe opens at 9 a.m. (if you fancy a bit of breakfast) until 5 p.m., for refreshments. Alternatively, The Bull's Head is open all day, serving tea and coffee (and alcohol!). There is a small car park in the village and plenty of on-street parking.Sue
17th June, Val and Sue. Baslow
Meet: In the Pay & Display car park (£5.50 per day) next to Baslow Village Hall DE45 1SR (There is also various - but limited, on-street parking nearby)
Facilities: toilets in the car park, café, pub and sandwich shop adjacent.
Length: 6.5 Miles
We start with an uphill walk of approx. 1 mile to reach the moorland and Wellington Monument. From here the paths level out and we pass Eagle Rock following Baslow Edge, Curbar Edge, then on towards Froggatt Edge. There are fabulous views of the valley and Chatsworth House from here.After a lunch stop, we descend through woodland to the Derwent River and valley below, culminating in a lovely riverside walk through fields and woodlands, then back into Baslow.
NB. The first 50m of the descent after lunch is very rocky, so boots and poles (if you have them) are advised - it could be very slippery and a bit muddy, if wet.
Sue & Val xx:-)
Sunday 20th May 2018, Hartington
NB the A610 has been closed for road works west of Ripley, please check before you set out if you are coming that way.
Meet in Hartington (SK17 0AS) in front of the public toilets which are next door to a nice cafe/shop if you want a coffee or to stock up on home made cake before we start!http://www.hartingtonvillage.com/city/hartington-farm-shop-and-cafe/
The pay and display car park is opposite (£5.50 for the day, coins only, or its free in the village if you get there early enough to get a space). 7 miles
We will walk out through Beresford dale then south to Alstonefield across fields before descending into Wolsfcote dale to return to Hartington.
There are a couple of short ascents and one very steep descent, bring walking poles if you’re not so fond of downhill!
There are several stretches of fields full of new born lambs, dogs need to be on leads please.
Hartington has a variety of amenities, cafes, pubs and cheese shop! to refuel us on our return.
Sunday 15th April 2018 Youlgreave
UPDATE....The A610 is closed for road works west of Ripley..this is the road from junction 26 past IKEA
Starting at Coldwell End car park at the far end of Youlgreave village Main St DE45 1UW. Car park costs £2. There are toilets at the start of the walk.
This is a lovely 7 mile walk which follows a concession path in Lathkill Dale down into dales with tumbling water and over hills with panoramic views. There is one steepish climb at start of the walk and a descent down a path with slabs which can be slippy when wet.
We end the walk at a newly opened tea shop in Youlgreave for tea and cakes. Sally-
15th March CANCELLED Monyash
CHANGE OF PLAN....We are relocating to Cromford tomorrow........in the hope we can still get a walk!!
Sue and I are going to breakfast in Awkwright’s Cafe in the Mill Yard.......it opens at 9 and serves “hearty breakfasts”....so either join us there or meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ for a prompt 10.30 start. http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570. There is some free street parking for early birds or ample parking. £4 for the day. The walk will be 6 to 7 mile..........we know it will be muddy so be prepared.
THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR SUNDAY IS NOT GOOD...WE WILL POST HERE AND ON FACEBOOK/LINKNOTTS TO CONFIRM WHETHER WE ARE WALKING. MO
Meet in Monyash (DE45 1JH) outside the Old Smithy Cafe for a 10.30 start.
This walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way. From here, we cross the fields towards Taddington, turning just above the village and heading along the bridleway to Over Wheal and down to Deepdale, from where there is the option of taking a shorter route back to Monyash.
Taking the path out of Deepdale, we walk up a steep field to the village of Sheldon. We then walk out to the old Magpie Mine (place of interest and nice coffee stop!) then back across the fields to Monyash.
The full walk is 7.5 miles and roughly 6 miles on the shorter route. The ground was frozen when I reccied it last week. If the milder weather returns, it will probably be really muddy in places, so please bear this in mind. Also, some muck spreading had taken place, which left a lingering aroma, wherever I went... Hopefully, the muck will have been subsumed nicely into the soil by the time we walk. There are some stiles, but it is generally dog friendly. Cattle and sheep may be around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary.
I stopped for lunch in the field just above the bridleway leading to Over Wheal. There are some rocks there, which are ideal for resting and from where the views are beautiful – in good weather. Obviously, if the cows are there, we will have to either hunker down in the field below, or wait until we get further along towards Over Wheal. Decision on the day!
The Old Smithy Cafe opens at 9 a.m. (if you fancy a bit of breakfast) and closes at 5 p.m., for refreshments. Alternatively, The Bull's Head is open all day, serving tea and coffee (and alcohol!).
The public village public conveniences are closed, as they are seasonal, but there is a toilet in the cafe and plenty of opportunities en route, should nature call!
There is a small, honesty box car park in the village and plenty of on-street parking.
I will post any further updates, should they arise.
Sue
Sunday 18th February Radcliffe on Trent
The walk starts at Radcliffe on Trent Railway station car park just off Shelford Road, Radcliffe on Trent Postcode NG12 2AJ. The walk is 6 miles exactly, mainly flat with no steep bits (apart from some steps which are optional – see below). The start of the walk is near a main road so dogs on leads at this point.
About 10 mins walk from the train station, which takes us through a housing estate, we take a path onto The Trent Valley way. Here there are views of the river. Within about 20 mins walk we will take a small detour to an area called The Cliff where we will take some steps down to the River Trent and to a weir. Dogs might be best on leads at this point, especially if they’re prone to jumping into water. We eventually take some steps back up to return to the Trent Valley Way.
We eventually turn left onto Stoke Ferry Lane and continue on the Trent Valley Way to Shelford. Once at Shelford, we take a public footpath through No Joke Plantation (I am not joking). We eventually retrace our steps onto the Tent Valley way again and then back to the Railway Station. There are plenty of coffee and cake shops in Radcliffe where we can reward ourselves with cake and hot drinks. Sue P
21st January 2018. Woodhouse Eaves
Meet in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall car park. LE12 8RZ (grid reference SK531144) for a 7.5 mile walk up 3 Hills..Windmill, Beacon and Buck. It’s January so there will be mud.
17th December Cromford
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ.
http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570.
There is some free street parking for early birds or ample parking. £4 for the day. A 6 mile stroll through Lea Bridge and past Florence Nightingale’s family home. Return along the Cromford Canal. If we time it right we will meet Santa on board the trip boat Birdswood. A pleasant walk with very little mud!! There are a few stiles and only a few sheep so the walk is generally dog friendly. Cromford Mill has plenty of Xmas activity and interesting shops. Do hope you will join me. Mo
27th December - Rowsley
WEDNESDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2017. Christine will be leading the crimble bimble...a joint Sheffield/Nottingham walk from Rowsley .
http://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close, Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. Grid Ref SK 257 658 White Peak map OL24. This is not the Caudwell Mill car park which is marked on the OS map. Old Station Close is off the A6 in Rowsley between the Grouse & Claret hotel and the road that goes through Chatsworth Park. From Bakewell look out for the Grouse & Claret on the left and then it's next on the right. Coming from Baslow through Chatsworth, turn right onto the A6 and it's immediately on the left. Coming from Matlock its on the left just after the right turn to Chatsworth. There is a small P and recycling sign.
7 mile walk over Stanton Moor and around Birchover, featuring standing stones, stone circle, great views, nice woodland. Some ups and downs but not too strenuous. Christine
19th November, Crich
Meet in the Market square in Crich for a 13km (8 mile) hike.
We will walk up to Crich monument then explore further north and west, up to Wheatcroft then south-east to Park Head and Mill Green. Footpaths cross mainly farmland with some livestock and occasional muddy patches, dogs will need to be on leads some of the time. Some rather narrow squeeze stiles. It is an undulating walk with ups and downs, only one short, really steep section.
Beautiful views and a lovely cafe at the end.
Opportunity to cut the walk short and save about 1 mile.
Celia and Linda
15th October, Longnor
Meet at market square outside Longnor Craft Centre and Coffee Shop. SK17 0NT, grid reference OL 24 Peak District SK089649. Some parking available at market square, otherwise plenty of street parking close by. There are toilets at start.
A lovely eight mile walk from Longnor in the heart of the Peak District. We walk to Glutton Dale and Dowel Dale, circling Hollins Hill, Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill via the village of Hollingsclough. The walk is along field paths (some grazing cattle), quiet lanes and farm tracks - some of which can be wet and muddy. There is one short, steep descent. There are a few stiles but should not be a problem for dogs.
Sally Bull
17th September - Wetton village, Staffs
Start: Free car park on the south side of Wetton village, Carr Lane, GR OL24 SK108553. (Postcode for satnav DE6 2AF, this is the centre of the village go down Carr Lane to find the car park)
This is a lovely varied White Peak walk with a mix of field paths, woodland, dry dales and a visit to Dovedale. There will be great views for most of the day. From Wetton we take the high path above the river that flows down through Ilam, but drop down gradually ( one short steep section) into Hall Dale and then into Dovedale. From Milldale we climb back up onto the tops ( short steep up section ), skirt Alstonefield village and the side of Wetton Hill, and arrive back in time for tea or a drink. Around 7-8 miles, about 250m of ascent and descent.
There is a Camping Women weekend at nearby Heathy Roods Farm at Butterton, only a couple of miles away, if anyone wants to make a weekend of it.
Yvonne
20th August - Beresford Dale and tea party at Mo's caravanMeet at the entrance to Beresford Lane Farm, SK17 0HQ (parking in yard) on the way down to Beresford Dale, near Hartington. (GR117584). If you get to the river you have gone too far !! There will be a 6/7 mile walk (with shorter version available) to Wetton and return along Back of Ecton. Some mud unless we have a heatwave. Toilet at farm and in Wetton. Several awkward stiles and nettles!! Then afternoon tea at Mo's caravan! (cakes/scones welcome!). Mo
16th July Carsington Water
Meet at the main car park at Carsington Reservoir, outside the Visitor Centre DE6 1ST.
We will walk over the hill to Brassington and then back for tea or ice creams. Pay and Display car park,(£4.50 for full day) toilets at start. 6-7 miles. Celia/Linda
18th June Pilsbury horseshoe. Meet at the duckpond in Hartington SK17 0AL for a six mile hyke, plenty ups and downs!! Val and Sue
May 2017
Meet at Ticknall Village Hall car park. Rose Lane, Ticknall DE73 7JW for an 8 mile walk.
This 8 mile walk starts at Ticknall Village Hall where there are toilets and a free car park (although they like you to make a donation). If the car park is busy, there is space on the road to park. Ingleby Road, which leads to the Village Hall car park is opposite the Wheel Inn public house so is easy to find.
The first section of the walk follows the National Forest Way starting off through fields and farm tracks and joining the path by Foremark Reservoir. The footpaths are excellent and there are no stiles on this section. At about the 2.5 mile mark, there are more toilets and a little cafe.
We will walk alongside Foremark Reservoir and go through some lovely woods along the shoreline. Paths are very good and dry!
The next section crosses farmland and goes through another wooded area. From here on there are a number of stiles but nearly all are low level and well maintained. There is a little muddy section in the wood but nothing that a good pair of boots can't cope with.
The path emerges at the edge of Calke Abbey estate and we will walk around the edge of the park, avoiding the madding crowds. Hopefully, the bluebells will still be there. They are spectacular this year!
We will leave the Calke estate and take a footpath back to the village. From here there are views over Staunton Reservoir. This final section also takes in the Ticknall Lime Kilns (SSSI) before we emerge back into the village. There is a tea shop close to the car park (approx 150m) and it is open until 4pm. It sells hot & cold food and cakes etc.
This is relatively flat, varied walk with spectacular views, two reservoirs, woods and rolling hills. There are a couple of places where you can take a short cut back to the village (at approx 6 miles). Julie and Amanda
16th April EASTER SUNDAY. Gunthorpe, Hoveringham and Caythorpe
We will meet at Biondo Bistro car park by the River Trent at 10.15 for a 10.30 am set off. It's free parking. Postcode NG14 7FB. Website www.biondibistro.co.uk
This is a 6 mile walk which takes in Gunthorpe Lock along the River Trent, Hoveringham and Caythorpe. This is a very flat walk through river meadow and along field headlands. The walk is within a popular walking area and on well maintained paths with lots of interest along the way, including pubs and cafes.
There are lots of stiles and some of the paths were quite muddy in parts so boots needed especially if there's more rain. Also, we pass through a farm which has sheep and lambs (when I did the recce on 25th March) so dogs on leads at this point. We will also be walking along roads for a small part of the walk and crossing roads. So again dogs on leads at this point.
Sue P.
19th March - Sue L. Monyash
Meet in Monyash (DE45 1JH) outside the Old Smithy Cafe for a 10.30 start.
The walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way. From here, we cross the fields towards Taddington, turning just above the village and heading along the track to Over Wheal and Deepdale (suggested lunch stop and the option of taking a shorter route back to Monyash).
Taking the path out of Deepdale, we walk up a steep field to the village of Sheldon. We then walk out to the old Magpie Mine and back across the fields to Monyash.
The full walk is 7.5 miles and roughly 5.5 on the shorter route. It can be quite muddy in places, following wet weather, so please bear this in mind. Some stiles, but generally dog friendly. Cattle and sheep may be around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary.
The Old Smithy Cafe opens at 9 a.m. (if you fancy a bit of breakfast) until 5 p.m., for refreshments. Alternatively, The Bull's Head is open all day, serving tea and coffee (and alcohol!).
There is a small car park in the village and plenty of on-street parking.
Sue
19th February - Mo, Cromford
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ. http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570.
There is some free street parking for early birds or ample parking. £4 for the day. 7 mile through Cromford up to Black Rocks, Cromford Moor, High Peak Junction and Cromford Canal then to Lea Bridge. A lovely varied walk. There are a few stiles but walk is generally dog friendly. There is some mud as the mountain bikers have been out on Cromford Moor (poles helpful!)...unless there has been a very very hard frost. Apart from that the walk is very good underfoot. Mo
Sunday 15th January 2017 - Trowell
Start at Trowell Garden Centre, Stapleford Rd, Trowell, Nottingham NG9 3TG.
A gentle start to the new year with an easy ramble round the countryside just west of Nottingham city. We will walk through farmland to the old villages of Strelley and Cossall and then back to Trowell via the old Nottingham canal, now disused. A flat walk along reasonable paths so if you haven't been with us for a while or want to come and see what the group is like, it's a good one to start with. 7 miles with the excellent garden centre cafe at the end! A couple of stiles but pretty dog friendly, horses but no other livestock and only one very short muddy section.
Celia .
TUESDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2016. Christine will be leading the crimble bimble...a joint Sheffield/Nottingham walk from Rowsley .
http://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close, Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. Grid Ref SK 257 658 White Peak map OL24. This is not the Caudwell Mill car park which is marked on the OS map. Old Station Close is off the A6 in Rowsley between the Grouse & Claret hotel and the road that goes through Chatsworth Park. From Bakewell look out for the Grouse & Claret on the left and then it's next on the right. Coming from Baslow through Chatsworth, turn right onto the A6 and it's immediately on the left. Coming from Matlock its on the left just after the right turn to Chatsworth. There is a small P and recycling sign.
7 mile walk over Stanton Moor and around Birchover, featuring standing stones, stone circle, great views, nice woodland. Some ups and downs but not too strenuous. Christine
Sunday 18th December - Matlock
Start at Matlock Station Car Park DE4 3NA. Cost is £5.50 for a days parking - not the cheapest I am afraid. Prompt 10.30am start. This is a lovely 61/2 mile walk on good paths with a fair few ups and downs. There are some stiles but all are dog friendly. From Matlock we walk to Lumsdale and then onto Tansley before climbing up to Riber Castle. There are great views on our return of Matlock's impressive limestone gorge. There are toilets at the start of the walk and we will have tea and cakes at the Cafe in the Park in Matlock. Sally -
20th November Ruth Rigby . Creswell Crags. S80 3LH
Meet at Creswell Crags Visitor Centre S80 3LH http://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/ (parking £3) for a prompt 10.30 start. Easy 7.5 miles with very few muddy patches! Loos and tea shop in visitor centre. Very few stiles. Unfortunately the walk goes away from the Crags but if there is time and energy at the end then a short walk to the Crags is recommended. Ruth.
16th October Marian. Shipley Park and Woodside Nature Reserve.
Meet for 10.30 start at Ilkeston Hospital on the A6007 between Ilkeston and Heanor. DE7 8LN
Grid reference: SK471435...NOTE........THE ROAD IS THE A6007 (NOT THE A609 AS PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED)
On leaving the main road, turn right around the car park and go to the far end of the site. Park next to the resource centre at the back of the hospital. FREE PARKING
7 miles, passing Shipley Common, West Hallam and Mapperly village. Lunch by Mapperly reservoir. Refreshments at Nutbrook Coffee Shop. No vehicular access. 20 mins from cars.
Mixture of tarmac and gravelled tracks, fields and grass paths, tiny bit of road. Some fields containing stock. Several stiles. Mostly flat - walking poles probably redundant.
Marian
18th September Mount St Bernard Abbey
Mount St Bernard's abbey, Oaks Road, Coalville, Leicestershire. LE67 5UL
Meet in the car park at 10.20 (please give £1 donation in the honesty box) for a 10:30 start.
The 7 mile walk takes in Warren Hills, Bardon hill (short but steep), Timberwood hills and Charnwood nature reserve.
We will have tea and cake afterwards at the abbey tea rooms. Julie
Sunday 21st August, Newbold Coleorton Leics
Start at 87 Worthington Lane, Newbold Coleorton, Leics, LE67 8PJ. (First house on the right if you are coming from Worthington or the last on left if you approach through the village.) This is the site of our 25th anniversary party. Cream tea available on return but you MUST order in advance, £3. Please book by 14th August by emailing [email protected].
Sunday 17th July Monyash.
Meet in Monyash DE45 1JH on the village green for a 10:30 start.
(7.5 miles approx.) down Lathkill Dale, (slippery limestone if wet, plus nettles) then to Haddon Grove, Sheldon and return. Some cows......but detours available......walking poles recommended.
The Old Smithy Cafe is on the village green and open from 9am (if you fancy a cooked breakfast) until 5pm for post-walk refreshments. Alternatively, The Bulls Head is open all day and serves tea or coffee. There is a very small car park in the village and also on street parking. Mo
19th June ..The Roaches and Lud's Church
A lovely (7.5 miles approx.) walk amidst jagged gritstone crags with great views across the Staffordshire Moorlands. Some uphill walking at the start, but reasonable once up on the ridge.
Meet at the start of the footpath (grid ref. SK006618) that points to the dip between Hen Cloud and The Roaches for a prompt 10:30 start - an approximate postcode, for location only, is ST13 8UA. Please be aware that it is a little... further up from the track that is signposted for Roaches Hall. Car sharing and an early arrival should be considered, where possible, as designated roadside parking is limited; cars have been ticketed on Saturdays and it might not be an issue on Sundays - but you never know!
Conditions underfoot are usually good, if the weather has been dry, but can be tricky in places if it has rained, so walking poles might be a good idea, as some areas might be slippery.
There are a couple of options for those who may prefer a shorter version of the walk: return, via the road, at Roach End, or meet us at Roach End, by the ice cream van (where we'll have a lunch break) and walk to Lud's Church from there.
The Roaches Tearoom is open from 9am and serves a good breakfast, for anyone wishing to indulge, pre-walk. They also have a pretty good selection of cakes (for later) and a toilet!
Sue
15th May. Calver Bridge
Meet at the Derbyshire Craft Centre tea rooms, Calver Bridge, S32 3XA . Park nearby, not in the tea room car park (GR248745).http://www.derbyshirecraftcentre.co.uk. Walking up to Baslow Edge and along Curbar and Froggatt Edges, through the woods and back along the river. 8 miles, one steep up and one steep down (pus undulations of course) Small number of stiles, dogs will need to be on leads for quite a lot of the walk. Jane and Jane
17th April 2016. Bakewell
Meet outside Cotswold Outdoors, Bridge St, Bakewell DE45 1DS to be away by
10.30am. We will walk out of Bakewell up and over Castle Hill Golf Course and up to Ballcross Farm - it is up! Once up top we walk over to Edensor a pretty village on the Chatsworth Estate.
At Edensor we will head right and up to Calton Houses (opportunity for a short cut back to Bakewell - bring a OS map if you want to follow a short cut) and then walk through a lamb filled field up to Lees Moor Wood. After this it is virtually all downhill or flat as we head towards Haddon Hall and then taking a lovely walk parallel to the River Wye and heading into Bakewell
Mileage is 7.5 miles - it's lambing so please put dogs on leads when appropriate. few stiles and lots of great views
Afterwards suggest meet in The Peacock Inn, Bridge St, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1DS for tea and coffee or something stronger. (can't we have a Bakewell Tart? Mo) Leader Sally Moore
20th March 2016 - Eyam
Meet at the large coach car park in Eyam S32 5QP, (it has public toilets and is free) for a 7 mile ramble to Stoney Middleton up Coombs Dale and back via Foolow. There are a couple of short steep sections and some farmland so dogs will have to be on leads for some sections. Choice of tea, real ale and cheese shops in Eyam on our return and there should be time to explore this fascinating village. Celia and Linda
21st February 2016. Cromford.
Meet outside the toilets at Cromford Mill for start of walk. Cromford Mill car park DE4 3RQ. http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570. There is ample parking at the mill and also on the car park opposite. £3.60 for the day. 6 mile walk climbing out of Cromford to join the Midshires Way and then returning along the Cromford Canal for 3 miles. There are a few stiles but walk is generally dog friendly. There a couple of short muddy sections (surprise!) but apart from that the walk is very good underfoot. There is a tea shop on our return.
17th January 2016: Mountsorrel
Meet at Stonehurst farm Tea shop car park LE12 7AA
ONS 246 Loughborough, grid ref 154576
7 mile walk over Castle Hill, by Swithland reservoir, Buddon wood, through Quorn to Barrow on Soar following the canal towpath back to Mountsorrel. The walk is mainly flat with one hill at the beginning. There are a few stiles but mainly dog friendly. It might be muddy. A walk of contrasts: woods, canal and Leicestershire villages.
Julie and Helen
Sunday 27th December 2015...CRIMBLE BIMBLE
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close, Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. Grid Ref SK 257 658 White Peak map OL24. This is not the Caudwell Mill car park which is marked on the OS map. Old Station Close is off the A6 in Rowsley between the Grouse & Claret hotel and the road that goes through Chatsworth Park. From Bakewell look out for the Grouse & Claret on the left and then it's next on the right. Coming from Baslow through Chatsworth, turn right onto the A6 and it's immediately on the left. Coming from Matlock its on the left just after the right turn to Chatsworth. There is a small P and recycling sign.
7 mile walk over Stanton Moor and around Birchover, featuring standing stones, stone circle, great views, nice woodland. Some ups and downs but not too strenuous. We are looking for a possible 5 mile shortcut..keep an eye on this website for more information. ............WE HAVE DECIDED AGAINST A SHORT CUT BUT IF THE WEATHER IS POOR ETC WE WILL RECONSIDER FOR ALL OF US
We will be returning via Caudwells Mill teashop. Walk led by Christine
Sunday 15th November
Tissington, Parwich and Bradbourne circular. A lovely walk around the gentle valleys and picturesque villages of the south Peak District. The walking is mostly through fields, but with great views and interesting churches and villages along the way. Most of the stiles are gap stiles in walls, with a few low step over stiles. There are 4 ascents and descents to cross valleys, but by Peak District standard they’re gentle(ish) and short(ish). Tearooms in Tissington, pub and village shop in Parwich. Meet at the Tissington Trail pay and display car park at the SE corner of Tissington village ( v. limited free parking elsewhere in the village ). OL 24 map GR177 522. Postcode for centre of village DE6 1RA. Distance 8 miles, tho’ we’ll do a 6 1/2 mile version if it’s raining or very muddy underfoot.
Yvonne.
Sunday 18th October. GRINDLEFORD STATION
A lovely walk up through the woods around Bole Hill quarry then onto the moor and over Higger tor before continuing round and along Burbage edge and back down through Padley Gorge. Autumn colours in the woodland and great views across the moorland.
We start and finish (hopefully) at the famous Grindleford station cafe, a local institution and unreconstructed good value greasy spoon. Meet early by 09.45 for breakfast if you fancy fuelling up before the hike. 10km by my map measurer, 10.7 by Linda's gps on the pre-walk. That's about 6.7 miles. It's mostly fairly easy going but there are a couple of short steep uphill sections and a bit of scrambling around the rocks. Stiles are all gates, so dog friendly, but on the open access land dogs need to be kept on the lead. Toilets at the cafe, 20p if you are not buying anything.
Address: Station Road, Grindleford, S32 2HY.
Celia.
Sunday 20th September
Start at Ashover (just off the A 632 Matlock - Chesterfield Road. GR349634) Park in free car park outside the Ashover Parish Hall / Tennis courts S45 0BA (up Dovecotes and Milken Road with the Black Swan on the corner). 7 miles. Many stiles (mostly squeeze-styles but some climbing) and some stock grazing in fields. Interesting and varied walk. Jane and Jane 0771 048 5991Sunday 16th August. Beresford Dale.
Meet at the entrance to Beresford Lane farm, SK17 0HQ (parking in yard) on the way down to Beresford Dale, near Hartington. (GR117584). If you get to the river you have gone too far - turn round and go back up the road. There will be a 6 mile walk (with a slightly shorter version). There is one steep climb, several stiles (sorry Sue/Sally) and then afternoon tea at Mo's caravan! (offers to provide cake/scones welcome!). Mo P.S. for those new to this annual event (Annie etc!!) not everyone has to bring a cake...although you may want to bring a camping chair and a mug..but I do have 17 mugs!! Cakes are left in cars or the caravan for the duration of the walk.
Sunday 19th July. Monyash.
Meet in Monyash DE45 1JH on the village green for a 10:30 start. The walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way. From here, we cross the fields towards Taddington, turning off just above the village and heading along the track to Over Wheal and Deep Dale (suggested lunch stop). Taking the path out of Deep Dale, we walk up to the village of Sheldon (nice pub - Cock and Pullet). We then take the path through the Magpie Mine and back across the fields into Monyash, via a short stretch of road walking at the very end.
7.5 miles, fairly flat for most of it. Good conditions underfoot on the day of the reccie, but has been known to be pretty muddy in places after rain. Some stiles, but quite dog friendly. Cattle and sheep are around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary.
The Old Smithy Cafe is open from 9am (if you fancy a cooked breakfast) until 5pm for post-walk refreshments. Alternatively, The Bulls Head is open all day and serves tea or coffee. There is a very small car park in the village and also on street parking.
Sue
Sunday 21st June. Youlgreave
Starting at Coldwell End car park at the far end of Youlgreave village on right hand side when approaching Youlgreave from the A6. Car park costs £2.50 if I remember right and there are toilets. This is a lovely 7 mile walk which follows a concession path in Lathkill Dale down into dales with tumbling water and over hills with panoramic views. There is one steepish climb at start of the walk and a descent down a path with slabs which can be slippy when wet. We end the walk at The Farmyard Inn in Youlgreave for tea and cakes, or a pint if that fits the bill. Sally - 07969747325 and Sue West
Sunday 17th May. Rowsley
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. 6.5 mile walk above Haddon Hall, and overlooking Bakewell and across Calton Pastures to Calton Lees. Hoping the bluebells will still be in flower. Returning to Caudwells Mill teashop. http://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/ Mo and Ruth .
Sunday 19th April Tissington
Starting from the P&D car park on the Tissington trail at Tissington. Off the A515 just north of Ashbourne. Car park charge £4.50 for the day. There are toilets at the car park, and a snack cabin. We will walk over the fields to Parwich then head WNW across country to join the trail near Biggin and walk back from there. Tea shop at the end, Herbert's Fine English Tearooms at Tissington Hall (Sounds posh, but they do welcome muddy boots!) We cross quite a few fields so it will be muddy unless we get a lot of dry weather in the next two weeks and as it is lambing time, dogs will have to be kept on leads most of the way. Short steepish uphill stretch near the beginning then fairly gentle. 7.5 miles long. Opportunity to do a shorter 4.5 mile walk will be available - bring your own map and we can show you the way back.
Linda email [email protected]
15th March 2015
Station Road, Bakewell DE45 1G something!! usual 10.30 start.
OS Map: Explorer OL 24
Map Ref: SK 220 687
The walk starts at the car park at the bottom of Station Road, cost £5. This a gentle walk under 8 miles taking in a large amount of the local railway heritage. We walk up Station Road to the station and then onto the Monsal Trail making our way past Hassop station and towards the Headstone tunnel, which was reopened to the public in 2011. When we come out of the tunnel we take the path immediately to the right and begin the shortish steep ascent up to Monsal Head. If you like we can have a cuppa at Hobb's cafe or just sit at the top and take in the views. We then go to little Longstone through to great Longstone. Be aware you will need gaiters as it is very muddy. We walk through the village and walk up Mires Lane and through a field and head towards Toll Bar House and the final leg back to Bakewell. Izzy
15th February 2015
Sunday 15th February Catch the 11.08 steam train to Loughborough (arrive 11.15) from Quorn and Woodhouse station and walk along the canal and through green lanes back to Quorn and Woodhouse..6 miles. The route avoids a lot of mud but there are some patches..lets hope for a frosty day!! There are no stiles and it is flat!! Buy your train ticket at the station..£3 and £2 for dogs. Meet beforehand in the Butler Henderson Cafe in (free) station car park LE12 8AW. www.gcrailway.co.uk. Can't wait for latecomers...but could meet us at Loughborough Great Central station at 11.15........not the main line!! Mo
Sunday 18 January 2015
A ramble rather than a hike!
A 6 mile walk taking in Foremark reservoir and Anchor church - a sandstone crag overlooking the River Trent. An early Christian church hewn from the rock.
Meet at John Thompson pub Ingleby village DE73 7HW from Swarkestone on the A514/B5008. Please park at the far end of car park from pub. The landlord has agreed to let us park. We will have lunch overlooking Foremark reservoir. Gently undulating countryside. There is a short section by the Trent which is narrow with a steep drop.
ONS 245 the National Forest grid reference 268354 Julie
Sunday 21st December 2014
10.30 am start. Meet in the Cromford Mill courtyard outside loos and cafe. Mill Lane, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3RQ for a six mile hyke. There is some free street parking for the early birds plus at least 3 car parks so bring some coins. http://cromfordmills.org.uk. . see http://www.nottinghamhd.org.uk/. Izzy
Walk leader: Sue L
Meet at Curbar Gap Pay and display car par on Clodhall Lane, for a prompt 10.30 start.
The postcode is: S32 3YR but that may not be that accurate, so it is best to use the what3words link is: https://w3w.co/windows.fountain.precluded
Parking charges and payment options: the web suggests £3.50-£4 for the day, and mobile data reception is difficult so take case incase, but there are sometimes spaces along the roadside if you arrive early enough. There are no public conveniences.
The walk begins with walk across Baslow Edge, passing the Eagle Stone and the Wellington monument. We then walk along the pasture of Jack Flat where wild looking Highland cattle sometimes graze, and down to the busy Sheffield Road (A621). Crossing over, we walk up onto access land and take the path towards Birchen Edge, where we will find Nelson’s monument and The Three Ships (no, it isn’t a pub!) and some excellent views. This is the suggested lunch stop and photo opportunity!
The path down from Birchen Edge down to the Robin Hood hamlet is very steep and might be quite difficult for some, so poles are recommended. A short walk follows, (approx. 300m) alongside the A619, before we climb over the stile and pick up the path into Megwalls, which takes us through a small, but interesting, Neolithic enclosure to the Cat Stones. From here, we walk down through the wood below Gardom’s Edge, to the busy Sheffield Road again, crossing over to pick up the path that will take us over a lovely stone footbridge and uphill through the wood below below Jack Flat, eventually bringing us back to Baslow Edge, where we will walk back to Curbar Gap.
Post-walk refreshments: The café at Derbyshire Craft Centre for tea/coffee and cake is open until 5.30 pm.
Sunday 16th March, 2025: Hartington to Pilsbury Circuit. Walk leader: Yvonne
The post code is: SK17 0AL and the What3words link is: https://w3w.co/willpower.decorate.file
On street parking can be found in and around the market place. Hartington public toilets are a little further down Mill Lane at: https://w3w.co/squeaking.slid.punks
Meet by the seats at the duck pond in the middle of the Village Green, for a prompt 10.30 start.
We will walk clockwise around the Dove Valley: up to Sheen and then around to Pilsbury, returning back into Hartington via Carder Low. The walk is around 7.5/8 miles, with around 200m ascent over the day, mostly in two climbs, with a few other ups and downs.
There are a number of stone stiles on the walk, some of which are quite high. We also walk through a couple of fields with cattle/sheep. It is lambing season so dogs will need to be on a lead.
Notts HD Lite
For those of you wishing to do a shorter walk, there is a there and back route, details of which will be given on the day.
Tea, cakes and ice creams will be available at Hartington Farm shop and café
Sunday 16th February, 2025: Tissington & Eaton Dale. Walk leader: Deborah
We start in Tissington which is a picturesque Estate Village, five miles north of the market town of Ashbourne. Tissington Hall - a central attraction in the village – was built in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert to replace the moated fortification that guarded the Norman Church of St Mary’s in the centre of the village.
The post code for directions is DE6 1PA.
The What3words link is: https://w3w.co/dove.aged.lilac
Meet for a prompt 10.30 start in the pay and display car park in Tissington where there are also toilets. Parking costs for the day is £4.75 (card & cash) or £5.15 (Ringo). Don’t park on the bank opposite the Hall as this is 2 hours free only and you will get a ticket.
The walk is a 8.2 miles, with one steep climb around an hour in, and another long but steady climb later in the walk, but otherwise a bit of up and down and flat, on good trails including an old disused railway track. There are quite a few stone squeeze stiles, and about 4 stone step and wooden stiles, but none too high or difficult. A few fields have grazing sheep and one has a very quiet horse, so dogs on leads for those bits. The areas leading up to gates can be very wet and muddy, so sticks are helpful then, but otherwise not needed.
We head away from Tissington through the Norman Church of St Mary’s yard and over some fields to join a track that leads us over the old railway line and into rolling hills. The trail follows the Limestone Way into Parwich. We will stop just beyond here for an early lunch (after which the Notts HD lite group will head off in a different direction) and then out towards Alsop Moor, where we join up with the Tissington Trail on the disused railway, to work our way back to Tissington. The scenery is less diverse (mostly rolling hills) but has great long views over the numerous valleys and is very quiet, so good for walking and talking.
Sunday 19th January, 2025: Magpie Mine and Deepdale. Walk Leader: Sally
Meet on the village green (at the junction of Fennel St, Buxton Road and Vicarage Lane) in Ashford-in-the Water. There is a very small car park (honesty box £2 for parking/20p for toilets) on Court Lane. The post code for the car park is: DE45 1QGand the what3words link is: https://w3w.co/strapped.superhero.ruler but there's lots of street parking in the village.
Arrive early for a prompt 10.30 start.
The walk is 6 1/2 miles with a lite walk just over 4 miles. There is a stiff climb out of Ashford-in-the Water with fabulous views over the valley. We head towards Magpie Mine where we will have an earlyish lunch.
Magpie mine was the last working lead mine in the Derbyshire ore field and is one of the best surviving examples in the UK, of a 19th century lead mine. The mine has a fascinating history spanning more than 200 years of bonanzas and failures, of bitter disputes and fights resulting in the “murder” of three miners, and a Widows’ Curse that is said to remain to this day. It is very atmospheric whatever the weather.
The walk then descends steeply to Deepdale, goes through woodland before descending again to the River Wye before meandering along the river back to Ashford. There are some high stone stiles to negotiate along the way.
The lite walkers will walk to the mine and return along the same route. (A circular lite walk was recced but was not appropriate due to a very steep descent along a slippery woodland path).
For those who would like refreshments at the end of the walk we will be going to The Ashford Arms which has a heated outdoor area which is dog friendly.
Sunday 15th December, 2024: Cromford Mills: Walk leader: Mo
Here are the details of our December walk.
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill. The post code is: DE4 3RQ and the what3words link is: https://w3w.co/butterfly.constrain.shrubbery
Approaching from Cromford the first car park on the right plus the main car park on the left are £5 (cash or card). The second car park on the right “the Wharf” is £7 for the day. There might be some free street parking for the early birds, but it’s the Xmas Market so it will be busy!
The walk will start at 10.30am, so plan to get there at least 15 minutes before the start.
The lit walk is 4.5 miles and the longer walk about 6.5 miles. The plan is to walk together until lunch and then the HD lite walkers will split off and meet back at the Xmas market in the courtyard, so a good shopping opportunity at the end, and there are a number of places offering refreshments.
We look forward to seeing you there
Sunday 17th November, 2024: Baslow & Curbar Edge: Walk leader: Deborah
Here are the details of our November walk.
For those doing the longer walk, meet for a prompt 10.30 start in the pay and display car park, next to the Baslow Village Hall, where there are also toilets. The post code is DE45 1SR.
The What3words link is: https://w3w.co/sunshine.systems.submerged Parking costs around £6.20 for the day. YOU WILL NEED COINS as the card link has a very poor internet connection. There is some parking on the local roads, but it may be very busy at the weekend.
For those of you choosing the HD lite walk, details of starting point are shown below. We suggest you meet us at your different starting point at 11.40am.
The longer walk is quite a challenging 7 mile walk because of a couple of long, steep ascents and a fairly tricky and steep descent through woods over rocks. Good boots and sticks are a must.
We head up to the moorlands above Baslow. This is a long ascent (can be tiring) taking at least 45 mins. From here, we walk past the Wellington monument heading left along Baslow edge, until we meet Clodhall Lane. This is where we will meet up with HD lite hykers (see below for more details). Crossing over, we walk up onto Curbar Edge and carry on toward Froggatt, until we come to a walled enclosure. We will stop here to have lunch, after which HD lite hykers will return back along Curbar Edge to the car park. Those on the longer hyke will descend below the cliffs into the woods, crossing the A625 and heading to Froggatt Bridge, where we follow a riverside path through a pine forest and tree fringed meadows. There is one more long steep climb (15 mins) before we descend back to Baslow through fields and farmyards. If you have the OS map app, here is a link to the HD longer route
NOTTINGHAM HD LITE WALK
Having scouted the walk, we think that the long, steep climb at the beginning may well be too exhausting and the descent through the woods too challenging, so thought to offer this 3.5 mile flat-ish there-and-back-walk. If you are opting to do this walk, please can you let Deborah know before the day, by emailing us.
The parking for the HD lite walk is Curbar Gap Car Park, Eastern Moors, which can be reached on Clodhall Lane, Hope Valley S32 3YR. The what3words link is: https://w3w.co/coasting.glee.steepest and here is some information on Google maps about the car park.
For those of you choosing the HD lite walk, meet us at the starting point (yellow X) at around 11.40am. If you have the OS map app, here is a link to the saved HD lite route. There won’t be a HD lite leader, but the route is very straight forward, and we’ll provide a copy of the short route map for those walking it.
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Sunday 20th October, 2024: Market Bosworth, South West Leicestershire
Bosworth - but not a battle! Walk leader: Janina
The walk is about 7 miles of gentle, rolling countryside with a shorter ‘Lite’ walk of 5.5 miles. It is not a strenuous walk although there are a few quite challenging stiles.
Meet in Market Bosworth's Market Place, by the cross.
The post code is: CV13 0LE
The What3words link is: https://what3words.com/flattered.limits.headless
There is limited (free) on street parking in the town centre and a small pay-and-display car park in Rectory Lane. However, you may find it more convenient to park in the large pay-and-display car park in Market Bosworth Country Park, CV13 0LP or https://what3words.com/stealthier.leader.office where there are better public toilets than in the town centre. Whichever option you choose, if you require the toilets, please visit prior to meeting for a prompt 10.30am start.
To get from the Country Park to the start of the walk, turn left out of the car park and walk along The Park, taking the left fork of the one-way system along Rectory Lane. Turn right at Sutton Lane to enter the Market Place.
The outward section of the walk to Carlton (on the Leicestershire Round long-distance route) takes you across slightly hilly arable and pasture land with views from the higher ground. The return to Market Bosworth is a more difficult walk has several stiles and there may be some wet and muddy areas. There may also be livestock in some fields, so dogs will need to be on a lead.
After the walk, Market Bosworth has a variety of pubs, shops and cafés.
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Sunday 15th September, 2024: Hartington (8 miles). Walk leader Sally
Here are the details of our September walk.
Meet in middle of Hartington village outside Charles Cotton Pub in Lea Market Place. The post code is: SK17 0AL and the What3words link is: https://w3w.co/badly.hiking.manifests On street parking can be found in and around the market place.
There is a car park a few minutes on from this - Parsons Field Car Park: SK17 0BE or what3words: https://w3w.co/reduction.suggested.village but cost is £6.20 for the day. There are public toilets opposite the car park if needed, but please visit these prior to meeting for a prompt 10.30am start.
The walk is a lovely 8 mile walk. We start with a short climb out of Hartington then walk with fine views across the fields to see Sheen Hill in the distance. The route takes you via the old site of Pilsbury Castle, here you can see the earthworks of the motte and bailey castle, built partly on a limestone knoll. We continue walking towards the outskirts of Crowdecote. There is a short but steep climb up to a road (it may be muddy) with some road walking on a quiet country road. We end the walk with a lovely stretch back into Hartington.
There are a number of stone stiles on the walk, some of which are quite high. We also walk through a couple of fields with cattle/sheep so dogs will need to be on a lead.
Nottingham HD Lite
Those walkers wishing to do a shorter walk (approx 5 miles) will walk to Pilsbury (just before the castle remains) and will then divert to join the return route. The plan is to stop for lunch prior to the Lite walkers departing.
Tea, cakes and ice creams will be available at Hartington Farm shop and café.
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Sunday 18th August, Youlgreave Walk (7 miles). Walk Leader Sally
Here are the details of this month's walk:
Meet outside Youlgreave Youth Hostel for a prompt 10.30 start.
The postcode is: DE45 1UR and What3words: https://w3w.co/fairway.cemented.handfuls
Parking is available on street, or at Coldwell End car park at the far end of Youlgreave village Main St DE45 1UW - honesty box for donations. There are toilets at the start of the walk.
This is a lovely 7 mile walk which follows a concession path in Lathkill Dale down into dales with tumbling water and over hills with panoramic views. There is one steepish climb at start of the walk and a descent down a path with slabs which can be slippy when wet. We end the walk at a tea shop in Youlgreave for tea and cakes.
NOTTINGHAM HD LITE
Starting from this month, we are introducing an additional shorter route - ‘Nottingham HD Lite’ walk - of around 4 to 5 miles. The same arrangements as the regular walk apply; meeting outside the YHA and ending up in the same tea shop. Mo will lead this one but future walk leaders are needed. Spread the word to others who have dropped out of HD due to injury, ill health or old age.
Sunday 21st July, Butterton Walk (6 miles)
Here are the details of this month's walk:
Meet at Mo’s caravan on Wetton Road in Butterton for a prompt 10.30 start. Postcode: ST13 7ST. The entrance to the site is What3words: https://w3w.co/scribble.flows.sugar One of us will be at the entrance to wave you in.
The walk is about 6 miles (shorter routes are available) down to Wetton Mill then up to the Back of Ecton for wonderful views. There are some ups and downs so poles will be helpful. Also a few stiles but all manageable. If there are cows we can find an alternative route. Dogs will need to be on leads most of the time as there will be nesting birds.
Please bring a chair, mug and cakes to share for tea at the end, and let’s hope for good weather. There is camping (£5 per night) if you’d like to extend your stay.
Sunday 16th June, Five Dales Walk (7 miles)
Meet at the Fountain Square Church, High Street, Tideswell SK17 8JX at 10.15 for a prompt 10.30 start. What3words: https://w3w.co/stated.hobbyists.emails
There is a lot of on-street parking in the High Street and a couple of small car parks further back on Commercial Road (if you come in on the B6049). The public toilets are right beside the church, and there is a café at the turning of Commercial Road and the High Street called High Nelly’s Café for those who want a delicious breakfast before we set off. This café has delicious food for all diets.
The five dales that are featured in this walk are, in order, Tansley, Cressbrook, Water-cum-Jolly, Miller's and Tideswell, each attractive and with its own distinctive character. The walk begins at a fine church known as the 'Cathedral of the Peak' and there is evidence of former industrial activity along the banks of the Wye in the mills at Cressbrook and Litton. The section along the banks of the Wye through the adjacent Water-cum-Jolly and Miller's dales is outstandingly beautiful.
This is a very beautiful 6.5 mile walk, passing along dales, woods, rivers, babbling brooks and limestone cliffs. Overall this walk is easy, but there are some steep steps at the start, around five styles to get over (some high over walls), and two steep bits (one can be avoided). Most of the walk is on good paths (and a bit of road) but some bits can be muddy and slippery after rain, so sticks are handy (also for steep bits).
If you want details of the walk, it can be found in the Peak District Walks Pathfinder Guide (Walk 16), and also on OS maps (slightly different start). It looks possible to plot a shorter route for those who need one. Let us know if you would like us to do that by emailing [email protected].
For a café at the end of the walk, High Nelly’s may not be open, but across the road there are others available.
Sunday 19th May, Two Dales Walk (7 miles)
Here are the details of this month's walk:
Meet at Millers Dale Old Station car park Post Code: SK17 8SN, or what3words https://w3w.co/costs.milk.lordship for a prompt 10.30 start. The car park charge is £4.75 all day. Pay by card, coins or RingGo (location ref: 51716).
The payment process is very slow, and there are often queues at the machine, so please arrive early enough to pay and be ready to leave on time at 10:30. Also, be aware that the mobile signal is very poor at the car park. Those familiar with RingGo will know you have 24 hours to pay after you have parked. There are public conveniences next to the café.
There is some road walking on this hike, but there is very little traffic usually. There are also a couple of up-hills and some steps, so walking poles might be useful for some.
From the car park we walk briefly into the village of Millers Dale before picking up the Limestone Way and the Pennine Bridleway. The pavement is quite narrow in the village, and the road can be busy, so walk with care. We then walk to the village of Wheston and take the road down to Peter Dale and a lunch stop. We continue into Peter Dale, where the terrain is quite varied, and there are some stretches of loose limestone, which are a bit tricky to walk along. On the recce, the overall ground conditions were fairly mud-free and easy.
We will then take the footpath up to Wormhill, making our way down through the village to the lovely Chee Dale Nature Reserve and along the River Wye, before climbing the steps to the trail taking us back to the station car park. The cafe is open until 4pm for refreshments. We may or may not make it! Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads, as there are sheep and cows in the fields.
Please note there is an opportunity for a shorter route of 4.5 miles if needed but, unfortunately, this means you cannot meet us for lunch.
Sunday 21st April, 2024: Winster, nr Matlock
Walk Leader: Julie F
Here are the details of this month's walk. We will meet to start the walk at 10.30 prompt, at Winster South car park (small & free) Winster, near Matlock. The postcode is: DE4 2DR The what3words link is: https://w3w.co/intent.jolt.airfields
There is additional free parking at the triangle opposite the Miners Standard pub, near by. Public toilets can be found next to the NT Market Hall (on our route).
The walk is approx 6.5 miles. From Winster we walk down through the village to Wensley road and take the grassy path along the river Derwent. As we cross the river, the path becomes wet underfoot. We walk up to Cambridge wood, Wensley village and through Wensley Dale where we pick up the Limestone way and return to Winster. There is also a short circular route. Join the group walking through the village and at Headland cottage follow a clearly defined route to Lutnor rocks from where you can pick up the Limestone way (which is clearly waymarked). At the B5056 turn right and the car park is 100 metres on the R.
Dogs are welcome, but there are sheep in the fields and it’s likely to be lambing time so please keep on leads. Some short road sections and some mud. Poles useful. For those who want refreshments after the walk, this is available at the Miners Standard pub: https://w3w.co/stereos.unframed.kindness
2024
Sunday 18th February, 2024: Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park
Walk leaders: Jane W and Jane A
Meet in the car park of the Moira Furnace Museum & Country Park. Post code: DE12 6AT. Grid ref: SK312152
What3words: https://w3w.co/lavished.retrial.crops
Moira is near Measham - just off the A42, or near Ashby or south of Swadlincote (depending where you are coming from). The road in is clearly signed, Moira Furnace Museum - there are tourist brown signs.
Car park (There are several on site - park in whichever one has space but we will meet in the first one you get to after turning off the road / the lowest of the carparks. The car park is on the right as you come down the lane towards the site.) There are toilets in the courtyard and a good cafe called the Hub. The cafe opens from 10am.
Car parking is free- but they suggest donations which you can do via QR code, text, or cash in the Museum when it is open - which it is not during winter. (However, some of the promotional leaflets for the area say that the car parks are free.)
Distance 8 miles. Easy. If the weather is really bad we can adjust the walk to make it shorter.
There will also be an option to wait part-way round as the walk loops back to the lunch point and cafe - see below. This option might make a total walk of just over 6.5 miles.
This is a very interesting walk on the former coalfield with lots of industrial archaeology, the Ashby canal, the Furnace, and former coal fields. There is a mix of walking - along the canal, through parts of the National Forest, including nature reserves, and there are even views, weather permitting.
The walk is on tracks, surfaced tracks, some paved areas and few short footpaths - some of which can be muddy and wet in parts. Waterproof boots will be needed, especially if it’s been raining recently. It is mainly flat - with a few inclines but always on good tracks, so not difficult.
There are only 3 stiles (with good dog access) and one ‘bar’ across onto a footbridge.
Although we do not cross any fields with livestock (on the recce at least), most of the walk requires that dogs are on leads - partly because of shared use of tracks (cycles, horses, and in a couple of places vehicles) and nearby canals/roads, or because of local bye-laws.
The best cafe for tea/cake etc is about 1 - 1.5 miles from the end of the walk - at Hick’s Lodge. This is also the most likely lunch spot (good picnic tables and toilets etc), and is also the place where anyone not wanting to do the whole walk could wait for us to come back from our woodland loop.
(There is also a good cafe at the end - see car park info - but it’s small and won’t accommodate us all. We can work it out if some people would rather go there at the end; it closes at 4.)
Sunday 21st January, 2024. Ilkeston, Derbyshire
Walk Leaders: Lynne and Sally
The walk starts from Straws Bridge Nature Reserve (Swan Lake), Ilkeston, DE7 5FG. This post code delivered us slightly short by approx 500 yards. You will find the nature reserve just after the right-hand bend coming out of Ilkeston on the right.
The What3words link is: https://w3w.co/runner.give.slowly
Car parking is free. No toilets at the start.
The walk is approx 7 miles. We walk to Shipley Country Park, via the Nutbrook Trail which is mainly flat with a couple of stiles with side gates. Lunch will be at the halfway point at Shipley Park Visitors centre where there is a cafe and shop.
We then follow the path around the park clockwise walking above Osborne Lake and will stop for a cuppa at The Nutbrook coffee shop before picking up the Nutbrook trail back to the carpark.
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2023
Sunday 17th December, 2023. Cromford Mills
Walk Leader: Mo
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill. http://cromfordmills.org.uk The post code is DE4 3RQ. The what3words link is https://w3w.co/butterfly.constrain.shrubbery There is some free street parking for the early birds, otherwise it’s £5.
The walk will start at 10.30am, so plan to get there at least 15 minutes before.
This is a 6 mile walk to Black Rocks and the canal. There are few stiles and dogs will need to be on leads for much of the walk. There are toilets, cafes and a Xmas market in the courtyard so a good shopping opportunity at the end!
Sunday 19th November, 2023. Ellastone, near Ashbourne
Walk Leaders: Anne B & Deborah D
The walk starts at Ellastone (near Ashbourne), and the postcode for satnavs is for the Duncombe Arms pub in Ellastone: DE6 2GZ or you can use the what3words link: https://w3w.co/basic.snoozing.taster
This is a lovely 7.5 mile walk which takes us through a beautiful, secluded area comprising hamlets and woodlands between the Weaver Hills and the River Dove, and which provided inspiration for George Eliot's novel Adam Bede. Handel also produced his most famous masterpiece during a stay beside the River Dove. One thing to note is that there are a lot of stiles! If the rain continues, no doubt it will be muddy under foot, so it might be good to bring poles too.
There is parking off Church Lane by the Village Institute, but you may have to find other spaces on Ribden Road if it is busy. The what3words link for the car park is: https://w3w.co/troubles.reassured.desktop
There are no public toilets at the start of the walk but previously we have asked the pub, and they have been accommodating. The pub it is a good place to stop for tea at the end of the walk.
Sunday 15th October, 2023. Croxton Kerrial - The Ear of the Fox
Walk Leader: Janina H
Why the walk name? Well, if you imagine the county of Leicestershire as having the highly appropriate outline of the head of a fox – we’ll be walking in its left ear!
This is a walk of about 8 miles in very undulating countryside, with good views (if the weather co-operates) visiting three picturesque ironstone villages in the Belvoir area.
The walk will leave at 10.30am prompt.
We start from the village of Croxton Kerrial, which is on the A607 running between Melton Mowbray and Grantham. The best place to park seems to be the layby on the north side of the A607, the entrance to which is marked by the village’s first 30mph sign on the left, if coming from the Melton direction.
For satnavs, please use the postcode for The Geese and Fountain Pub (unfortunately closed): NG32 1QR. The pub is on the corner, right next to the layby and has a large (unused) car park, but I suggest if you want to park there you make your own arrangements with the pub, which still has a website: http://www.thegeeseandfountain.co.uk/ The village car park signed off the A607 is for the school (staff only) and village hall – and is very small indeed.
As the pub in Croxton Kerrial is closed, there are no toilets or refreshments. However, our route first takes us to Branston, 3.5 miles away, where The Wheel Inn will be open from 12 noon.
Sunday 17th September, 2023. Monyash
Walk Leader: Sue L
Meet in Monyash outside the Old Smithy Cafe for a 10.30 start. The postcode is DE45 1JH and the what3words ref is ///darling.loafing.will There is a small car park in the village and plenty of on-street parking. The Old Smithy opens at 09:00 on Sundays, if anyone fancies breakfast beforehand.
The 7 mile walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way, across to Taddington and down towards Deepdale, Hard Rake Plantation and across the fields to Horse Lane, back to Monyash. It was very dry underfoot when we reccied the walk on the 5th September. Please bear in mind that it can be quite muddy in places, though, following wet weather. Not much in the way of steep hills but walking poles might be useful for the walk down Wheal Lane, as loose shingle and stones can make it a bit tricky underfoot. Some stiles, but generally dog friendly. Cattle and sheep may be around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary. There were lots of cows around on the reccie, which might not suit some, but there are alternative road routes if anyone would prefer to avoid bovine encounters.
The Old Smithy Cafe is open until 5 p.m. for refreshments. Alternatively, The Bull's Head is open all day, serving tea and coffee (and alcohol!).
Sunday 20th August, 2023. Longstone Edge from Calver: Walk Leader Yvonne
Meet in Calver just off the A623, near the pub, gallery and café on the right if coming from the south. The postcode is S32 3XA.
Roadside parking near the Bridge Inn and Curbar primary school. We’ll gather by the bridge/subway sign. Map OL24 GR246745.
After walking through Calver village we ascend in stages up to our high point of 360m at Longstone Edge. It is quite a climb to start, but not all in one go and there are some level stretches where we can enjoy the great views. Mostly on well surfaced tracks with some little used footpaths through woodland. The final descent is over Calver Peak so we keep the views until we drop into an old sunken path back to the village.
The walk is approx. 7 miles (11.5km) with about 300 metres of ascent in total.
Sunday 16th July, 2023. Tideswell Dale: Walk Leader: Felicity
Meet at 10:30 in Tideswell Dale car park which is on the B6049 between Miller's Dale and Tideswell village. The nearest postcode is SK17 8QJ but this is about 0.5 mile from the car park. The grid reference is SK 1540 7422 and What3Words: text.wisdom.comedy
Parking is by cash only and is £4.75 for all day or £4.00 for 4 hours. There are toilets.
The walk is around 6.5 miles long taking in Tideswell Dale, Litton Mill, Miller's Dale, Water-Cum-Jolly Dale, Cressbrook Dale and Tansley Dale. From here we walk across fields and paths to Litton and Litton Dale back to the car park. In Litton, there is the Red Lion Pub and the local post office which does tea and cake, so we could stop here near the end of the walk or it's a short drive back. In terms of terrain there are 2 short uphill sections and a steeper climb to the top of Cressbrook Dale for lunch with a view (option to avoid by continuing the riverside path) There are two dales where dogs need to be on leads for conservation reasons.
Sunday 18th June, 2023. Butterton. Walk Leader: Mo
Meet at Butterton for a prompt 10.30 start. Postcode: ST13 7ST
Revised directions: There are currently road works and closures around Butterton so it is best to approach through Butterton village from the B6053 Warslow. Ignore the road closure warnings and drive through Butterton past the Black Lion inn with St Bartholomew's Church on your right onto Waste Lane. Turn right onto Wetton Road (clearly signed) and after 200 meters turn left into the camp site. One of us will be there to direct.
The walk is about 6 miles down to Wetton Mill then up to the Back of Ecton for wonderful views. Shorter routes are available.
Sunday 21 May, 2023: Grindleford / Padley Gorge Walk leaders: Felicity & Sally
Meet at Grindleford Station car park S32 2HY for a prompt 10:30 am start.
Parking is £2.20 and has to be done using the RingGo app location code: 35712 or call 0113 8090070 or pay online at www.RingGo.co.uk. We recommend downloading the app at home as the 5G signal is patchy at the station. The station cafe is open from 9am-5pm and has customer toilets. There is road parking as you approach turn for the station. The walk is around 6.5 miles long taking the east side of Padley Gorge following Burbage Brook up to Burbage Bridge on the A6187, and onto Hathersage Moor and then across to Carl Wark Fort, returning via the Longshaw Estate. In terms of terrain there are 2 short uphill sections. There is one steep descent with a very short section being rocky initially and then along a wide non-slippery path. The moorland was quite wet underfoot in April so we recommend poles if you have them. There are also groups of cattle on the moor so dogs will need to be on a lead.
Sunday 16th April, 2023: Canal, River and Railway in Froghall & The Churnet Valley. Walk Leaders: Anne & Deborah
Meet at Froghall Wharf Car Park, Foxt, ST10 2HJ (off A52 just north of Froghall). For those of you who use what3words – Hetty’s Tea shop is found at: nightfall.piled.mermaids Parking is free. There is a toilet by the café. Meet at the back of the car park for a 10.30 prompt start.
This walk is around 7.5-8 miles, taking in the Churnet Valley’s deep wooded gorge, and its industrial past, recalled by the canal and steam railway, both of which thread through this secluded rift in the Staffordshire moorlands. In terms of the terrain, there are some quite awkward (downward) steps to navigate early on, a couple of steep climbs, and around 6 stiles overall. It was quite soggy underfoot at the time of scouting (there had been lots of rain in February/early March), so definitely bring a pole to use. Otherwise much of the walk is gentle ups and downs and through fields and woods and villages, and by the river, canal and railway. There are cows and lambs about, so dogs on leads where necessary.
Beside the car park, Hetty’s Tea Shop serves up refreshments and delicious cakes, which is available before and after the walk for those who want. Both the café and the toilets close at 4pm, but we should be back before then.
Sunday 19 March, 2023: Manifold Tops - Walk leader: Mo
Meet at Ilam Hall National Trust car park DE6 2AZ (you need to go through the Ilam Hall entrance gate to get to the car park). Parking is £7 (cash) but free for National Trust members...please try and share lifts or find a friend with a card. Meet outside the toilets for a 10.30 prompt start.
This is a strenuous 8 mile walk....with wonderful scenery and views. There are a few steep climbs but the effort is well worth it. Quite a few lambs about (so dogs on leads where necessary) and birds preparing to nest.
There is National Trust Cafe where we can have refreshments before and after the walk.
Sunday 19 February, 2023: Staunton Harold Reservoir-Dimmingsdale - Calke Abbey
Meet at the Staunton Harold National Trust Cafe car park on Calke Rd, Derbyshire, DE73 8DL for a 10.30 start.
The postcode covers a wide area so isn't exact. If you approach Calke Road from Ashby Road (B587) you may find the that your satnav stops short of the actual car park. Continue along Calke Road, - look out for the windmill with no sails as you you approach the carpark which will be on your left. (What 3 words /// cube.alas.messaging). Parking is £5. Coins or pay-by-phone app.
This 7 mile walk gives good views of Staunton Harold reservoir taking us over low rolling hills. There is some mud (a walking pole might be useful) especially by stiles and some of the walk is along country lanes, the National Forest way and tarmac paths. We walk alongside Calke deer park to Dimmingsdale nature reserve which is known for its spectacular display of snowdrops in late winter. We may extend our walk by a mile to some benches by the stables cafe at Staunton Harold at lunchtime. On our return, we walk through Calke park and drop down to Mere pond before walking by Broadstone holt. The walk is dog friendly but there are sheep in some fields. For those who want to, we will have refreshments after the walk at the NT cafe.
Sunday 15 January, 2023: Whatstandwell: 7.5 miles
Meet at Whatstandwell station car park - post-code DE4 5HE - for 10.30 start. The car park costs £2.50 cash or card.
This is a lovely 7 1/2 miles along woodland and field paths and canal tow path. The walk takes us along the Cromford Canal into Crich Chase and Crich village, passed the Crich Tramway Museum and on to Crich Stand. We circumnavigate Crich quarry before winding downhill back to Whatstandwell. There are some ups and downs and a few stiles. The walk is dog friendly. You might want to bring a stick.
We will call into The Family Tree restaurant for refreshments which is a 5 minute walk from the car park.
2022
Sunday 18 December, 2022: Three Hills Walk, Outwoods, Loughborough: 6 miles
Meeting point: Outwoods woodland car park, Woodhouse Lane, Loughborough LE11 3YG. 10.30 am start. There are public toilets available in the car park. Car park £1 all day. YOU WILL NEED a COIN.
We walk through the Outwoods to Buck Hill, then onto Felicity’s wood (it is often muddy here and there can be a stream to cross). We then go up to Beacon Hill through Martin’s wood, down through Beacon Hill Country Park and up to Broombriggs. Finally we go up to Windmill Hill and down into Woodhouse Eaves, returning through the village into the Outwoods and the car park. The total elevation is 870 feet (so not as much as it sounds!). Walking poles are advised for those who usually use them. We’ve arranged the walk so that we can enjoy a pre-Xmas catch up at Olivia’s bakery and cafe in the Outwoods. They do drinks, cakes and savouries.
Sunday 20 November, 2022: Wetton, Staffordshire
Meet at the car park in Wetton at 10.30am, where there are public toilets. The car park is free so fills up quite early so park on roads around the village if it’s full. There isn't a postcode, but the car park is just off Carr Lane. You can get there using the whatthreewords app - the reference is monkey.roosters.awesome!! The walk is a 7 mile circular walk with fabulous views taking in part of the Manifold valley, past Throwley Hall to Rushley Bridge and back via Castern Hall. There are cows in a few of the fields so dogs need to be on leads. Also, it’s likely to be muddy but there are alternatives on pleasant lanes if we have a deluge in the preceding week. There are a couple of climbs but the views are worth the slog up! Wetton tea room is open at 10 am for breakfasts (highly recommended!). It closes at 3pm so we’re unlikely to be back for tea and cake so might be worth purchasing in the morning if you wish to sample! The Royal Oak pub will be open for drinks when we return.
Sunday 16 October, 2022: Long Clawson, North Leicestershire
Buzzards, Bison and Belvoir Angels
Meet on the little village green (with bench and fruit trees) next to Long Clawson Pharmacy/Medical Practice. For satnav please use: LE14 4PA.
There may be some spaces in the small car park on the other side of the Pharmacy, but please park on the street nearby if you possibly can. The Crown & Plough pub opposite does not have its own car park but will get busy at lunchtime. There are no toilets in the village and on the route (lots of bushes), but the pub will be open for a drink (and toilets) when we get back.The walk will leave at 10.30am prompt.
The walk is about 8 miles long with only a few stiles. It is mostly flat, with there is one steep climb up the Leicestershire Wolds escarpment, but it is rewarded with good views of the Vale of Belvoir. There's lots of natural and historical interest along the way, including the possibility to see the small Norman church at Wartnaby. We'll walk through several fields of livestock (though the bison will be behind a fence!) so dogs will need to be on leads, please. The vegetation along some of the paths is long at this time of year so, after rain, wear waterproof trousers or be prepared to get wet legs.
Sunday 18 September, 2022: Yougreave
Meet outside Youlgreave Youth Hostel (DE45 1UR)
Parking is available on street, or there is a car park on Coldwell End as you approach the village from the Newhaven direction - there are toilets near the start and finish, then the Peak Feast Cafe for tea & cake.
The walk itself is about 6 miles, with some stiles, one long climb out of Lathkill Dale and a couple of other paths with fairly short steep ascents or descents...we take in parts of Bradford Dale and Lathkill Dale – a site of special scientific interest and fields with livestock – so dogs will need to be on leads please! There are open fields with wonderful views across the Peak District and lovely riverside paths at the start and finish
Walk leaders Val and Sue
Sunday 21 August, 2022: Winster, DE4 2DR
Meet at the Winster South Car Park, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2DR for a 10.30am start. Parking in the car park is free but limited. There is also roadside parking nearby. From Winster we will head to the Elton Cross and into Elton Village. A gentle stroll across fields then leads us to Gratton and the limestone valley of Gratton Dale. After a brief road walk we’re back onto a green lane which takes us to Greenlow Farm and from there we head over little used field paths across the Via Gellia, Winster moor and then back into Winster.
This is an 8 mile walk which can be muddy in places, has several stiles and livestock in a couple of the fields we will be crossing. There will be an opportunity for refreshments and toilets at the end of the walk at The Miners Standard pub located just across from the car park.
Sunday 19 June 2022: Butterton. ST13 7ST
The walk is 7 1/2 miles and explores the quiet hills to the west of the Manifold valley. It is one of the lesser known areas in the Peak District and part of the route makes use of the former narrow-gauge railway which has been converted into a traffic free walkway and cycle lane. We walk along a lovely valley below Osmans Hill to Wettonmill, onto Weags Bridge into the hilltop village of Grindon before returning to Butterton.
There is one fairly steep ascent, with much of the walk being through farmland and pastures where there is grazing cattle and sheep - dogs will need to be on a short lead at times. There are a number of stiles along the route.
Sunday 15 May 22: Hartington,
Meet outside the Hartington toilets SK17 OAN for a 10.30 start for a 7.5 mile walk down Beresford Dale, up Narrowdale and return up Wolfscote Dale. There is a very steep descent back down to the River Dove….sticks recommended..otherwise straightforward with a few stiles. Dogs will need to be on short leads for some of the walk as loads of tiny lambs and nesting birds. Walk leaders: Deborah and Anne
Sunday 17 April, 2022: Millers Dale SK17 8SN
Walk leader Sue. Met at Millers Dale Old Station car park SK17 8SN, ///costs.milk.lordship. The 7 mile walk went briefly into the village of Millers Dale before we got up onto the Limestone Way and the Pennine Bridleway. Then on to the village of Wheston, where we picked up a quiet road toward the start of Hay Dale. We continued into Peter Dale, and then our final Dale was Monk’s Dale
Ellastone 16 May 2022 see 20th March 2021
Walk Leaders: Anne & Deborah. The walk started at Ellastone (near Ashbourne); the postcode for satnavs is for the Duncombe Arms pub in Ellastone: DE6 2GZ. This was a lovely 7.5 mile walk which takes us through a beautiful, secluded area comprising hamlets and woodlands between the Weaver Hills and the River Dove, and which provided inspiration for George Eliot's novel Adam Bede.
Sunday 20 February, 2022: Cromford Mill.
Walk Leader Mo Murray. This was a 7 mile walk from Mills - towards Cromford Moor, following the Midshires way, dropping down to Whatstandwell, and back along the Cromford Canal, past Florence Nightingales family home, through Lea Woods and rejoined the canal back to Cromford.
Sunday 16 January, 2022: Swithland Woods/Bradgate Park, Leicestershire
Walk Leader: Sally. Swithland Wood, is acknowledged to be one of the best remnants of native woodland in Leicestershire, and Bradgate Park offers an enclosed medieval deer park which contains the oldest rocks in England. The walk was 7 miles long, and muddy in places.
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2021
Cromford Mill. Sunday 19th December, 2021
Walk Leader: Mo. Due to the Alvaston walk route being flooded, unfortunately we had to change our plans. The walk instead started from Cromford instead. It was around 6 miles, with a few stiles and only a few sheep so the walk is generally dog friendly. We met in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ. http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570.
Manifold Tops. Sunday 21st November, 2021
Walk Leaders: Anne & Deborah. The walk started from Ilam Hall Car Park - Satnav link: DE6 2AZ. This was a lovely 8 mile walk that took us through the rolling hills overlooking the Manifold river. Most of the walk was pretty easy going, but there was one very steep hill (all on road) which is quite a long climb, a few stiles, and some muddy entrances to fields where cows have gathered by gates.
Matlock. Sunday 17th October, 2021
Walk Leader: Sally. The walk started from Matlock Station Car Park and despite dodgy weather early on, we enjoyed a lovely walk viewing Matlock from above.
Hollingsclough 19th September, 2021
Walk Leader: Mo. The walk started from the Hollingsclough phone box and was longer than the predicted 6 miles but fairly easy going.
There were some lovely views from Hollins Hill and then through the wonderful Reef Knoll hills. Afternoon teas from Hollingsclough Chapel Hall were delicious.
Curbar Edge. 15th August, 2021
Walk Leader: Aud. The hyke started and finished in Curbar.
Butterton. 18th July, 2021
Walk Leader: Mo. The walk was around 7 miles with a steep climb to Ecton Hill…and steep descent. It was beautiful unspoilt countryside with paths less trodden and great views.
Ashover. 20th June, 2021
Walk Leader: Sue D. The walk started from the pretty village of Ashover with an ascent through fields and old quarries to give us magnificent views of Ashover and all around. We followed well defined paths as we looped back to Ashover going down into the valley and up through more former quarry sites. The walk was approximately 7 miles long and involved some hills and descents, but nothing more strenuous than other HD walks.
Ellastone, near Ashbourne. 16th May, 2021
Walk Leaders: Anne & Deborah. The walk starts at Ellastone (near Ashbourne); the postcode for satnavs is for the Duncombe Arms pub in Ellastone: DE6 2GZ.
This is a lovely 7.5 mile walk which takes us through a beautiful, secluded area comprising hamlets and woodlands between the Weaver Hills and the River Dove, and which provided inspiration for George Eliot's novel Adam Bede. Handel also produced his most famous masterpiece during a stay beside the River Dove. One thing to note is that there are a lot of stiles, so it isn't that dog friendly, or easy for anyone who finds it difficult to manoeuvre over stiles. There is parking off Church Lane by the Village Institute - but you may have to find other spaces on the street if it is busy. There are no toilets at the start of the walk (sorry), so it will have to be bushes/hedges. Also there are no cafes but there is a great pub.
Youlgreave Village: 18th April, 2021
Walk Leader: Sally. This is a lovely 7 mile walk which follows a concession path in Lathkill Dale down into dales with tumbling water and over hills with panoramic views. There is one steepish climb at the start of the walk and a descent down a path with slabs which can be slippy when wet. Sally B
Covid lockdown so no hykes January/February/March 2021
Radcliffe-on-Trent: 20th December, 2020:
Walk Leaders: Sue Price & Linda Cooper-Clayton. We walked 6 miles from Radcliffe on Trent. NG12. A pleasant walk along the River Trent.
Covid lockdown so no hyke in November
A Five Dales Walk: Tideswell: Sunday 18th October, 2020.
Anne Benson & Deborah Davidson led the walks.
10 women enjoyed our October walk (Sunday 18th October from Tideswell. It was a very beautiful 7 mile walk, passing along dales, woods, rivers, babbling brooks and limestone cliffs.
Overall the walk is easy, but there are some steep steps at the start, around five styles to get over (some high over walls), and two steep bits (one can be avoided). Most of the walk was on good paths, but some bits were muddy and slippery after rain, so sticks were handy.
If you want details of the walk, it can be found in the Peak District Walks Pathfinder Guide (Walk 16), but the directions have also been posted up here. Postcode SK17 8LA .
20th September 2020..Staunton Harold Led by Sally B and Sue L
Walk started at Staunton Harold Reservoir Visitor centre - grid ref DE73 8HS. 11 am Sunday 20th September
(NOT STAUNTON HAROLD HALL)
12 women enjoyed our September walk (Sunday 20th ) from Staunton Harold/Calke Abbey.
There was a large car park (£3 for days parking - machine takes cash and card ) and toilets. The walk took us through the grounds of Calke Abbey via fields, woods and alongside a deer park. We walked through Staunton Harold Hall Estate and visited the Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts and returned through the grounds of Calke. The walk was 8 miles and was generally flat on good paths and had lots of interest along the way. There were quite a number of stiles throughout but most were dog friendly.
There was a cafe back at the car park which is open for takeaways and which closes at 4pm.
16th August 2020..Youlgreave
Our first HD walk since the COVID 19 lockdown. We are allowed a maximum of 6 in a group....the plan was a walk for 2 x 6 from Rowsley but both walk leaders were incapacitated so instead Val C and Sue G led a wonderful walk from Youlgreave.
15th March 2020 Ashford-in-the-Water and Magpie Mine. Viv P
Meet at the car park behind the church (there are loos), there is plenty of on-road parking in the village and an honesty box in the small car park. Grid Ref: SK194698, Postcode: DE45 1QG. 10.30 am start as usual for a 6.5 mile hike with added geological and archaeological interest and a nice tea shop at the end!
16th February 2020 Woodhouse Eaves
SORRY FOLKS!! THE WEATHER HAS WON....TOMORROW'S WALK IS CANCELLED.
Meet in Woodhouse Eaves, outside the Village Hall LE12 8RZ. There is a small car park (with toilets) and also on road parking.
We head out of Woodhouse Eaves with a quick nip up to Windmill Hill, then adjacent to Broombriggs Farm Country Park over to Beacon Hill Country Park and upwards to Beacon Hill. From there we head over towards Deans Lane and Felicity’s Wood and up again to Buck Hill. We return back to Woodhouse Eaves via The Outwoods down Brook Road back to the Village Hall.
The walk is approximately 7.5 miles and sticks are advised for those who would normally use them for ups and downs. There are fantastic views from the Windmill Hill and from Beacon Hill where you should be able to look back and see Old John Tower in the distance, an iconic folly in Bradgate Park.
January 19th January 2020- Cromford
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ.
http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570. There is some free street parking for early birds or ample parking. £4 for the day. 8 miles (short cut possible) Black Rocks, Lea Bridge and past Florence Nightingale’s family home and the Cromford canal. One steep climb and occasional mud. Sally B.
FRIDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2019. Rowsley
see January 2019
15th December Ticknall Calke Abbey Estate and the Tramway Trail
10.30 start at Ticknall Village Hall car park Ingleby Lane Derby DE73 7JX. The car park is free, they ask for donations, and there are toilets there. If the car park is full there is parking on the street.
An easy roughly 6 mile walk taking in the lime pits of Calke Abbey and the Tramway Trail, which follows the route of the old Ticknall to Ashby horse drawn tramway. The first part was pretty muddy and a bit slippery when we scoped it at the end of November -gaiters and a stick could be handy. The second half is on a good path. It is all fairly low level with a little up and down in the first part, very minimal. There are several stiles. There is a café (Shop and Scoff open for breakfast before if anyone fancies it) and a couple of pubs in Ticknall. We may struggle to get in for tea afterwards on that Sunday afternoon just before Christmas. There are also a couple of places with café’s nearby. The Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts – car park costs £1 (for an hour) £2 (for 2 hours or more) And the National Trust place at Calke Abbey, car park costs £4.20 / person unless you are an NT member and then its free.
17th November Blore and Okeover Hall. Mo
Meet in the National Trust courtyard (next to toilets) at Ilam Country Park DE6 2AZ. The car park is £5 for non members. 10.30am prompt start. 6/7 miles with wonderful views..to Blore, Okeover Hall and Coldwall Bridge and the bottom of Dovedale. It’s the Peak District in November so expect mud!! Mo . DRIVE CAREFULLY..THE ROADS WILL BE WET BUT I DONT EXPECT THEM TO BE FLOODED. IT WILL BE MUDDY..POLES MAY BE HELPFUL. SEE YOU SUNDAY!!
Sunday 20th October Longstone Edge and Coombs Dale from Calver. Yvonne
Meet in Calver just off the A623, near the Eating Place cafe ( Derbyshire Craft Centre) S32 3XA...... by the bridge/gallery/subway sign ( turn right if coming from the south). OL24 GR246745. Roadside parking and by the school/church. After walking through Calver village we ascend in stages up to our high point of 360m at Longstone Edge. It is quite a climb to start, but not all in one go and there are some level stretches where we can enjoy the great views. Mostly on well surfaced tracks with some little used footpaths through woodland. The descent down Coombs Dale is gradual and on a good track. Walk is approx. 7 miles (11.5km) with about 300 metres of ascent in total. Yvonne
15th September. Beresford and Wolfscote Dales from Hartington. Sue Price
Free parking around Hartington but if no joy then car parking at Parson's Field is £6.20 (change needed). Meet between Hartington Farm Shop and public toilets. Post code SK17 0AN. 8 miles.10.30 start. It will take us on an undulating, and gradually ascending, route through Beresford Dale, along the River Dove, through Narrowdale and Alstonefield (toilets here). We continue Eastwards via narrow overgrown paths eventually making a sharp descent to the River Dove. We will then follow the river, going north, through Wolfscote Dale back to Hartington. Recommend sturdy footwear, sticks, gaiters and trousers (due to overgrown nettles). The route goes through cattle fields and so dogs on leads. There also parts of the route along the road with little footpath (grass verge only).
Sue
Sunday 18th August Hollingsclough. Mo
Walk starts from the Hollingsclough phone box..SK17 0RH at 10.30 am. Parking is very limited so suggest we meet in Longnor at 10am to share cars. or join us for breakfast at Cobbles Cafe, Market Place Longnor SK17 0NT. Walk is 6 (string measured) miles...wonderful views (weather permitting) from Hollins Hill and thru the wonderful reef knoll hills. Bring poles if you have them. Afternoon teas in Hollingsclough chapel hall. Mo 07970 420713 IF YOU HAVE A FULL CAR THEN PARK NEXT TO THE PHONE BOX IN HOLLINGSCLOUGH AND RESERVE SOME SPOTS FOR US!!
Sunday 21st July Monsell Head/Millers Dale Sally B
Meet at Monsell Head Car Park DE45 1NL for 10.30am start. Car park charge is £6 for all day. There are no longer public conveniences at the car park but there are loo’s at our lunch stop.
We begin this lovely eight mile walk by walking over the viaduct and along the Monsell Trail to Millers Dale alongside the River Wye. We will see evidence and signs of abandoned quarries, kilns, mills and railways which were once so prominent in this locality. The second half of the walk is along quiet country tracks and roads. There is one (fairly lengthy) very steep, stepped ascent out of the Dale which requires care - poles may be helpful.
There is a lovely teashop with a garden with stunning views at Monsell Head on our return.
Sunday 19th May ..Three Dales Walk..Sue
Meet at Millers Dale Old Station car park SK17 8SN for a 10.30 start. Car park charge: £4.50 all day and there are public conveniences. Our walk takes us briefly into the village of Millers Dale, before we get up onto the Limestone Way and the Pennine Bridleway. The pavement is quite narrow in the village, and the road is busy, so walk with care. We then walk to the village of Wheston, where we pick up a quiet road that takes us to the start of Hay Dale, where there is a good path. When we reccied it recently, there was an abundance of cowslips and early purple orchids - nice place for a lunch stop! We continue into Peter Dale, which has slightly different terrain and features. It can be quite muddy in places after rain. Our final Dale is Monk’s Dale which is a different experience altogether. Walking here can be a little bit tricky, as the limestone paths are uneven and sometimes slippery. It is a lovely walk, though, through moss covered trees, rocks and walls, so well worth it.
Back at the station, the cafe is open until 5pm for refreshments. There is some road walking on this walk, but there is very little traffic on them and there are a couple of uphills, but they are not overly strenuous. PS...7 miles and bring poles if you have them
Sunday 16th June Manifold Tops. Mo
Meet in the National Trust courtyard (next to toilets) at Ilam Country Park DE6 2AZ. The car park is £5 for non members. 10.30am prompt start. 7 miles with wonderful views, but quite a challenging walk, several UPS and downs, some fairly steep. Mo
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Sunday 21st April.Easter Sunday.Manifold Valley. Ruth and Deborah
This classic White Peak walk in the Manifold Valley will be hugely rewarding without too many crowds on Easter Sunday. Just bear in mind that, starting as it does on the popular Manifold Way, parking might be trickier than usual if the weather’s good. It’s a 7ish mile walk that starts in the valley, heads straight up towards Sugarloaf and up to Ecton Hill, Wetton Hill, through Wetton and back onto the flat Manifold Way. A great walk which has a few dog friendly stiles, a few sharpish climbs and descents, may be muddy and where poles are recommended if you have them.
The walk starts from Wetton Mill car park in the Manifold Valley. This is not the small car park in front of a café bedside the river, but one on Leek Road driving up toward the café. Put in the postcode for Dale Farm - DE6 2AG. There are outside toilets to the lefthand side of the café entrance and, once earned, the small café serves good tea and cake! Deborah, Ruth and Betty
SUNDAY 17th MARCH - Wirksworth
The next walk will be on Sunday March 17th and will start at the National Stone Centre, Porter Lane, Wirksworth, at 10.30 am. There’s a cafe and loos there and lots to see if you’re into rocks and fossils and dry stone walls!
Grid ref: SK 287 552, postcode DE4 4LS. The distance is 8 miles but the second half is an easy stroll along the High Peak Trail past Middleton Top.
Viv.
Sunday 17th February .Sally B. Matlock
Start at Matlock Station Car Park DE4 3NA. Cost is £6 for a days parking - not the cheapest I am afraid. Prompt 10.30am start. This is a lovely 61/2 mile walk on good paths with a fair few ups and downs. There are some stiles but all are dog friendly. From Matlock we walk to Lumsdale and then onto Tansley before climbing up to Riber Castle. There are great views on our return of Matlock's impressive limestone gorge. There are toilets at the start of the walk and we will have tea and cakes at the Cafe in the Park in Matlock. Sally
Sunday 20th January. Fradley Junction, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7DN. Jane W
The walk starts from outside the “Laughing Duck” canalside cafe at Fradley Junction.DE13 7DN at 10.30am. The car park is alongside the Canal and River Trust visitor centre (£1.50 for the day..I think) . 10.30 start...but the cafe is worth a visit so may be there for breakfast!!.
The walk is about 6 and a half miles to Alrewas. The mainly flat route is a mix of tarmac, towpaths and tracks / footpaths across farmers fields. At least one of the fields may have livestock. Parts of the route may be muddy. There are several stretches of road walking with no pavements. So dogs will need to be on leads for much of the walk. There are only a few stiles.
The centre is accessed from the A38 at Alrewas and Fradley Park. Take the A513 towards Kings Bromley. After two miles turn left, signed towards Fradley Junction. Follow signs to the car park which is pay and display, Approximate post code DE13 7DN.There is plenty of wildlife to see along the way.
At Fradley Junction there are several listed buildings including cottages, a warehouse, a crossover bridge and lock, and on the wharf you will find the original stables, carpenter's shop and blacksmiths, which are now part of the cafe and visitor centre. On the opposite side of the canal is a Nature Reserve. The cafe is excellent.
PS This is under an hour from Nottingham..the same as Cromford!!
Jane
THURSDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2018. Christine will be leading the crimble bimble...a joint Sheffield/Nottingham walk from Rowsley .
http://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close, Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. Grid Ref SK 257 658 White Peak map OL24. This is not the Caudwell Mill car park which is marked on the OS map. Old Station Close is off the A6 in Rowsley between the Grouse & Claret hotel and the road that goes through Chatsworth Park. From Bakewell look out for the Grouse & Claret on the left and then it's next on the right. Coming from Baslow through Chatsworth, turn right onto the A6 and it's immediately on the left. Coming from Matlock its on the left just after the right turn to Chatsworth. There is a small P and recycling sign.
7 mile walk over Stanton Moor and around Birchover, featuring standing stones, stone circle, great views, nice woodland. Some ups and downs but not too strenuous. Christine
Sunday 16th December 2018, Hickling.
10.30 start. A 6 + mile walk thru the Nottinghamshire countryside and along the Grantham Canal. The walk starts a bit muddy but soon improves. Meet on Main Street Hickling LE14 3AH near the canal basin...please park sensibly on the main street and not in the teashop carpark. The teashop (www.theoldwharf.co.uk) is my nomination for the Nottingham HD's teashop of 2018.......
18th November... Gunthorpe.... Julie
We will meet at Biondi Bistro car park by the River Trent. It's free parking, I've checked. Postcode NG14 7FB. Note....after turning off to drive along the river, pass the Unicorn, then the Bridge and Bayleaf and keep driving to reach the starting point in the parking at Biondi Bistro. Website www.biondibistro.co.uk (http://www.biondibistro.co.uk/)
We will set off 10.30 sharp.
This is a 6 mile walk which is largely flat through river meadow and along field headlands. The walk is within a popular walking area and on well-maintained paths with lots of interest along the way.
We will begin by walking along the Trent Valley Way. We start at Gunthorpe Lock by the River Trent, heading north, and then eventually we take a sharp left to walk in a Westerly direction throughHoveringham and Caythorpe. Weather permitting, we will take a short detour and sit by one of the gravel pit reservoirs for lunch (close to Gonalston).
There are a few stiles and some of the paths were quite muddy in parts so boots needed especially if there's rain this week. Also, we pass through a farm which has sheep so dogs on leads at this point. We will also be walking along roads for a small part of the walk and crossing roads. So again dogs on leads at this point.
For those who want to we will end the walk by having refreshments (such as tea and cake) at the Biondo Bistro café.
21st October...Baslow Village Hall
6 miles. Uphill climb at start (Bar Hill up onto moorland, approx.1 mile); short, steep path up onto Birchen Edge; uphill, but fairly gentle walk through the wood below Jack’s Flat, on return. Conditions underfoot were good when the walk was reccied, but it could be boggy on the access land if we have any lengthy periods of rain.
Meet in the Pay and display car park, next to the Baslow Village Hall (DE45 1SR), for a prompt 10.30 start. Parking is £5.50 for the day, and there are public conveniences. The dog friendly Cafe on the Green is open at 9.30, for anyone looking for breakfast or a hot drink. Be warned that they will only take card payments for £10 or more.
The hyke begins with walk up Bar Hill, to reach the moorland above Baslow, where a “catch your breath break” is recommended, to have a coffee stop and take in the views. From here, we walk the path past the Wellington monument, along the pasture of Jack’s Flat where wild looking Highland cattle sometimes graze, down to the busy Sheffield Road (A621). Crossing over, we walk up onto access land and take the path towards Birchen Edge, where we will find Nelson’s monument and The Three Ships (no, it isn’t a pub!) and some excellent views. This is the suggested lunch stop and photo opportunity!
The path down from Birchen Edge down to the Robin Hood hamlet might be quite difficult for some, and poles are recommended. There is an alternative, which we can discuss on the day. A short walk follows, (approx. 300m) alongside the A619, before we climb over the stile and pick up the path into Megwalls, which takes us through a small, but interesting, Neolithic enclosure to the Cat Stones. From here, we walk down through the wood, below Gardom’s Edge, to the busy Sheffield Road again, crossing over to pick up the path that will take us over a lovely stone footbridge and uphill through the wood below below Jack’s Flat, eventually bringing us back to the brow of Bar Hill for a nice downhill groove into Baslow.
Post-walk refreshments: The Cafe on the Green is open until 4pm and the Devonshire Arms, next door, is open all day.
Sunday 16th September. Manifold Tops
Meet in the National Trust courtyard (next to toilets) at Ilam Country Park DE6 2AZ. The car park is £5 for non members. 10.30am prompt start. 7 miles with wonderful views, but quite a challenging walk, several UPS and downs, some fairly steep. DOGS........there are 2 herds of cows/calves and bull on the side of the unfenced road and there is another herd in a large field.
SUNDAY 19TH AUGUST - AFTER-PARTY Hike
There will be a short (5 to 6 miles) hyke on Sunday, usual 10.30 start, back to the field for tea and cake at the end.
15th July, Monyash
Meet in Monyash (DE45 1JH) outside the Old Smithy Cafe for a 10.30 start.(some of us going early for breakfast)
The walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way. From here, we cross the fields towards Taddington, turning just above the village and heading along the track to Over Wheal and Deepdale (suggested lunch stop and the option of taking a shorter route back to Monyash). Taking the path out of Deepdale, we walk up a steep field to the village of Sheldon. We then walk out to the old Magpie Mine and back across the fields to Monyash. The full walk is 7.5 miles and roughly 5.5 on the shorter route. It can be quite muddy in places, following wet weather (ha! Ha), so please bear this in mind. Some stiles, but generally dog friendly. Cattle and sheep may be around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary.
The Old Smithy Cafe opens at 9 a.m. (if you fancy a bit of breakfast) until 5 p.m., for refreshments. Alternatively, The Bull's Head is open all day, serving tea and coffee (and alcohol!). There is a small car park in the village and plenty of on-street parking.Sue
17th June, Val and Sue. Baslow
Meet: In the Pay & Display car park (£5.50 per day) next to Baslow Village Hall DE45 1SR (There is also various - but limited, on-street parking nearby)
Facilities: toilets in the car park, café, pub and sandwich shop adjacent.
Length: 6.5 Miles
We start with an uphill walk of approx. 1 mile to reach the moorland and Wellington Monument. From here the paths level out and we pass Eagle Rock following Baslow Edge, Curbar Edge, then on towards Froggatt Edge. There are fabulous views of the valley and Chatsworth House from here.After a lunch stop, we descend through woodland to the Derwent River and valley below, culminating in a lovely riverside walk through fields and woodlands, then back into Baslow.
NB. The first 50m of the descent after lunch is very rocky, so boots and poles (if you have them) are advised - it could be very slippery and a bit muddy, if wet.
Sue & Val xx:-)
Sunday 20th May 2018, Hartington
NB the A610 has been closed for road works west of Ripley, please check before you set out if you are coming that way.
Meet in Hartington (SK17 0AS) in front of the public toilets which are next door to a nice cafe/shop if you want a coffee or to stock up on home made cake before we start!http://www.hartingtonvillage.com/city/hartington-farm-shop-and-cafe/
The pay and display car park is opposite (£5.50 for the day, coins only, or its free in the village if you get there early enough to get a space). 7 miles
We will walk out through Beresford dale then south to Alstonefield across fields before descending into Wolsfcote dale to return to Hartington.
There are a couple of short ascents and one very steep descent, bring walking poles if you’re not so fond of downhill!
There are several stretches of fields full of new born lambs, dogs need to be on leads please.
Hartington has a variety of amenities, cafes, pubs and cheese shop! to refuel us on our return.
Sunday 15th April 2018 Youlgreave
UPDATE....The A610 is closed for road works west of Ripley..this is the road from junction 26 past IKEA
Starting at Coldwell End car park at the far end of Youlgreave village Main St DE45 1UW. Car park costs £2. There are toilets at the start of the walk.
This is a lovely 7 mile walk which follows a concession path in Lathkill Dale down into dales with tumbling water and over hills with panoramic views. There is one steepish climb at start of the walk and a descent down a path with slabs which can be slippy when wet.
We end the walk at a newly opened tea shop in Youlgreave for tea and cakes. Sally-
15th March CANCELLED Monyash
CHANGE OF PLAN....We are relocating to Cromford tomorrow........in the hope we can still get a walk!!
Sue and I are going to breakfast in Awkwright’s Cafe in the Mill Yard.......it opens at 9 and serves “hearty breakfasts”....so either join us there or meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ for a prompt 10.30 start. http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570. There is some free street parking for early birds or ample parking. £4 for the day. The walk will be 6 to 7 mile..........we know it will be muddy so be prepared.
THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR SUNDAY IS NOT GOOD...WE WILL POST HERE AND ON FACEBOOK/LINKNOTTS TO CONFIRM WHETHER WE ARE WALKING. MO
Meet in Monyash (DE45 1JH) outside the Old Smithy Cafe for a 10.30 start.
This walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way. From here, we cross the fields towards Taddington, turning just above the village and heading along the bridleway to Over Wheal and down to Deepdale, from where there is the option of taking a shorter route back to Monyash.
Taking the path out of Deepdale, we walk up a steep field to the village of Sheldon. We then walk out to the old Magpie Mine (place of interest and nice coffee stop!) then back across the fields to Monyash.
The full walk is 7.5 miles and roughly 6 miles on the shorter route. The ground was frozen when I reccied it last week. If the milder weather returns, it will probably be really muddy in places, so please bear this in mind. Also, some muck spreading had taken place, which left a lingering aroma, wherever I went... Hopefully, the muck will have been subsumed nicely into the soil by the time we walk. There are some stiles, but it is generally dog friendly. Cattle and sheep may be around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary.
I stopped for lunch in the field just above the bridleway leading to Over Wheal. There are some rocks there, which are ideal for resting and from where the views are beautiful – in good weather. Obviously, if the cows are there, we will have to either hunker down in the field below, or wait until we get further along towards Over Wheal. Decision on the day!
The Old Smithy Cafe opens at 9 a.m. (if you fancy a bit of breakfast) and closes at 5 p.m., for refreshments. Alternatively, The Bull's Head is open all day, serving tea and coffee (and alcohol!).
The public village public conveniences are closed, as they are seasonal, but there is a toilet in the cafe and plenty of opportunities en route, should nature call!
There is a small, honesty box car park in the village and plenty of on-street parking.
I will post any further updates, should they arise.
Sue
Sunday 18th February Radcliffe on Trent
The walk starts at Radcliffe on Trent Railway station car park just off Shelford Road, Radcliffe on Trent Postcode NG12 2AJ. The walk is 6 miles exactly, mainly flat with no steep bits (apart from some steps which are optional – see below). The start of the walk is near a main road so dogs on leads at this point.
About 10 mins walk from the train station, which takes us through a housing estate, we take a path onto The Trent Valley way. Here there are views of the river. Within about 20 mins walk we will take a small detour to an area called The Cliff where we will take some steps down to the River Trent and to a weir. Dogs might be best on leads at this point, especially if they’re prone to jumping into water. We eventually take some steps back up to return to the Trent Valley Way.
We eventually turn left onto Stoke Ferry Lane and continue on the Trent Valley Way to Shelford. Once at Shelford, we take a public footpath through No Joke Plantation (I am not joking). We eventually retrace our steps onto the Tent Valley way again and then back to the Railway Station. There are plenty of coffee and cake shops in Radcliffe where we can reward ourselves with cake and hot drinks. Sue P
21st January 2018. Woodhouse Eaves
Meet in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall car park. LE12 8RZ (grid reference SK531144) for a 7.5 mile walk up 3 Hills..Windmill, Beacon and Buck. It’s January so there will be mud.
17th December Cromford
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ.
http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570.
There is some free street parking for early birds or ample parking. £4 for the day. A 6 mile stroll through Lea Bridge and past Florence Nightingale’s family home. Return along the Cromford Canal. If we time it right we will meet Santa on board the trip boat Birdswood. A pleasant walk with very little mud!! There are a few stiles and only a few sheep so the walk is generally dog friendly. Cromford Mill has plenty of Xmas activity and interesting shops. Do hope you will join me. Mo
27th December - Rowsley
WEDNESDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2017. Christine will be leading the crimble bimble...a joint Sheffield/Nottingham walk from Rowsley .
http://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close, Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. Grid Ref SK 257 658 White Peak map OL24. This is not the Caudwell Mill car park which is marked on the OS map. Old Station Close is off the A6 in Rowsley between the Grouse & Claret hotel and the road that goes through Chatsworth Park. From Bakewell look out for the Grouse & Claret on the left and then it's next on the right. Coming from Baslow through Chatsworth, turn right onto the A6 and it's immediately on the left. Coming from Matlock its on the left just after the right turn to Chatsworth. There is a small P and recycling sign.
7 mile walk over Stanton Moor and around Birchover, featuring standing stones, stone circle, great views, nice woodland. Some ups and downs but not too strenuous. Christine
19th November, Crich
Meet in the Market square in Crich for a 13km (8 mile) hike.
We will walk up to Crich monument then explore further north and west, up to Wheatcroft then south-east to Park Head and Mill Green. Footpaths cross mainly farmland with some livestock and occasional muddy patches, dogs will need to be on leads some of the time. Some rather narrow squeeze stiles. It is an undulating walk with ups and downs, only one short, really steep section.
Beautiful views and a lovely cafe at the end.
Opportunity to cut the walk short and save about 1 mile.
Celia and Linda
15th October, Longnor
Meet at market square outside Longnor Craft Centre and Coffee Shop. SK17 0NT, grid reference OL 24 Peak District SK089649. Some parking available at market square, otherwise plenty of street parking close by. There are toilets at start.
A lovely eight mile walk from Longnor in the heart of the Peak District. We walk to Glutton Dale and Dowel Dale, circling Hollins Hill, Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill via the village of Hollingsclough. The walk is along field paths (some grazing cattle), quiet lanes and farm tracks - some of which can be wet and muddy. There is one short, steep descent. There are a few stiles but should not be a problem for dogs.
Sally Bull
17th September - Wetton village, Staffs
Start: Free car park on the south side of Wetton village, Carr Lane, GR OL24 SK108553. (Postcode for satnav DE6 2AF, this is the centre of the village go down Carr Lane to find the car park)
This is a lovely varied White Peak walk with a mix of field paths, woodland, dry dales and a visit to Dovedale. There will be great views for most of the day. From Wetton we take the high path above the river that flows down through Ilam, but drop down gradually ( one short steep section) into Hall Dale and then into Dovedale. From Milldale we climb back up onto the tops ( short steep up section ), skirt Alstonefield village and the side of Wetton Hill, and arrive back in time for tea or a drink. Around 7-8 miles, about 250m of ascent and descent.
There is a Camping Women weekend at nearby Heathy Roods Farm at Butterton, only a couple of miles away, if anyone wants to make a weekend of it.
Yvonne
20th August - Beresford Dale and tea party at Mo's caravanMeet at the entrance to Beresford Lane Farm, SK17 0HQ (parking in yard) on the way down to Beresford Dale, near Hartington. (GR117584). If you get to the river you have gone too far !! There will be a 6/7 mile walk (with shorter version available) to Wetton and return along Back of Ecton. Some mud unless we have a heatwave. Toilet at farm and in Wetton. Several awkward stiles and nettles!! Then afternoon tea at Mo's caravan! (cakes/scones welcome!). Mo
16th July Carsington Water
Meet at the main car park at Carsington Reservoir, outside the Visitor Centre DE6 1ST.
We will walk over the hill to Brassington and then back for tea or ice creams. Pay and Display car park,(£4.50 for full day) toilets at start. 6-7 miles. Celia/Linda
18th June Pilsbury horseshoe. Meet at the duckpond in Hartington SK17 0AL for a six mile hyke, plenty ups and downs!! Val and Sue
May 2017
Meet at Ticknall Village Hall car park. Rose Lane, Ticknall DE73 7JW for an 8 mile walk.
This 8 mile walk starts at Ticknall Village Hall where there are toilets and a free car park (although they like you to make a donation). If the car park is busy, there is space on the road to park. Ingleby Road, which leads to the Village Hall car park is opposite the Wheel Inn public house so is easy to find.
The first section of the walk follows the National Forest Way starting off through fields and farm tracks and joining the path by Foremark Reservoir. The footpaths are excellent and there are no stiles on this section. At about the 2.5 mile mark, there are more toilets and a little cafe.
We will walk alongside Foremark Reservoir and go through some lovely woods along the shoreline. Paths are very good and dry!
The next section crosses farmland and goes through another wooded area. From here on there are a number of stiles but nearly all are low level and well maintained. There is a little muddy section in the wood but nothing that a good pair of boots can't cope with.
The path emerges at the edge of Calke Abbey estate and we will walk around the edge of the park, avoiding the madding crowds. Hopefully, the bluebells will still be there. They are spectacular this year!
We will leave the Calke estate and take a footpath back to the village. From here there are views over Staunton Reservoir. This final section also takes in the Ticknall Lime Kilns (SSSI) before we emerge back into the village. There is a tea shop close to the car park (approx 150m) and it is open until 4pm. It sells hot & cold food and cakes etc.
This is relatively flat, varied walk with spectacular views, two reservoirs, woods and rolling hills. There are a couple of places where you can take a short cut back to the village (at approx 6 miles). Julie and Amanda
16th April EASTER SUNDAY. Gunthorpe, Hoveringham and Caythorpe
We will meet at Biondo Bistro car park by the River Trent at 10.15 for a 10.30 am set off. It's free parking. Postcode NG14 7FB. Website www.biondibistro.co.uk
This is a 6 mile walk which takes in Gunthorpe Lock along the River Trent, Hoveringham and Caythorpe. This is a very flat walk through river meadow and along field headlands. The walk is within a popular walking area and on well maintained paths with lots of interest along the way, including pubs and cafes.
There are lots of stiles and some of the paths were quite muddy in parts so boots needed especially if there's more rain. Also, we pass through a farm which has sheep and lambs (when I did the recce on 25th March) so dogs on leads at this point. We will also be walking along roads for a small part of the walk and crossing roads. So again dogs on leads at this point.
Sue P.
19th March - Sue L. Monyash
Meet in Monyash (DE45 1JH) outside the Old Smithy Cafe for a 10.30 start.
The walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way. From here, we cross the fields towards Taddington, turning just above the village and heading along the track to Over Wheal and Deepdale (suggested lunch stop and the option of taking a shorter route back to Monyash).
Taking the path out of Deepdale, we walk up a steep field to the village of Sheldon. We then walk out to the old Magpie Mine and back across the fields to Monyash.
The full walk is 7.5 miles and roughly 5.5 on the shorter route. It can be quite muddy in places, following wet weather, so please bear this in mind. Some stiles, but generally dog friendly. Cattle and sheep may be around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary.
The Old Smithy Cafe opens at 9 a.m. (if you fancy a bit of breakfast) until 5 p.m., for refreshments. Alternatively, The Bull's Head is open all day, serving tea and coffee (and alcohol!).
There is a small car park in the village and plenty of on-street parking.
Sue
19th February - Mo, Cromford
Meet in the courtyard/outside the toilets at Cromford Mill DE4 3RQ. http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570.
There is some free street parking for early birds or ample parking. £4 for the day. 7 mile through Cromford up to Black Rocks, Cromford Moor, High Peak Junction and Cromford Canal then to Lea Bridge. A lovely varied walk. There are a few stiles but walk is generally dog friendly. There is some mud as the mountain bikers have been out on Cromford Moor (poles helpful!)...unless there has been a very very hard frost. Apart from that the walk is very good underfoot. Mo
Sunday 15th January 2017 - Trowell
Start at Trowell Garden Centre, Stapleford Rd, Trowell, Nottingham NG9 3TG.
A gentle start to the new year with an easy ramble round the countryside just west of Nottingham city. We will walk through farmland to the old villages of Strelley and Cossall and then back to Trowell via the old Nottingham canal, now disused. A flat walk along reasonable paths so if you haven't been with us for a while or want to come and see what the group is like, it's a good one to start with. 7 miles with the excellent garden centre cafe at the end! A couple of stiles but pretty dog friendly, horses but no other livestock and only one very short muddy section.
Celia .
TUESDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2016. Christine will be leading the crimble bimble...a joint Sheffield/Nottingham walk from Rowsley .
http://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close, Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. Grid Ref SK 257 658 White Peak map OL24. This is not the Caudwell Mill car park which is marked on the OS map. Old Station Close is off the A6 in Rowsley between the Grouse & Claret hotel and the road that goes through Chatsworth Park. From Bakewell look out for the Grouse & Claret on the left and then it's next on the right. Coming from Baslow through Chatsworth, turn right onto the A6 and it's immediately on the left. Coming from Matlock its on the left just after the right turn to Chatsworth. There is a small P and recycling sign.
7 mile walk over Stanton Moor and around Birchover, featuring standing stones, stone circle, great views, nice woodland. Some ups and downs but not too strenuous. Christine
Sunday 18th December - Matlock
Start at Matlock Station Car Park DE4 3NA. Cost is £5.50 for a days parking - not the cheapest I am afraid. Prompt 10.30am start. This is a lovely 61/2 mile walk on good paths with a fair few ups and downs. There are some stiles but all are dog friendly. From Matlock we walk to Lumsdale and then onto Tansley before climbing up to Riber Castle. There are great views on our return of Matlock's impressive limestone gorge. There are toilets at the start of the walk and we will have tea and cakes at the Cafe in the Park in Matlock. Sally -
20th November Ruth Rigby . Creswell Crags. S80 3LH
Meet at Creswell Crags Visitor Centre S80 3LH http://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/ (parking £3) for a prompt 10.30 start. Easy 7.5 miles with very few muddy patches! Loos and tea shop in visitor centre. Very few stiles. Unfortunately the walk goes away from the Crags but if there is time and energy at the end then a short walk to the Crags is recommended. Ruth.
16th October Marian. Shipley Park and Woodside Nature Reserve.
Meet for 10.30 start at Ilkeston Hospital on the A6007 between Ilkeston and Heanor. DE7 8LN
Grid reference: SK471435...NOTE........THE ROAD IS THE A6007 (NOT THE A609 AS PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED)
On leaving the main road, turn right around the car park and go to the far end of the site. Park next to the resource centre at the back of the hospital. FREE PARKING
7 miles, passing Shipley Common, West Hallam and Mapperly village. Lunch by Mapperly reservoir. Refreshments at Nutbrook Coffee Shop. No vehicular access. 20 mins from cars.
Mixture of tarmac and gravelled tracks, fields and grass paths, tiny bit of road. Some fields containing stock. Several stiles. Mostly flat - walking poles probably redundant.
Marian
18th September Mount St Bernard Abbey
Mount St Bernard's abbey, Oaks Road, Coalville, Leicestershire. LE67 5UL
Meet in the car park at 10.20 (please give £1 donation in the honesty box) for a 10:30 start.
The 7 mile walk takes in Warren Hills, Bardon hill (short but steep), Timberwood hills and Charnwood nature reserve.
We will have tea and cake afterwards at the abbey tea rooms. Julie
Sunday 21st August, Newbold Coleorton Leics
Start at 87 Worthington Lane, Newbold Coleorton, Leics, LE67 8PJ. (First house on the right if you are coming from Worthington or the last on left if you approach through the village.) This is the site of our 25th anniversary party. Cream tea available on return but you MUST order in advance, £3. Please book by 14th August by emailing [email protected].
Sunday 17th July Monyash.
Meet in Monyash DE45 1JH on the village green for a 10:30 start.
(7.5 miles approx.) down Lathkill Dale, (slippery limestone if wet, plus nettles) then to Haddon Grove, Sheldon and return. Some cows......but detours available......walking poles recommended.
The Old Smithy Cafe is on the village green and open from 9am (if you fancy a cooked breakfast) until 5pm for post-walk refreshments. Alternatively, The Bulls Head is open all day and serves tea or coffee. There is a very small car park in the village and also on street parking. Mo
19th June ..The Roaches and Lud's Church
A lovely (7.5 miles approx.) walk amidst jagged gritstone crags with great views across the Staffordshire Moorlands. Some uphill walking at the start, but reasonable once up on the ridge.
Meet at the start of the footpath (grid ref. SK006618) that points to the dip between Hen Cloud and The Roaches for a prompt 10:30 start - an approximate postcode, for location only, is ST13 8UA. Please be aware that it is a little... further up from the track that is signposted for Roaches Hall. Car sharing and an early arrival should be considered, where possible, as designated roadside parking is limited; cars have been ticketed on Saturdays and it might not be an issue on Sundays - but you never know!
Conditions underfoot are usually good, if the weather has been dry, but can be tricky in places if it has rained, so walking poles might be a good idea, as some areas might be slippery.
There are a couple of options for those who may prefer a shorter version of the walk: return, via the road, at Roach End, or meet us at Roach End, by the ice cream van (where we'll have a lunch break) and walk to Lud's Church from there.
The Roaches Tearoom is open from 9am and serves a good breakfast, for anyone wishing to indulge, pre-walk. They also have a pretty good selection of cakes (for later) and a toilet!
Sue
15th May. Calver Bridge
Meet at the Derbyshire Craft Centre tea rooms, Calver Bridge, S32 3XA . Park nearby, not in the tea room car park (GR248745).http://www.derbyshirecraftcentre.co.uk. Walking up to Baslow Edge and along Curbar and Froggatt Edges, through the woods and back along the river. 8 miles, one steep up and one steep down (pus undulations of course) Small number of stiles, dogs will need to be on leads for quite a lot of the walk. Jane and Jane
17th April 2016. Bakewell
Meet outside Cotswold Outdoors, Bridge St, Bakewell DE45 1DS to be away by
10.30am. We will walk out of Bakewell up and over Castle Hill Golf Course and up to Ballcross Farm - it is up! Once up top we walk over to Edensor a pretty village on the Chatsworth Estate.
At Edensor we will head right and up to Calton Houses (opportunity for a short cut back to Bakewell - bring a OS map if you want to follow a short cut) and then walk through a lamb filled field up to Lees Moor Wood. After this it is virtually all downhill or flat as we head towards Haddon Hall and then taking a lovely walk parallel to the River Wye and heading into Bakewell
Mileage is 7.5 miles - it's lambing so please put dogs on leads when appropriate. few stiles and lots of great views
Afterwards suggest meet in The Peacock Inn, Bridge St, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1DS for tea and coffee or something stronger. (can't we have a Bakewell Tart? Mo) Leader Sally Moore
20th March 2016 - Eyam
Meet at the large coach car park in Eyam S32 5QP, (it has public toilets and is free) for a 7 mile ramble to Stoney Middleton up Coombs Dale and back via Foolow. There are a couple of short steep sections and some farmland so dogs will have to be on leads for some sections. Choice of tea, real ale and cheese shops in Eyam on our return and there should be time to explore this fascinating village. Celia and Linda
21st February 2016. Cromford.
Meet outside the toilets at Cromford Mill for start of walk. Cromford Mill car park DE4 3RQ. http://cromfordmills.org.uk/ OL 24 Peak District 296570. There is ample parking at the mill and also on the car park opposite. £3.60 for the day. 6 mile walk climbing out of Cromford to join the Midshires Way and then returning along the Cromford Canal for 3 miles. There are a few stiles but walk is generally dog friendly. There a couple of short muddy sections (surprise!) but apart from that the walk is very good underfoot. There is a tea shop on our return.
17th January 2016: Mountsorrel
Meet at Stonehurst farm Tea shop car park LE12 7AA
ONS 246 Loughborough, grid ref 154576
7 mile walk over Castle Hill, by Swithland reservoir, Buddon wood, through Quorn to Barrow on Soar following the canal towpath back to Mountsorrel. The walk is mainly flat with one hill at the beginning. There are a few stiles but mainly dog friendly. It might be muddy. A walk of contrasts: woods, canal and Leicestershire villages.
Julie and Helen
Sunday 27th December 2015...CRIMBLE BIMBLE
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close, Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. Grid Ref SK 257 658 White Peak map OL24. This is not the Caudwell Mill car park which is marked on the OS map. Old Station Close is off the A6 in Rowsley between the Grouse & Claret hotel and the road that goes through Chatsworth Park. From Bakewell look out for the Grouse & Claret on the left and then it's next on the right. Coming from Baslow through Chatsworth, turn right onto the A6 and it's immediately on the left. Coming from Matlock its on the left just after the right turn to Chatsworth. There is a small P and recycling sign.
7 mile walk over Stanton Moor and around Birchover, featuring standing stones, stone circle, great views, nice woodland. Some ups and downs but not too strenuous. We are looking for a possible 5 mile shortcut..keep an eye on this website for more information. ............WE HAVE DECIDED AGAINST A SHORT CUT BUT IF THE WEATHER IS POOR ETC WE WILL RECONSIDER FOR ALL OF US
We will be returning via Caudwells Mill teashop. Walk led by Christine
Sunday 15th November
Tissington, Parwich and Bradbourne circular. A lovely walk around the gentle valleys and picturesque villages of the south Peak District. The walking is mostly through fields, but with great views and interesting churches and villages along the way. Most of the stiles are gap stiles in walls, with a few low step over stiles. There are 4 ascents and descents to cross valleys, but by Peak District standard they’re gentle(ish) and short(ish). Tearooms in Tissington, pub and village shop in Parwich. Meet at the Tissington Trail pay and display car park at the SE corner of Tissington village ( v. limited free parking elsewhere in the village ). OL 24 map GR177 522. Postcode for centre of village DE6 1RA. Distance 8 miles, tho’ we’ll do a 6 1/2 mile version if it’s raining or very muddy underfoot.
Yvonne.
Sunday 18th October. GRINDLEFORD STATION
A lovely walk up through the woods around Bole Hill quarry then onto the moor and over Higger tor before continuing round and along Burbage edge and back down through Padley Gorge. Autumn colours in the woodland and great views across the moorland.
We start and finish (hopefully) at the famous Grindleford station cafe, a local institution and unreconstructed good value greasy spoon. Meet early by 09.45 for breakfast if you fancy fuelling up before the hike. 10km by my map measurer, 10.7 by Linda's gps on the pre-walk. That's about 6.7 miles. It's mostly fairly easy going but there are a couple of short steep uphill sections and a bit of scrambling around the rocks. Stiles are all gates, so dog friendly, but on the open access land dogs need to be kept on the lead. Toilets at the cafe, 20p if you are not buying anything.
Address: Station Road, Grindleford, S32 2HY.
Celia.
Sunday 20th September
Start at Ashover (just off the A 632 Matlock - Chesterfield Road. GR349634) Park in free car park outside the Ashover Parish Hall / Tennis courts S45 0BA (up Dovecotes and Milken Road with the Black Swan on the corner). 7 miles. Many stiles (mostly squeeze-styles but some climbing) and some stock grazing in fields. Interesting and varied walk. Jane and Jane 0771 048 5991Sunday 16th August. Beresford Dale.
Meet at the entrance to Beresford Lane farm, SK17 0HQ (parking in yard) on the way down to Beresford Dale, near Hartington. (GR117584). If you get to the river you have gone too far - turn round and go back up the road. There will be a 6 mile walk (with a slightly shorter version). There is one steep climb, several stiles (sorry Sue/Sally) and then afternoon tea at Mo's caravan! (offers to provide cake/scones welcome!). Mo P.S. for those new to this annual event (Annie etc!!) not everyone has to bring a cake...although you may want to bring a camping chair and a mug..but I do have 17 mugs!! Cakes are left in cars or the caravan for the duration of the walk.
Sunday 19th July. Monyash.
Meet in Monyash DE45 1JH on the village green for a 10:30 start. The walk takes us across to Flagg, via the Limestone Way. From here, we cross the fields towards Taddington, turning off just above the village and heading along the track to Over Wheal and Deep Dale (suggested lunch stop). Taking the path out of Deep Dale, we walk up to the village of Sheldon (nice pub - Cock and Pullet). We then take the path through the Magpie Mine and back across the fields into Monyash, via a short stretch of road walking at the very end.
7.5 miles, fairly flat for most of it. Good conditions underfoot on the day of the reccie, but has been known to be pretty muddy in places after rain. Some stiles, but quite dog friendly. Cattle and sheep are around, so dogs will need to be kept on leads, where necessary.
The Old Smithy Cafe is open from 9am (if you fancy a cooked breakfast) until 5pm for post-walk refreshments. Alternatively, The Bulls Head is open all day and serves tea or coffee. There is a very small car park in the village and also on street parking.
Sue
Sunday 21st June. Youlgreave
Starting at Coldwell End car park at the far end of Youlgreave village on right hand side when approaching Youlgreave from the A6. Car park costs £2.50 if I remember right and there are toilets. This is a lovely 7 mile walk which follows a concession path in Lathkill Dale down into dales with tumbling water and over hills with panoramic views. There is one steepish climb at start of the walk and a descent down a path with slabs which can be slippy when wet. We end the walk at The Farmyard Inn in Youlgreave for tea and cakes, or a pint if that fits the bill. Sally - 07969747325 and Sue West
Sunday 17th May. Rowsley
Meet in the (free) car park in Old Station Close Rowsley DE4 2EL for a 10.30am start. 6.5 mile walk above Haddon Hall, and overlooking Bakewell and across Calton Pastures to Calton Lees. Hoping the bluebells will still be in flower. Returning to Caudwells Mill teashop. http://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/ Mo and Ruth .
Sunday 19th April Tissington
Starting from the P&D car park on the Tissington trail at Tissington. Off the A515 just north of Ashbourne. Car park charge £4.50 for the day. There are toilets at the car park, and a snack cabin. We will walk over the fields to Parwich then head WNW across country to join the trail near Biggin and walk back from there. Tea shop at the end, Herbert's Fine English Tearooms at Tissington Hall (Sounds posh, but they do welcome muddy boots!) We cross quite a few fields so it will be muddy unless we get a lot of dry weather in the next two weeks and as it is lambing time, dogs will have to be kept on leads most of the way. Short steepish uphill stretch near the beginning then fairly gentle. 7.5 miles long. Opportunity to do a shorter 4.5 mile walk will be available - bring your own map and we can show you the way back.
Linda email [email protected]
15th March 2015
Station Road, Bakewell DE45 1G something!! usual 10.30 start.
OS Map: Explorer OL 24
Map Ref: SK 220 687
The walk starts at the car park at the bottom of Station Road, cost £5. This a gentle walk under 8 miles taking in a large amount of the local railway heritage. We walk up Station Road to the station and then onto the Monsal Trail making our way past Hassop station and towards the Headstone tunnel, which was reopened to the public in 2011. When we come out of the tunnel we take the path immediately to the right and begin the shortish steep ascent up to Monsal Head. If you like we can have a cuppa at Hobb's cafe or just sit at the top and take in the views. We then go to little Longstone through to great Longstone. Be aware you will need gaiters as it is very muddy. We walk through the village and walk up Mires Lane and through a field and head towards Toll Bar House and the final leg back to Bakewell. Izzy
15th February 2015
Sunday 15th February Catch the 11.08 steam train to Loughborough (arrive 11.15) from Quorn and Woodhouse station and walk along the canal and through green lanes back to Quorn and Woodhouse..6 miles. The route avoids a lot of mud but there are some patches..lets hope for a frosty day!! There are no stiles and it is flat!! Buy your train ticket at the station..£3 and £2 for dogs. Meet beforehand in the Butler Henderson Cafe in (free) station car park LE12 8AW. www.gcrailway.co.uk. Can't wait for latecomers...but could meet us at Loughborough Great Central station at 11.15........not the main line!! Mo
Sunday 18 January 2015
A ramble rather than a hike!
A 6 mile walk taking in Foremark reservoir and Anchor church - a sandstone crag overlooking the River Trent. An early Christian church hewn from the rock.
Meet at John Thompson pub Ingleby village DE73 7HW from Swarkestone on the A514/B5008. Please park at the far end of car park from pub. The landlord has agreed to let us park. We will have lunch overlooking Foremark reservoir. Gently undulating countryside. There is a short section by the Trent which is narrow with a steep drop.
ONS 245 the National Forest grid reference 268354 Julie
Sunday 21st December 2014
10.30 am start. Meet in the Cromford Mill courtyard outside loos and cafe. Mill Lane, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3RQ for a six mile hyke. There is some free street parking for the early birds plus at least 3 car parks so bring some coins. http://cromfordmills.org.uk. . see http://www.nottinghamhd.org.uk/. Izzy
