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Previous WalksSunday 29 January 2012 – Padley Gorge & Stanage, Derbyshire Leader: Mark Whiteway The Walk: We started off at 9.45am on what was a fine but extremely cold morning. The walk took us from Grindleford Station up the left side of Padley Gorge and eventually into the Longshaw Estate where we walked through Granby Wood, passed the lake and passed Longshaw Lodge. We crossed the B6521 and onto a footpath which took us towards Burbage Bridge but before reaching there we joined a footpath northwards to Upper Burbage Bridge. At this point a short refreshments break was taken. After a short distance walking on the road, we joined a footpath towards Stanage Edge and walked, now on snow and ice, along the edge past Robin Hood’s Cave before dropping down towards the North Lees Estate. Some convenient stone walling on the lane at the side of the North Lees Hall offered a sheltered break for lunch. This Elizabethan tower house, built of coursed rubble gritstone, was built for William Jessop in the early 1590s. The legends of its occupants, the Eyre family, attracted many writers - most famously Charlotte Bronte - through whom it became immortalised as "Thornfield Hall" in Jane Eyre. After lunch we set off again passed the Hall and passing a cottage named ‘Bronte Cottage’. We then turned left onto a bridle path and onwards to Hathersage. Here we turned onto the B6001 where we did a little road walking until reaching the River Derwent where we turned left and followed the footpath by the river until turning left up the incline towards the railway line, which we crossed by bridge, and then followed the footpath back to our starting point. Distance: Around 10.5 miles, arriving back at 3.15pm. The weather had remained fine but quite cold throughout. There was a covering of snow on Stanage Edge which made walking a little tricky in places but overall this had been another excellent walk. Tuesday 27 December 2011 (Bank Holiday Tuesday) Christmas Pudding Walk – Ladybower and Derwent Edge. Leader: Gerry Scarfe The Walk: We made a 10.00am start at the Ashopton Bridge traffic lights, junction of A57 and A6013, and although the weather in the Sheffield area was clear and sunny, the Ladybower area was under a large cloud and that stayed with us for most of the day! We walked up the road passed the Ladybower Inn and then on steep paths up to the southern end of Derwent Edge where the walk then became relatively easy with extensive views in all directions. We followed the Edge passed the well-known landmarks of Wheel Stones, White Tor, the Salt Cellar and Cakes of Bread and onto Back Tor where we took a lunch break. After lunch we continued across to the cairn of ‘Lost Lad’ and then descended towards the northern leg of Ladybower Reservoir and then followed the roadway alongside the reservoir until reaching the A57 and returning to our starting point. A de-brief was held in the Ladybower Inn where a number of the party also took lunch. The walk had been enjoyed by everyone and the weather stayed dry but cloudy with a cool breeze. Distance: Around 8 miles. Sunday 31 July 2011 – The Roaches, Staffordshire Leader: Terry Mason Members met at the Gradbach car park (map ref: SJ 998/662) on a minor road that leads to the Gradbach Youth Hostel near to the village of Flash, the highest village in England, sitting at 1518ft, about 4 miles south of Buxton, for a 9.30am start on what was a warm sunny morning. The walk took us initially along the River Dane to Gradbach Wood where we then followed Black Brook until commencing a steady, at times quite steep, ascent up through the wood to Roach End. The Roaches and Hen Cloud are tiered grit stone escarpments and huge bastions of solid rock in the Staffordshire countryside. From Roach End we continued up onto The Roaches and enjoyed extensive, although sometimes hazy, views. A coffee stop was taken at the Roaches trig point before continuing passed ‘Doxey Pool’ - an expanse of clear water upon the grit stone bedrock almost at the highest point of The Roaches. We descended the southern end of The Roaches into Windygates Gap and then continued with an ascent of ‘Hen Cloud’, a fairly steep ascent but with fantastic views from the top. To continue the walk we actually retraced our steps back down to Windygates Gap where we took a lunch break. After lunch we continued the walk at a lower level on footpaths through the enclave of Windygates and onto Roach House and Pheasants Clough eventually joining a metalled road and following that back to Roach End where, as luck would have it, an ice cream van was providing very welcome sustenance on this hot sunny day. After this short refreshments stop we dropped down towards Gradbach Wood on the path we had followed up earlier that day, but as we reached the wood we turned west to visit ‘Lud’s Church’ - a deep chasm penetrating the millstone grit, created by a massive landslip on the hillside above Gradbach. It is believed that the chasm was considered by early Pagans to be a sacred place, most likely due to the phenomenon that occurs on Midsummer Day, where only on this day does the Sun's light penetrate deep into the chasm. The area also has a place in Christian history - the Lollards, who were followers of John Wycliffe, an early church reformer, are supposed to have used this as a secret place of worship during the early 15th century, when they were being persecuted for their religious beliefs. We descended into the chasm, over 100 metres long and 18 metres deep. It was mossy and overgrown, wet and felt quite cold on this hot summer’s day. We continued downwards and out at the bottom end onto a path through Forest Wood dropping down to join the path back along the River Dane and back to the car park. A de-brief was held in the New Inn in the village of Flash. The walk had been a distance of 9 miles and the weather had been very warm and sunny throughout. Another excellent walk in beautiful countryside. Ribble Valley, Weekend – 29 April to 2 May 2011 Leaders: Jon and Gillian Nottingham A total of 13 members attended this walking weekend in the Ribble Valley area based at Clitheroe. Following weeks of beautiful warm sunny weather in the UK, it was expected that our luck would run out and the weather change for the worse for this weekend. In the event, the weather was fantastic – blue skies and sunshine all weekend, albeit a little breezy at times in certain places. Accommodation had been arranged by Gillian at a self-catering cottage at Waddow Hall on the outskirts of Clitheroe. Members made their own way there on Friday so that walking could start on Saturday morning Saturday 30 April – the group travelled by car to the village of Downham, about 11 miles from the accommodation. Having found the fairly well hidden car park with minimum signs in this picturesque little village, the group set off to conquer the Pendle Hill – at 557 metres above sea level, not quite a mountain but nevertheless deserving of some respect. The summit of Pendle is very exposed and can be colder and wetter than Downham Village. Starting initially on the road the walk soon entered through a narrow stile onto a footpath in a field and from then on was totally on footpaths which grew steeper and steeper and steeper until reaching the summit of Pendle. The wind began to blow shortly after leaving the starting point and as the group walked higher up the hill the wind became quite strong. As we reached the steepest part of the climb we followed a well-defined path across Downham Moor and onto a ‘zig-zag’ path up the main flank of Pendle. On the way up the incline frequent pauses were necessary if only to take in the views and landscapes of the surrounding countryside, including distant views of Ingleborough and Pennygent, two of the ‘minor’ three peaks walk. On reaching level ground near to the summit shelter from the wind was taken behind a stone wall and a well-earned refreshments break was taken. The wind now was extremely strong blowing from the east. After the coffee break some of the group set off to walk a further 400 metres or so to the trig point whilst others decided to remain sheltered from the wind. Walking to the trig point was quite difficult in the extremely windy conditions and one could have easily been blown off one’s feet. Fortunately the wind was blowing onto the hill rather than over it and off the edge which would have been quite dangerous.Re-joining the rest of the party we continued across the summit of the hill in a westerly direction and from this point onwards it was ‘all downhill’. Lunch was taken on the western side of Pendle where it was more sheltered. Following lunch the group continued to descend the steep incline until once more reaching easier walking terrain. Eventually we walked on a mix of lanes and footpaths on our return to Downham. Everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the exhilarating walk and whilst extremely windy at times, we had walked in sunshine throughout. Whilst some of the party decided to visit a local Garden Centre, others held a ‘de-brief’ in the village’s ‘Assheton Arms’ before setting off back to Waddow. That evening dinner was taken not at Waddow but at the Waddington Arms where the group enjoyed good food and drinks. Sunday 1 May – After breakfast the group drove north to the Stocks Reservoir in the Forest of Bowland, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The reservoir was opened by HRH Prince George in 1932. The day’s walking would take us around the Stocks Reservoir Circular Walk which is a little more than just a stroll around the lake but takes in some of the outstanding Hodder landscapes to the north. The group set off, again in quite strong winds, from the ‘School Lane’ car park in woodland at the side of the reservoir – the name coming from the small village of Stocks-in-Bowland which was ‘drowned’ by the creation of the reservoir. The walk took us in an anti-clockwise direction around the reservoir mainly on paths or tracks and after a short time we left the cover of the woodland and entered onto a mix of farmland and moor. Although the strong winds had kept birdlife to a minimum, the group were thrilled to see and hear a number of curlews that had come to the hills from the coastal areas to breed. On reaching the western side of the reservoir the group came upon the Stocks Fishery Café where a number of picnic benches were an inviting location to take lunch. The café also provided hot and cold drinks and other snacks to the group. Following lunch we continued our anti-clockwise hike around the water, eventually re-joining the road back to the car park. Another super day of walking and weather – sunny all day long but with strong winds at times when out of shelter. Monday 2 May – After breakfast the group set off on a walk from Waddow along the River Ribble in an easterly direction – part of the ‘Ribble Way’. Again, it was a beautiful sunny morning with a slight breeze, the wind force having dropped significantly. As we walked along the river we had views of sand martins and common sand pipers as well as more common species of bird including a number of family groups of Mallard with lots of very young ducklings. The walk took us as far as the road between the villages of Chatburn and Grindleton where we left the river bank and used the road and the Grindleton Bridge to gain access to the opposite side of the river for our walk back to Waddow. Regaining the river bank the group stopped for refreshments at the side of the river, again watching the Mallards and also Pied Wagtails searching out insects on the small rocks – no doubt for feeding their young. The group set off again following the river until reaching the West Bradford Bridge where we left the river and walked across farm land towards the village of Waddington. Just before reaching the village we turned south and followed footpaths back to Waddow.This again had been a great weekend, both socially and with good walking. The weather had been very kind to us once more even though at times it had been quite windy, but not a cloud in the sky all weekend. Sunday 3 April 2011 – Hope, Bradwell & Castleton, Derbyshire Leaders: Mick & Julie Scarfe Once more the weather was kind to us and we set off from Hope on a mild sunny morning. The walk took us on a footpath south-easterly across farm land towards the hamlet of Brough, on route passing the site of the Navio Roman Fort. From Brough we turned south and followed footpaths to the pretty village of Bradwell. Passing through the village we continued south taking a footpath dropping down to Hazlebadge Hall (1549). From here we turned west towards Jennings Dale and on reaching high ground once more a refreshments break was taken. Following this short stop we continued into Jennings Dale and Hartle Dale which then took us into Green Dale. On reaching the top of Green Dale, there was now quite a strong breeze blowing and so it was decided to take a lunch break before continuing on the path across Bradwell Moor. A nice sheltered spot was chosen which turned out to be a bit of a sun-trap. After lunch we continued across Bradwell Moor where, for a couple of minutes, we were pounded by hail stones from a passing black cloud. We eventually turned north and after a short distance joined the Limestone Way eventually taking us down Cave Dale passed Peveril Castle and into Castleton. Passing through the town we turned east and then followed a footpath alongside the river back to Hope and our starting point. The walk had been about 10 miles in total but had not been difficult. The weather had been mainly fine and sunny for a lot of the time. After the short period of hail stones the sun shone again and from then on we had a few short light April showers – nothing to wet us much.A de-brief was held in the Old Hall across the road from the car park at Hope, and the day had been thoroughly enjoyed by all. Sunday 6 March 2011 – Redmires, Hollow Meadows and Stanage Leaders: Ann & George Evans On this fine but cold morning 15 members met up at the car park by the side of the top reservoir at Redmires.From there we walkedeast along the road for a short distance and then joined a footpath following the course of the Conduittowards Hollow Meadows. Having dropped down to the A57 Manchester Road we crossed the road and followed a footpath up to Rod Sidewhere a short coffee stop was taken. Setting off again we then turned west towards Moscar. At this stage the skies cleared and from then on we enjoyed blue skies and sunshine. ReachingMoscarCross Farm we turned southand, after again crossing the A57, we followed footpaths over Moscar Moor to Stanage End where we took advantage of the excellent extensive views over the Peak District and had a stop for lunch.Following lunch we continued along Stanage Edge passed High Neb and at Long Causeway we turned east and walked passed Stanedge Polewith excellent views over Sheffield. We then dropped down to the Redmires Reservoirs and returned to the starting point at the car park. The walk had been around8 miles long and the weather once more had been perfect for walking. A de-brief was held at the nearby Sportsman Public House. Sunday 6 February 2011 – Oughtibridge/Worrall/Kirk Edge, Sheffield Leaders: Harry & Kath Cawthorne Despite having suffered heavy rain for a few days, on this morning, although cloudy and very windy, there was no rain throughout the walk.The walk took us up through Birks Wood to Worrall and then along footpaths via Low Ash Common to Holdworth. From here, because of the extreme gale force winds, we diverted from the intended route and followed Moor Road up to KirkEdge road and then picked up the route.Taking a footpath at the Western side of the ‘Convent of the Holy Ghost’ we crossed farmland to Ones Moor and then continued on footpaths to Coumbes Vale Plantation and Coldwell where we followed lanes back to our starting point. This was a shorter walk of around 6.5 miles and 3 hours in total. The Section AGM then followed at the Niagara Centre a little after 1.00pm when walkers arrived there from Oughtibridge. Sunday 9 January 2011 – Five Weirs Walk, Sheffield Leaders: Jon & Gillian Nottingham This walk took us from Sheffield City Centre to the Meadowhall area on the eastern side of the City following the course of the River Don. On this stretch of the river there are five weirs, from which the walk gets its name, which were built as part of the industrial evolution of Sheffield. At Meadowhall we joined the Sheffield and Tinsley Navigation Canal and walked back to the Canal Basin along the towpaths. 25 Walkers gathered at Lady’s Bridge on what was an extremely cold but fine morning. The pavements were ice covered in the early stages and quite difficult to walk in places. Jon and Gillian led us off along The Wicker intending to join the River Don close to the Wicker Arches at the ‘Cobweb Bridge’ but unfortunately access to the bridge was closed due to a partial breaking up of the floor of the bridge. It was necessary to continue along Savile Street and pick up the walk near to Norfolk Bridge. At various locations on the walk there are information boards and Jon and Gillian supplemented these by talking about some of the industrial history of the area. A coffee stop was taken on reaching the Meadowhall Shopping Centre whilst some of the party took advantage of the facilities therein! We then continued along the walk until meeting the canal at Tinsley Bottom Locks. We then followed the towpath up to Tinsley Top Locks where a lunch break was taken. After lunch we continued to follow the towpath appreciating the industrial history and new developments of the area, as well as the flora and forna along the banks of the canal, until reaching the Canal Basin and the end of the walk. The total distance of the walk was around 9 miles and whilst this walk was not the usual hills and valleys of the countryside everyone enjoyed the trip into history. The weather had been fine throughout although quite cold. Monday 27 December 2010 (Bank Holiday Monday) Christmas Pudding Walk from village of Wentworth, Rotherham Leaders: Fred Scholey & Gerry Scarfe 19 Walkers gathered for a 10.00am start at the public car park near to the Rockingham Arms Hotel, Main Street , Wentworth . It was snowing slightly at the start of walk but this soon petered out. The walk took us through the village along Main Street turning right onto Barrowfield Lane and then right on a track and footpath via Low Wood and Kings Wood towards Elsecar. Here we turned right (S/E) on footpaths and lanes to Hoober Stand - a 30-metre (98 ft) high 3 sided building situated on a ridge near Wentworth. It lies approximately 157m above sea level. It was built in the eighteenth century to commemorate the quashing of the 1745 Scottish Jacobite rebellion. A short refreshments break was taken at this location. Nearby there is the ‘Eye of the Needle’ - a stone 'gateway' in the form of a pyramid. Very little is known of its history save a legend that the 2nd Marquis of Rockingham built it to win a curious wager that he could drive a coach and horses through the "eye of a needle". From here we took lanes and footpaths towards Upper Haugh and then Nether Haugh until turning right at Mill Dam and taking footpaths through Wentworth Country Park and passed the East Front of the House of Wentworth Woodhouse which is a magnificent structure over 600 feet in length, famous as the longest frontage of any country house in England. From the park we entered Wentworth Village once more and returned to the car park. The walk had been around 7.5 miles following which there was a ‘seasonal de-brief’ in the nearby George & Dragon. Sunday 5 June 2011 – Grindleford, Bamford & Hathersage Area, Derbyshire Leaders: Dave & Emma Foster Grindleford Station was the meeting point for a 10am start on a very pleasant sunny morning. The walk took us through the Oxhay Woods, over a railway crossing and then alongside the River Derwent to Bamford. A lunch break was taken by the side of the Garden Centre at Bamford after which we walked across to Bamford Golf Club and followed paths over the golf course to Hathersage. Here we picked up the footpath back through the woods to Grindleford Station. The walk was predominately flat and passed through some picturesque countryside Distance: 10 miles in total. Sunday 26 June 2011 – Crashed Aircraft Walk from Snake Inn, Derbyshire Leaders: Gerry Scarfe and Helen Brebner A small party of walkers met at the car park at Birchen Clough Bridge on the A57 Manchester Road a short distance passed the Snake Inn and set off walking at 9.45am. The weather on the day was beautiful with hot sunshine and blue skies. From the car park we crossed the A57 and descended into the Lady Clough Plantation turning south until joining the Snake Path which we followed west along Ashop Clough until reaching Black Ashop Moor, the crash site of Sabres XD707 and XD730 of 66 Squadron, RAF, which mysteriously crashed together on 22 July 1954. From there we continued west across the moor until joining the Pennine Way which we followed in a northerly direction onto Mill Hill. This then took us across Featherbed Moss where, a short distance from Snake Summit, we took a lunch break. After lunch we continued to Snake Summit and crossed over the A57, continuing along the Pennine Way. After approximately 1 mile we turned west to walk up to Shelf Moor, the site of the B29 crash where 13 crewmembers died on 3 November 1948. Anyone visiting this site cannot fail to be moved and saddened by the scene. After spending a little time at this site we returned downhill to reach the Pennine Way but then walked straight across the moorland until reaching Upper North Grain which we followed to the A57. Crossing the road, we then dropped down into Lady Clough walking south into the Lady Clough Plantation once more and eventually back to the car park arriving back at 4.45pm. This had been the hottest recorded day of the year, extremely hot with a very slight breeze at times. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the walk with its diversity of terrain and especially the spectacle of the tragic crash sites. |
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