Derby

Reports of Previous Walks 2017

27 December - Alsop Moor circular

On 27th December the third day of Christmas, no lovers were inclined to send to us "Three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree." Nevertheless 'six proud walkers' set off to overcome the effects of the first two days of Christmas festivities.

The origins of the song, "Green Grow the Rushes, O" are obscure but by 1868 several variant and somewhat garbled versions were being sung by street children as Christmas carols. The phrase "Six for the six proud walkers" is particularly obscure; it may be a corruption of 'six proud waters', a reference to the six jars of water that Jesus turned into wine at the wedding feast at Cana of Galilee, (John 2:6). Cecil Sharp notes that this was suggested by the editors of English County Songs.

The six proud walkers of Derby U3A refused to be daunted by the sleet experienced in our car journeys to the lay-by on the A515 road at Alsop Moor.

We walked south at a good pace to enjoy a coffee break at the southernmost point of the journey at Sharplow Farm, and continued north-north-west to enjoy lunch beside the river Dove in the shadow of Shining Tor, which like all the hills on this day was covered with a light sprinkling of snow.

The weather continued to improve as the day progressed, and we returned to the cars via Coldeaton Bridge in bright sunshine, somewhat invigorated by a day's exercise during the Christmas season. The walk was approximately 7.5 miles.

20 December - Walk from Ilam to Weags Bridge

With only a day before the winter solstice the weather omens were mixed. Although there were glimpses of a few sunny skies as we drove towards Ilam there was predominantly low cloud and hill fog. However 17 walkers decided that a pre Christmas walk was needed – probably so that we could indulge a little more in the days to follow!

We left the National Trust car park at Ilam hall and walked down towards the river where the footpath led to a field and then a tarmac track that took us quite steeply up to Castern Hall. This 18th century Georgian manor House has a fairly prestigious history and once featured in Agatha Christie’s Poirot in the episode “The Mystery of Hunters Lodge” and although it is now a private residence it is available for B&B or various functions – although you might be too tired to do much if you had to walk up the drive to get there!

We walked around the back of the hall and across fields to the path above Castern Wood Nature Reserve where we made our coffee stop being careful to avoid falling down the mine shaft. Then we walked towards Larkstone Lane and descended the hill towards Weags Bridge. Often we take the short cut across stepping stones over the river Manifold but with it in full spate caution suggested that we should continue down the hill to the bridge.

We stopped to watch a climber on the sheer rock face near Beeston Tor Farm and then shortly afterwards took a lunch stop by a derelict barn. We then climbed up the Manifold Trail to Throwley Hall although we were delayed by a friendly farmer with tales of soya beans!

We descended from Throwley to Rushley and then across a couple of muddy fields to the river and footpath in the grounds of Ilam Hall.

A pleasant walk of eight and a half miles.

13 December - Christmas lunch

Although a walk had been planned around Fenny Bentley before our meal, it was decided to cancel this owing to wet ground conditions following the thaw of recent heavy snowfall and a forecast of rain for much of the morning. Instead we all met up at lunchtime at the Bentley Brook Inn, dressed in our best attire, instead of the usual mud-splattered walking clothes! Almost all the group attended, a very genial party of twenty-four!

We enjoyed an excellent meal as usual at what has become a regular venue for our Christmas celebrations over the last few years.

Thanks go to Derek for organising the meal, and to Sue for her hard work during the year in planning the programme.

6 December - Friden circular

Our starting point was the car park at Friden on the High Peak Trail. We followed the trail north-westwards, turning off on a green lane towards Middleton. Although there were a few muddy puddles, the going was easy and we made good time, arriving at the picnic benches in Middleton for coffee. Unfortunately, the toilets were closed until Easter so it meant a long wait with crossed legs!!

We then made our way south-eastwards out of the village via Lowfields and Gratton Grange Farms to Dale End at the top of Gratton Dale.

We had been forewarned of the likelihood of mud in the dale due to cattle trampling and this proved to be correct, although not impassable. We stopped for lunch at a convenient low wall before continuing down the dale, eventually meeting the culprits of the muddy track, the cows!

At the junction with Long Dale we turned westwards, and followed the bottom of the dale to a small enclosure containing a set of three standing stones. These are a sculpture which forms part of a Millennium project to mark various points along the Middleton parish boundary which became known as Sites of Meaning.

As we climbed out of Long Dale, the sun made an appearance and the views back down the dale were quite stunning, bathed in the warm late afternoon light. Minninglow, which we had visited on a walk a few weeks before, was clearly visible on the distant horizon. From a geographical point of view, Max was keen to point out the interlocking spurs of the 'v' shaped valley and the terracettes on the sides of the dale formed by soil creep.

It was then an easy walk between the Boulderstone Plantations to the road which led back to the car park.

Fourteen members enjoyed this pleasant 9.5 mile walk in mostly sheltered conditions.

29 November - Melbourne & Breedon-on-the-Hill

Our group of thirteen walkers met outside Melbourne Hall for the start of a South Derbyshire ramble on a cold, blustery but bright morning.

We made our way through Melbourne, past the site of the old castle and the cemetery, skirting the edge of the small village of King's Newton, reaching the Cloud Trail. This follows the route of the dismantled Derby, Melbourne and Ashby branch railway. Some of the old station buildings remain, now private residences. We followed the trail south-westwards, stopping for a coffee break along the way.

The walking was easy on level ground and most of all dry underfoot so we made good progress. However, just south of Tonge we branched off northwards towards Breedon-on-the-Hill along a footpath which traversed a very large, muddy field (but not quite as muddy as last year!). Our boots were still weighed down with sticky mud! Breedon Church was like a beacon ahead of us, high on the top of the imposing Carboniferous limestone hill which rises to over 400 feet in the generally low-lying surrounding countryside. A large part of the hill has been cut away by an active quarry.

After entering the village we made our way up a steep footpath to the church, the Priory Church of St Mary and St Hardulph. This was originally a monastery founded in about AD 676 on the site of The Bulwarks, an Iron Age hill fort. It was re-founded as an Augustinian priory early in the 12th century. We found some cover from the cold wind near the church wall and some nearby seats for our lunch stop with splendid views across several counties, and it was fitting for the site of a beacon to commemorate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.

An easy route northwest led us back across a golf course where we turned south-westwards along Dark Dale and then back north to arrive at The Pool and Melbourne Hall.

It was a pleasant walk of just over 9 miles.

22 November - Bradford Dale & Lathkill Dale

When we arrived at the Moor Lane car park near Youlgreave it was grey and overcast, but still quite mild even though there was a very strong wind. In contrast, as we made our way into the shelter of the dales there was very little wind at all.

From the car park we followed the Limestone Way down into Bradford Dale, treading carefully on the wet leaves to avoid slipping on the tricky slopes. Making good progress, we stopped for coffee on the wall where Mawstone Lane crosses the dale.

Continuing to Alport, we turned north and followed the River Lathkill to Conksbury Bridge, and then proceeded along Lathkill Dale where we found a convenient lunch spot by one of the weirs.

The waterfall was in full flow and we noted a couple of Dippers along the way.

It didn't take long to reach the footbridge into Cales Dale. There was a steep ascent out of the dale up a series of giant steps! Having joined the Limestone Way again it was then an easy walk back through the fields past Calling Low Farm to the cars.

The total distance was approximately 8.5 miles and 12 members took part on this enjoyable scenic walk. Fortunately we managed to avoid any rain, with only a few spots of drizzle from time to time.

15 November - Cromford circular

Eleven members met at Cromford Meadows.

The walk followed the Cromford Canal to High Peak Junction which marks the point where the former Cromford and High Peak Railway, opened in the 1830's, met the canal. Here we joined the High Peak Trail which follows the line of the former track and climbed the steep Sheep Pasture incline (some 1320 yards in length at a gradient varying between 1:8 and 1:9) where the railway wagons were initially pulled up the slope by static steam engines. The site of one engine house and the remains of another can still be seen at the side of the trail. The lower one closed in 1861 because advances in technology made it unnecessary to have 2 engine houses on the incline. We discussed the fact that the trucks could reach speeds of up to 120 mph downhill, so an escape pit was constructed in order to capture runaway wagons.

The beech trees on both sides of the incline looked splendid in their autumn colours.

From the trail there were superb views across to Cromford, before we reached Black Rocks where we had coffee by the upper car park.

We then made our way up the next incline to Middleton Top Engine House, which has been restored.

The route then left the High Peak Trail, passing the deserted buildings of Moor Farm and took a footpath around Intake Quarry and across Middleton Moor. We had been climbing all the time until this point and the trig point on the moor states a height of 358 metres but unfortunately it was becoming very gloomy and misty, spoiling the views.

There was then a descent towards Middleton and we stopped above the village for lunch with vistas across to Riber Castle. The route followed the perimeter of Dene Quarry, crossing the road above Cromford and across the fields down to the A6. It was only a short walk from here to Cromford Wharf and the cars.

Everyone thought it was a really enjoyable walk with lots of industrial archaeology. The total distance was 8.5 miles.

8 November - Pikehall circular

In the words of one of our more literary members, "following the example of Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat whose smile remained after the rest of the cat had disappeared, the Walking Group Organiser's leadership remained after the rest of her had disappeared. The route was real enough, having been sent to every member of the group electronically through the 'cloud'."

It took us from the Minninglow car park at Pikehall a short way NW along the High Peak Trail towards Gotham, then along a footpath running south over the fields, over Minninglow Lane, to Lowmoor Farm and up a steep bank finally reaching the Parwich road. After the heavy rain of the previous day the ground was quite sodden and proved difficult where livestock had trampled, but the worst conditions underfoot were at Lowmoor Farm where we had to divert round the back of the farm (due to the farmer moving cattle in the yard) through the runoff from a slurry pit!

We stopped rather belatedly for our coffee break at the road junction close to our turning for a track leading east between Hoe Grange and Ballidon Quarries.

Beyond the quarries the track branched north towards Roystone Grange Farm where the outlines of the medieval hall and barn of Roystone Grange, built for a Cistercian Abbey in Leicestershire during the 12th century, can still be seen. Here cattle and sheep were reared and wool exported to Europe. Nearby are the more substantial ruins of a Victorian Pump House which provided the nearby mines with compressed air.

From the farm we followed the track up the slope to join the High Peak Trail where we enjoyed lunch with lovely views over the countryside.

With stamina renewed, most of the group decided to continue up the concessionary path to Minninglow Hill, a familiar landmark which can be seen for miles around. This is the site of Minning Low Tomb, thought to date back to the Neolithic people of the area. Measuring 34m by 44m, the cairn consists of at least four chambers and has undergone a number of construction phases. The Low originally began life as a single chamber with a small mound comprised mainly of limestone. It was later covered by a long cairn with four chambers and later still converted into a massive circular mound, perhaps during the Bronze Age.

A short descent took us back down to the trail and an easy stroll to the car park.

"A week after Halloween we may have been conscious of the ghosts of walkers past accompanying the seventeen tangible group members. But virtually every current member was included on a sunny and enjoyable walk."

1 November - Madge Hill

With two of the party departing for Vietnam the following day it was sensible to walk reasonably briskly in the autumn temperatures. A party of 12 set off from Corley Lane at 10:15 am, with the leader missing the first turn through Corley farm. But the more experienced walkers who knew the route, albeit in the opposite direction, soon pointed us to the right path along Ridge Lane towards Atlow.

We stopped for our coffee break at Winn Lane before climbing to Madge Hill and enjoying the fine views to Carsington reservoir and to Kniveton as we continued past Woodhead to discover some conveniently chopped logs to sit on as we ate lunch. They were being carefully guarded by a black sheep who regularly commented that either he was in the wrong place or we were.

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Other animals were puzzled by our behaviour. The lama was just curious, and the three donkeys were all friendly, but the horse came to watch us climb a stile wondering why we did not jump it, and the bullocks shook their heads in disbelief that such a venerable group should finish a 7 1/2 mile walk by 2:10.

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We passed the Sturston Mill goal a mile from our finish - a tourist attraction which is not fully developed. We had decided not to stage a re-enactment of the Shrovetide football game because, although U3A members are sensible enough to keep the rules, scoring a goal would require standing up to the waist in water.

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All in all it was a friendly and enjoyable walk.

25th October - Walk from Elton

A good crowd of eighteen walkers met near All Saints Church at Elton on a morning which dawned bright after heavy overnight rain. In this weather mud is to be expected underfoot and immediately we were not disappointed! We started off through the churchyard in a north easterly direction but before we reached Dudwood Lane we encountered the mud which delayed our progress somewhat and perhaps foretold of what might come further along the walk.

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However we soon passed clear of it and reached the lane and then dropped down to meet the Limestone Way.

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We then climbed towards Robin Hood’s stride and circled it to take a path descending towards Bradford Dale. Here we stopped by the river for coffee and found it pleasantly warm in the autumn sunshine sheltered from the breeze.

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The walk along Bradford Dale was interesting in that we followed a pair of kingfishers for a while who were not too concerned about our presence so we had a good view. Further along we saw ducks and moorhens and then a grey wagtail. Unfortunately we didn’t spot dippers today.

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At the end of Bradford Dale we made a climb to Middleton where we stopped for lunch at picnic tables adjacent to the children’s playground. We noted the memorial to the crew of the Wellington bomber that crashed nearby in 1944 and recalled how sad it was that so many returning planes crashed over the peak district during and just after the Second World War.

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From Middleton we made a loop along Whitfield Lane and then to Mount Pleasant Farm and to Gratton Grange. Here we took a steep metalled road to Rock Farm and then through woods and across fields meeting Cliff Lane at Anthony Hill. It was then a short downhill walk and a slog up across a couple of fields to return to All Saints Church.

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A walk of just over 9 miles and although we were fortunate to avoid a repeat of the mud at the start there were perhaps too many stiles for some!

18th October – Thorpe Circular Walk

After last week’s walk was cancelled due to the erroneous weather forecast of rain and strong winds, this week’s walk from Narlow’s Lane car park on the outskirts of Thorpe went ahead. Luckily, following the passing of ex-hurricane Ophelia to the west of the UK on Monday we were treated to a calm and mild day with overcast skies.

Eleven of us met up in the free car park on Narlow’s Lane near Thorpe for the start of the walk. From here we set off at 10:20 to head north along Gag Lane. This single track road, which heads slightly uphill, is little used by traffic and gave good views over the surrounding countryside, especially where it passed over Thorpe Pasture. A little after Thorpe Pasture, we left the road to head north west across the fields towards Boston Grange Farm. At the point where we left the road there is a circular stone tower that is set into the hillside. The use of this tower is uncertain, but it has been suggested it was used as a grain store. Also, on this stretch of the walk is a lime kiln from the mid 19th century, which gives an indication of the quarrying and farming activities that previously went on in this area. Just after Boston Grange Farm we turned west and headed uphill to the tumulus where we stopped just above the farm for our morning break. This spot was one of the high points on the walk and gave good views over Dove Dale and the surrounding countryside. From here we headed north west to Hanson Grange, a grade II listed building that dates from the late 16th and early 19th century. This was a former site of a grange for Buxton Abbey. From Hanson Grange we headed north east to New Hanson Grange farm where the farmers were bringing in the bailed hay. The next point on the walk was the old station car park on the Tissington Trail, where there are picnic benches and a shelter. Having had our break earlier, we continued to Alsop en le Dale.

This small, picturesque farming hamlet was once a stage-coach staging post until the route was moved to the higher ground above the hamlet. This pretty village has a fine Norman church (St. Michael and All Angels), which was built in the early 12th century and sympathetically renovated and extended in 1883. Fortunately, the Victorian renovators did a sensitive job to this beautiful church. Opposite the church is Alsop Hall, which was built in the late 16th century for the Alsop family, whose ancestors had held the estate from the 12th century. The Hall changed ownership in the late 17th century and has passed through the hands of a number of families since then. Still in private ownership, the hall consists of two central three storey gables and single bay 2 storey wings on either side.

From Alsop we headed south across the fields to Newton Grange. This is a grade II listed farmhouse that dates from the mid 18th and 19th century. From here we continued onto Tissington village where we stopped on a grass bank outside St. Mary’s church for our lunch.

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This spot was directly opposite the picturesque Tissington Hall. This early 17th century Jacobean mansion house is owned by the FitzHerbert family who acquired the Tissington estate through the marriage of Nicholas FitzHerbert to Ciceley Frauncis, heiress of Tissington, in 1465. The old moated manor house at Tissington was replaced with the new mansion in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert and remains the home of the FitzHerbert family. The majority of the other buildings in the village are built in the local vernacular style, and around 70% of the buildings are listed. This makes the village very popular with tourists, especially around the well dressing period of Ascension Sunday when the six wells in the village are decorated.

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After lunch we headed south west down ‘The Avenue’ between the row of mature trees to exit onto the A515 at Tissington Gates. From here we continued along the Limestone Way across the fields back to Gag Lane and the car park.

This relatively gentle walk of 7.75 miles took us just over 3 ½ hrs. during which time we passed through some very pleasant countryside and historical villages.

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4th October – Ticknall Circular

Because of a chilly wind, fifteen walkers were glad to get started from Ticknall Village Hall. The footpath was easy to see running NE across the fields from a village street towards the eastern edge of Gorsey Leys and other woodlands. Here it ran just inside the perimeter fence and we soon reached Woodend Cottage. After turning left along a bridle way we met a horse and rider and continued up the slope to the road at Ingleby Toft.

A coffee stop was in people’s minds but there was nowhere to sit on the path that went off the road to the left through a turnip or mangold wurzel field. We could now see the River Trent in the valley below. However in Ingleby village we found a dry spot out of the wind for a short break.

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After a bend in the road on the far side of Ingleby a sign post pointed right towards the river. Here two members took a more level route to avoid the ups and downs of the river escarpment. The rest of us went over the escarpment and down to the river bank. The narrow path went through a forest of shoulder high nettles and Himalayan Balsam by the side of the river. It then climbed up the cliff where the bank was impassable and dipped down to a shelf by the river where we could see the man made caves of Anchor Church.

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The escarpment petered out and walking across a flat flood plain field we met to our surprise 3 members of the U3A Medium Walks coming the other way. The track curved SW upwards and away from the river and back to the road. Here we found some abandoned small jewellery boxes, unfortunately without the jewellery which looked a little suspicious. Since one box had an address in it they were picked up to see if the police might be interested.

Having met up with our 2 diverted walkers we crossed the road to the track through a sugar beet field to Foremark Hall School. We walked across the drive to the impressive main hall which is a 4 story Georgian Palladian mansion completed in 1762 for the Burdett family. Taken over in the war by the army it became in 1947 Repton Preparatory School. Along the path between newer school buildings we met some of the uniformed pupils.

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An old driveway bounded by old trees took us up to Heath Wood where a large shooting party appeared to be having lunch. A little further on we did the same, leaving the path to sit on fallen trunks.

Heath Wood is the site of the only Scandinavian cremation barrows in Britain and contains 59 Danish burials and is thought to be the war cemetery of the Viking Great Army which arrived in England between 873-8 AD.

Leaving the wood along the path which neatly misses all the barrows we continued across fields to the Ticknall road. On the other side an acute right bend at Seven Spouts Farm took us back to the road. Here we stopped to locate a detached member before carrying on to Hangman’s Stone and the left turn for Ticknall. We quickly reached the path by the cricket ground and church and re-entered the car park. We had walked just over 8 miles in dry but overcast weather.

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27 September - Padley Circular

Our walk this week was a little further afield, setting off from Grindleford Station. The morning was rather cloudy but mild. We walked past Padley Chapel, where the Padley Martyrs (Roman Catholic priests) were arrested in 1588 and executed in Derby.

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We then proceeded up the steep incline to the remains of the old winding gear which brought the stone from Bolehill Quarries down to the railway for transport to the dams at Howden and Derwent Reservoirs. Passing the 'millstone graveyard' where dozens of millstones were left abandoned when the market for them dried up, we made our way to Surprise View, where climbers practised their skills on the rocky outcrops. Unfortunately the views were obscured by mist and low cloud.

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The route followed the top of Millstone Edge, and at an appropriate sheltered group of rocks we stopped for coffee.

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Branching off left before reaching Higger Tor, we made our way through the conservation fields of Mitchell Field Farm. We wondered about the architecture of the house as we walked past Scraperlow, its frontage appearing like a castle.

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The walk continued down a sunken lane through the woods below High Lees into Hathersage. We stopped for lunch on a bank next to the footpath as it crossed the fields before entering the village.

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We followed a road leading towards Nether Hall, but branched off down the footpath to Leadmill Bridge and the River Derwent. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way then led us back southwards through oak woodlands, now starting to take on autumn colour, and fields where sheep were being rounded up, before we turned back up the hill to Upper Padley and made our way back to the station.

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The total distance of the walk was approximately 7.5 miles, and was enjoyed by fifteen members.

20 September – Brassington Circular

The recent fluctuations in the weather resulted in a short fairly local walk being chosen for this week and 11 members set off east from Brassington under an overcast sky. From the track a footpath led across ground which was riddled with the pits and spoil heaps of old mining activities. Brassington has been famous for lead mining and stone quarrying from Saxon and Norman times. We found the limestone and aggregate industry continuing today on Manystones Lane as huge Longcliffe trucks roared by before we turned off to head north along the Limestone Way.

After crossing the High Peak Trail we crossed fields and stopped at the most northern point of the walk for a coffee break before heading south east along the rough road to Griffe Grange.

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At New Harboro Farm there was a turn off towards Harboro Rocks through a field with a delightful baby donkey and its mother.

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A short climb following marker poles took us to the ridge of the rocks where we could see Carsington Reservoir to the south.

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After a steeper descent we regained the High Peak Trail and headed east to the towering turbines on Carsington Pasture. As we walked towards Carsington the reservoir appeared again and a steep footpath down the grassy slope led us into the village.

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There were convenient benches for lunch on the triangular village green where there were autumn tints in the trees.

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The north-west road rising from the village connected to a track over the rough grazing towards Brassington which could soon be seen in the next valley.

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We quickly reached the High Street and made our way back to the car park. The distance walked was a fraction over 7 miles. There had been no rain but not a lot of blue sky or sunshine.

6 September - Hartington circular

Fine facilities!

We met at Hartington, where there is a public toilet close by. Near the centre I spotted "the old cheese shop". I wonder if they are in some danger of competition if another shop opened called, "the fresh cheese shop" or even "the well matured cheese shop."

We walked up past the youth hostel, along Highfield Lane, turning left through Heathcote to join the Tissington Trail.

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Shortly after joining this in a northerly direction we came to Ruby Wood where there are some fine picnic benches very suitable for our coffee break.

Along the Pennine Bridleway/Tissington Trail it was easy to walk two or three abreast so we could enjoy our conversation, only infrequently interrupted by bikes with feeble bells.

We explored the Hartington signal box which was open for visitors and appreciated how many signals and points needed to be changed for a comparatively simple piece of track.

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We continued to Parsley Hay where there were picnic tables for lunch and a public toilet available.

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Then we crossed several fields with mud and stiles - it would not have been a proper walk otherwise - to return in good time, having averaged 2.7 mph.

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An 8 mile walk with fine facilities enjoyed by 11 people.

30 August - Birchen Edge/Gardom's Edge

Thirteen walkers set off from the Birchen Edge car park. It had been raining in Derby when we left home, but fortunately the forecast for further north was dry, and we set off under grey skies but no rain. After a steep climb up on to Birchen Edge we reached Nelson's Monument which was erected in 1810 by a local businessman in honour of Lord Nelson. The nearby rocks are named after the 3 ships: HMS Victory, Defiance and Royal Sovereign.

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We continued down to the road and then towards Wellington's Monument, where we stopped for coffee. The monument to the Duke of Wellington, in the form of a cross, was raised in 1866 by a local worthy, Dr Lieutenant Colonel E. M. Wrench. It marked an earlier visit by Wellington to the moor, and was also intended as a balance to Nelson's Monument.

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From the monument we walked along Baslow Edge admiring the extensive vista across the Derwent Valley. A very photogenic group of highland cattle were grazing on top of the edge, and the heather in full bloom, both the lighter coloured ling and bright purple bell heather, made a spectacular show.

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Our lunch stop was at the picnic site at Curbar Gap.

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From here we headed towards White Edge, turning off south across the southern end of Big Moor where a number of Red Deer were spotted amongst the bracken.

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After crossing the road we headed back along Gardom's Edge. It was then a pleasant downhill stroll back to the road and our starting point.

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It was, as always, a very enjoyable walk. The distance was just over 7 miles.

23rd August – Ambergate to Crich and Return

The weather was decidedly murky with a blanket of low cloud when 14 walkers met at Ambergate Railway Station car park. The initial question was whether we needed weather proof clothing as the forecast suggested that light rain and drizzle would fall for an hour or two. However in the end most of us decided to risk it which turned out to be the right decision as very slowly during the walk the clouds lifted and eventually the sun shone.

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We left the car park and made a short walk along the A6 until turning off towards the Cromford Canal. Soon we left this and climbed slowly up through the woods at Crich Chase to meet a minor road at Chadwick Nick. We crossed this and headed along The Tors where we made a coffee stop sitting on a wall gazing at a view mostly of low cloud and we could only imagine what lay beyond.

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We then descended into Crich and made our way past the Tramway Museum to the tower at Crich Stand. The museum is on land originally purchased by George Stephenson the railway pioneer and “Rocket” designer. He saw a business opportunity in using local limestone and coal to produce agricultural lime which could be transported by his railway. It was opened in 1841 and continued in operation until 1957.

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The first tower at Crich Stand was built from wood as a landmark in 1760 and there have been several incarnations of it ever since. The current tower was constructed in 1923 and dedicated to the memory of members of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment who died in the First World War. It has since been rededicated to include all of that regiment who have died in wars since. Today there was scaffolding around it so it is presumably undergoing some repair work.

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We stopped for lunch below the tower at a picnic area adjacent to the tram line terminus and then descended quite steeply through woods and fields back towards the canal. As we approached it the sun came out and we had a warm two mile walk back to the car park.

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A walk of 8.2 miles.

16th August - Alstonefield to Hulme End

It was quite a chilly morning so eleven walkers were fairly well wrapped up as we left Alstonefield. However the sun was shining and very soon, one by one, the fleeces were removed and we were walking in shirt sleeves.

We started north along the road but found a footpath on the left that eventually skirted Wetton Hill which was just as well as the ascent to the top looked quite steep. We stopped for coffee by the old Ecton Mine workings where copper and lead were mined as far back as the Bronze Age. It is rumoured that the Duke of Devonshire financed the building of The Crescent in Buxton in the eighteenth century from his profits from these mines. Unfortunately mining ceased in 1891 and the area is now a site of special scientific interest.

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After admiring the view across the far hills we descended into Ecton passing the small stone building which was the powder store for the mines. Soon we reached the road and then took the Manifold Way towards Hulme End. This was the most dangerous part of our walk because of the numerous cyclists who seemed to refuse to use their bells to warn us of their approach. Instead, they would wait until a few meters behind us and then shout “cyclist coming”!

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However we arrived safely at the visitors centre at Hulme End where we stopped for lunch. After a break we made our way along the main road to cross the river and then by a footpath to Lower Hurst Farm. From here we crossed Beresford Lane and headed towards Narrowdale where the path then climbed slowly up towards fields north of Alstonefield. A short walk on the level then took us back to the car park.
A very pleasant walk of 8.5 miles.

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9th August – Mugginton Circular

The heavy early morning downpour had died out by the time eight walkers assembled at Mugginton Village Hall. A short way along the road a track took us north along the top of Ling Hill, past Old Covert and right to the Cock Inn. Crossing the road we branched right through Leasow Farm. Following a left turn and almost across two fields there is a memorial to 5 young airmen who died when their plane crashed on this spot. They were returning to Ashbourne Airfield after some night navigation when their plane crashed making a 15 foot crater in the ground. Three of the bodies were never found so the spot also marks their grave.

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Three fields further a left turn took us down into a wooded valley where we crossed a footbridge and climbed up to an open ridge with good views over to the white Italian looking house, Flower Lilies. A convenient grassy ridge provided seating for the coffee break.

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A downhill track took us to Chapel Farm, Windley and a short way left along the road the track led through Brook Farm. The footbridge over the brook was in a boggy corner of a field. We negotiated this and climbed steadily to the Limekilns pool. We were surprised to find that the track to The Clives took us through a field of sunflowers.

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Recrossing the road, the track opposite led to Parkhill Farm where we turned left up a hill to a rough roadway. A sheltered entrance to fields provided a spot for lunch.

After Park Farm the road petered out and we walked across fields with some disinterested horses towards Schoolhouse Farm near Mercaston. After retracing our steps a short way we found the turnoff to Mugginton Church and were soon able to see the tower of this. The path led through the Churchyard and a left turn took us back to the car park. We had walked 7.5 miles in cloud and sunshine with better conditions underfoot than we had anticipated.

2 August – Stoney Middleton Circular Walk

Eight intrepid souls met up on a dull and dismal day in the Peak District for the start of a walk from Cavendish Mill near Stoney Middleton. This is the spot where people usually congregate in the winter to watch the starling murmuration. The walk, which started under an overcast sky, took us west along the road and then a footpath to Wardlow. Unfortunately, it was not long after leaving the road that people were reaching for their waterproofs as a steady drizzle driven by the wind started to blow in across the fields. The path into Wardlow passed through a field of thistles and nettles, which was not good for the one person in the group who was wearing shorts. From Wardlow we headed south down the road for a short distance before turning west again down a track to Cressbrook Dale. We stopped here on the high ground above Cressbrook Dale for our morning break. Although, the rain had stopped the views down the Dale and over the surrounding countryside were compromised by a light mist.

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After our short break, we followed the path in a south westerly direction through the trees down into the Dale. This took us to a small stream that we crossed on a footbridge, after which we started to climb out of the Dale on the other side. After a large gate we turned off this path in a north westerly direction to continue our climb out of the Dale on quite a steep, stepped path that passed through more woodland. This path eventually came out on pastureland which we followed towards Litton. However, before reaching this village we turned east along a track and then south towards the head of Tansley Dale, where we turned east to follow a permissive footpath along the upper edge of the Dale. A short distance along here we stopped at a delapidated building for our lunch. The building offered some shelter and there were good views of Tansley Dale.

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After lunch we continued along the upper edge of Tansley Dale and Cressbook Dale to Wardlow Mires. This section gave good views back to where we had stopped for our morning break and of Peter’s Stone in the upper part of Cressbrook Dale.

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Peter’s Stone is a circular limestone dome in the northern end of Cressbrook Dale, which is also referred to as Gibbet Rock. This is where the last gibbet in the county stood and local legend has it this was the place of the last gibbeting. A gibbet was a gallows used to display the bodies of criminals after their execution and this is where they were left until long after execution with their bones rattling against the iron cage serving as a deterrent to other would be criminals. The story is that on NewYear’s Day, in 1815 Hannah Oliver, the toll-keeper at Wardlow Mires was murdered for a pair of red boots and Anthony Lingard, a 21 year old Tideswell man, was convicted and executed for the killing. After execution in Derby his body was then hung in chains on the Peter’s Stone but this gruesome practice led to considerable public outcry and it was locally claimed to be Derbyshire’s last public hanging!

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From Wardlow Mires we headed north to Stanley House and then east to Brosterfield Farm, south to Housley, and then south east back to where we started at Cavendish Mill.
As forecast, there were rain showers in the morning which had passed over by the afternoon. We all returned a little wet and bedraggled after our 12 km (7 ½ mile) walk, but all agreed that there had been some lovely scenery along the route.

19 July - Ilam to Milldale Circular

Since there was the possibility of heavy showers in the afternoon an early start was made by 9 walkers from Ilam Hall NT car park. The sky was overcast but it warm and sultry as we walked through Ilam to the footpath taking us towards Thorpe Cloud and the southern end of Dovedale.

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It was dry underfoot in Dovedale so the rocky limestone outcrops were not slippery and we made good progress, stopping for coffee at Lover’s Leap. Oddly, we met a couple taking their pet Bearded Dragon for a walk!

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We passed Tissington Spires and Reynard’s cave and at the footbridge at Ilam Rock decided to go on to Milldale rather than taking a shorter route along Hall Dale.

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We reached Milldale, the furthest point of the walk, 2 hours after setting off and decided to make a start on the return route before having lunch. A short way along the Hope road we found the rather overgrown track leading uphill towards Stanshope. It was a warm climb out of Dovedale to the fields at the top. We crossed the track from Hall Dale and found a grass covered bank to sit on for lunch.

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On setting off again we spotted where the track divided and took the right hand way to Damgate. Here there was a photogenic Shire horse which was more interested in grazing than posing. The footpath ended at the road at Damgate although it appeared to go straight on. Two walkers found a way through to the next footpath but the rest walked a short way along the road to the sign post.

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Where two footpaths crossed we turned left towards Castern. The track ran by a wall which was being repaired in one place by an expert. At Castern a dressage horse was being exercised in a menage. We reached the road which passes the impressive Castern Hall and zig zags down the hill.

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The footpath cuts across the bends bringing us quickly downhill to River Lodge where we followed a track near the rather stagnant river Manifold. Just before Ilam Hall water gushes out from the hill on the left where it has been underground and flows under the path bringing new life to the Manifold.

It was a short walk back to the car park and although the sky had become more overcast we had not had any rain. We had walked 8.6 miles.

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12 July - Rowsley & Stanton Moor

11 walkers set off from Rowsley on a dry, sunny morning. The route first went south to Stanton Woodhouse which was a hunting lodge for the Duke of Rutland and dates from the 16th century.

From here we made our way uphill towards Stanton Moor. Having crossed a minor road, we entered the disused Lees Cross Quarries passing a large ruined building, possibly an engine house linked to the quarries, passing a pile of abandoned millstones.

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We then continued through the quarries, up on to Stanton Moor, stopping at Nine Ladies Stone Circle for coffee. This is a Bronze Age monument of nine standing stones and a separate stone, 40 metres from the circle, known as the King Stone, the function of which is uncertain. Legend has it that nine maidens were turned into stone for dancing here on the Sabbath, and the King Stone was the fiddler.

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We dropped down to the Earl Grey Tower on the edge of the moor. This was built as a shooting tower in 1832 by the Thornhills of Stanton Hall to commemorate Earl Grey's passing of the Reform Bill. Earl Grey is also famous for the tea named after him. According to legend, a grateful Chinese mandarin gave him a gift of tea flavoured with bergamot in thanks for the rescue of his son from drowning by one of Earl Grey's men.

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From here we followed the Duke's Drive, built as a carriageway across the moor as a pleasure drive for the guests of the Thornhill family, giving extensive views over the Derwent Valley towards Matlock, with Riber Castle and Crich Stand in the distance. Dropping down off the moor we continued south past Barn Farm, and reached Clough Lane. This was a former packhorse route, used for the transport of lead ore from the mines in the area. Past Cowley Knoll, the lane becomes Oldfield Lane and here we found a convenient wall for our lunch stop.

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We then reached Darley Bridge where the bridge over the River Derwent formed an important crossing point for the packhorse route, and dates back to the 16th century. At the cricket ground we turned north to follow the Derwent Valley Heritage Way along the floodplain. We passed through Churchtown and stopped to admire the impressive yew tree in St Helen's churchyard, reputed to be 2000 year old, and with a girth of 34 feet. A notice pays poetic homage to its history. Interest was also expressed in stone coffin lids mounted on the walls of the porch - could they be Anglo-Saxon?

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The route continued north past Rowsley South Station, the terminus of Peak Rail. The path then followed the wooded bank of the river back to Rowsley, passing the confluence of the River Wye flowing into the Derwent.

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It was an enjoyable walk, with good views and lots of historical interest, made even better by the very good weather. The total distance was just under 9 miles.

5 July - Upper Ellastone to the Weaver Hills

Twelve walkers set off from the car park near the church at Upper Ellastone on a warm July morning. We made our way through the churchyard and across three fields until we reached the lane to the east of Northwood Farm. After a few steps we found Michaels Lane which in turn took us to Hall Lane and then to Wotton. Here we stopped for coffee alongside a studio garden with bronze statues of unclad female figures. Being all of a certain age of course we averted our eyes and talked of other things!

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After coffee we made our way along Back Lane and then shortly to a stile hidden on the left which took us over a wall and across a field with goats and their kids. After several more fields and ups and downs we reached the Trig point at the top of the Weaver Hills. Here we were rewarded with a breeze to cool us off and views as far as the Wrekin – it was certainly worth it.

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We descended to reach the shade of some trees where we stopped for lunch although with zero wind the flies pestered some of us. Then it was off along Gidacre Lane and back to the outskirts of Wootton again where we followed the main road until we reached a footpath that eventually took us to the grounds of Wootton Lodge.

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We crossed this pleasant parkland and avoided the inquisitive herd of young bullocks and reached the lane opposite Waste Farm. At the T junction we crossed through a field of oats and then eventually we were back on the road near the carpark. Altogether almost 8 miles.

21 June - Back Tor

Nearly everyone else being on holiday, Paul Sandford and I celebrated the summer solstice by visiting the best viewpoint in the Peak district. I considered going for a longer walk, but was dissuaded by a forecast of violent thunderstorms from mid afternoon, which as usual, proved to be a false alarm. However I reversed the advertised route in order to clear the really high ground sooner.

On arrival at Fairholmes we found that they were temporarily disconnected from the electricity grid, which was being modified to accommodate a hydroelectric power station further up the Derwent Valley. We headed north from the visitor centre to cross the field below the Derwent Dam (which looked enormous) and climbed the steps up to the path beside the Derwent Reservoir. Soon the path beside the woods led us out of the river valley up to the floor of the wide glacial valley between the peaks. Climbing up to a protruding ridge brings one to ‘Lost Lad’ where a topograph details the view (Lad not lost anymore?).

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Another short climb brought us up to Back Tor, where we had coffee/lunch sitting beside the trig point on top of the rock. We put the world to rights while admiring the extraordinary 360o view, which was slightly spoilt by the poor visibility (~6 miles). However going southwards along the Eastern edge of the Derwent valley it was ideal weather for walking all day.

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Returning north from Whinstone Lee Tor, the bridle way was at first level before descending to the shores of the Ladybower Reservoir and thence back to Fairholmes. At this point it unexpectedly started to spot with rain out of a blue sky! However this was very welcome as the day was getting hotter; altogether a perfect day for a perfect walk of 8.5 miles.

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14 June - Grindleford, Fox House, Burbage

In order to clarify how much longer it takes to drive to a moorland walk in Millstone Grit terrain, the journey was timed between Calton Lees car park and Grindleford Station and found to be 13 min in normal traffic.

Owing to holidays and other commitments, a comparatively small group of only nine walkers climbed from the station up towards Longshaw visitors centre through the woods and beside the lake which the leader could remember being used for playing ice hockey in the winter in the 1960s. He would be glad to invite the American president, and any other climate change denier, to try that nowadays!

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This was the first walk after the UK general election and, with the combined wisdom of 600 years of joint experience and time to discuss the matter, the group was hard pressed to offer a satisfactory way forward for the government.

We enjoyed a leisurely coffee stop at the tables so kindly provided by the National Trust at Longshaw. They had also organised a large walking group which came down the path as we were walking up it. To their great credit the National Trust had managed the land excellently; the gates were in excellent working order, features along the walk were well marked and signed, and at the visitors centre the toilets were superb.

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Relaxed and refreshed we walked past Fox House along the ancient Houndkirk Road with its views over Sheffield before turning left along the path to the Burbage rocks. We turned right, enjoying the views over the Valley, to arrive at Upper Burbage Bridge where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch overlooking the freshly harvested woodland.

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We then walked over Higger Tor and Carl Wark alongside the stream down Padley Gorge back to the Grindleford Station, with every prospect of driving home within the six hours of remaining daylight!

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7 June – Ogston Reservoir Circular Walk

Eleven of us, including a guest who had not walked with us before, met up in the Severn Trent car park on the north edge of Ogston Reservoir for today’s walk. This slightly elevated spot offered good views over the reservoir and the sailing club on the opposite west bank. The reservoir takes in water from the River Amber and was created in 1958 when the valley was flooded to provide water for the NCB carbonisation plant at Wingerworth. With the demise of this industry the reservoir is now used to supply water to the local area. According to Wikipedia, it was on this reservoir that Ellen MacArthur trained to become a yachtswoman. There are no facilities in the North car park, but there is a public hide overlooking the Reservoir in the West Bank Car Park. There are no public footpaths around the reservoir, but plenty of footpaths cover the surrounding area.

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We started our walk on a cool, blustery day, but considered ourselves lucky that it was not raining given the heavy rain and high winds of the preceding few days. From the North car park our route took us north across farm land to Handley, on to Woodhead Grange Farm, Hollins Green and Coldwell Farm. All along this stretch we had far ranging views over the countryside to the east and the spire of the church in Clay Cross was ever present. We stopped for our morning coffee break just short of Coldwell Farm at Broomy Wood. This spot overlooked fields of oilseed rape that had just come into seed. During our break a group of swifts treated us to a flying display over the crops, and all along this stretch there were a significant number of speckled wood butterflies and a painted lady butterfly were seen. From here we continued north through Britton Wood and on to the edge of the wood on Redcar Hillside where we turned west and dropped down into the hamlet of Press. From here we headed south to the small village of Alton, where we stopped for lunch on a grassed area enclosed by a stone wall.

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After lunch we followed the road south west out of Alton and on up to the trig point above Farhill. This high point, which has a large grit stone boulder is known as ‘The Fabrick’ or ‘Ashover Rock’, gave good 360° panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. A plinth with a brass plate pointed out the surrounding places of interest, which included Hardwick Hall, Bolsover Castle, Crich Stand and many more.

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After taking in the views we dropped down into the small village of Farhill. Here we passed through a narrow gap in a high stone wall to drop down some steep stone steps onto a sunken path that passed through two short tunnels. This atmospheric path cuts straight through the centre of this small village, which means that most of the buildings are hidden from view.

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From Farhill the route continued south west to Ashover, a village that possibly dates from the 8th century. On our walk through Ashover we passed three pubs, a 15th century church with a spire (All Saints) and a meeting hall on the opposite side of the road. From Ashover we continued south west along a track and up a rise that appeared as if it may have been an old pack horse route. At the top of this rise was a field boundary made of standing stones, which is an unusual type of wall for the Derbyshire Peak District. From this point we turned south east along a track to Milltown and continued on in this general direction along the road and a footpath back to the B6014 and on to the car park.

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This gently undulating walk of 8.75 miles took us 4 ¾ hrs. During this time we passed through some rolling countryside which was a mixture of farmland, woodland and historic small villages. Although, no great height was gained during the walk, the high ground gave surprisingly distant panoramic views, which made this an enjoyable area of the countryside to explore.

31 May – Duffield Circular

Twelve members walked from the Duffield Church car park through Duffield to join the Centenary Way close to Duck Island. Here a mill race splits off from the Ecclesbourne River to feed an ancient mill before rejoining the river. Leaving the village, the route took us up the Ecclesbourne Valley beside the track of the Ecclesbourne Light Railway. We then crossed the line and took a track up a gentle rise towards Hazelwood. Almost at Hazelwood we stopped for coffee in the shade of a tree and enjoyed the view back down the valley to Duffield.

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The fields were full of buttercups, fully open in the bright sunshine, as we walked to Nether Lane. Crossing this lane, the railway line and the Wirksworth Road we skirted Hole Farm to reach Gunhills Road. A track then led up to Windley Hill where we sat on the grass for lunch with a view. The nearby farm of Windleyhills is derelict with materials from outbuildings being recycled.

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Across Windley Meadows we rejoined the Centenary Way for a short time to pass between an almost hidden, mysterious derelict Mansion House and an ancient Moat. The track led on past Champion Farm, across Cumberhills Road to Quarndon where a short road walk took us past the former residence of Sir Henry Royce. Not far away was the turn off to Bunker’s Hill. After a brief stop here to admire the view and consult the topograph, which was erected by the villagers in memory of Francis, the third Viscount Scarsdale , it was a downhill walk to the A6 and Duffield Church. We had walked just over 8 miles in beautiful sunshine with a gentle breeze.

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24 May - Chatsworth circular

We had fourteen walkers for this now well established walk. It was forecast to be a very hot day and we set off from Calton Lees car park in bright sunshine - the total opposite to the previous week when the walk had to be cancelled due to continuous heavy rain. Following the path along the River Derwent we arrived in Beeley and made our way up by the side of Bentley Brook to Hell Bank Plantation where we stopped for coffee. After hilarious scenes of certain members 'taking their legs off' (ie their convertible trouser legs) due to the hot weather, we followed the track across the top of the ridge past the Rabbit Warren, with good views down into the Derwent valley and further away to the Edges.

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Reaching the edge of the Chatsworth Estate the route passed through the woodland where there were still a few bluebells in flower. A brief stop was made overlooking Chatsworth House from the top of the stream that feeds the Cascade below, and the preparations for the forthcoming RHS Flower Show were clearly evident with a number of marquees having been erected behind the house.

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A little further on, the Hunting Tower provided a good lunch stop. This unique and fascinating building was completed in 1582 for Bess of Hardwick, by the famous Elizabethan architect Robert Smythson, and is now used as a holiday let. Just as we were about to leave a Hercules aircraft flew past at very low altitude.

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We then made our way down a very long and steep flight of stone steps to the house and crossed the bridge over the Derwent. The route then headed across to Edensor and past the imposing 19th century church of St Peter's. A footpath led south up the hill to New Piece Wood and passing through the wood the route descended to Calton Houses. From here it was a easy stroll down the track back to the car park.

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It had been an excellent walk of approximately 8.6 miles.

10 May – Corley Lane to Madge Hill circular

There was another good turnout of 12 longstanding members and 2 prospective members assembled at the meeting point on Corley Lane just east of Ashbourne on a glorious sunny morning. We made our way across fields to the hamlet of Sturston which was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Here there is a modern stone plaque in the Henmore Brook replacing a post from the old mill which acted as a goal for the Ashbourne Shrovetide ball game.

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At Oxclose we started a gradual climb up to Offcote Grange where we met 3 friendly donkeys. At Whitehouse Farm we sat in sunshine on some old farm trailers for coffee.

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We crossed two fields to Kniveton Lane and then the route went downhill to a footbridge over Kniveton Brook and a steeper uphill climb to Woodhead. There were some very inquisitive llamas (or were they alpacas?)in the field as we approached.

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Here a rough road north led gently upwards to Madge Hill, and to the amazement of some of the group a baby badger came from the grass verge and walked very close along the track, before disappearing into the roadside vegetation again. Unfortunately no-one managed to photograph it. Through gateways there were good views over Ashbourne with Thorpe Cloud and the Weaver Hills visible near the top to the east and to the west was Carsington Reservoir. A small rocky outcrop by the trig point on Madge Hill made a good place for lunch.

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The route left the road after lunch and went SE through a couple of farmsteads and on to the junction with Winn Lane where we turned off downhill to another footbridge over Henmore Brook. Passing through the overgrown end into the maintained end of the church yard in Atlow, we reached the road.

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Turning right we were soon up the hill to the junction with Atlow Lane where we turned west into Ridge Lane, now bordered by a huge solar farm. When this long lane reached the fields they gradually sloped down to another footbridge where a short rise took us to Corley Farm and back to the cars.

The distance was 7 miles - a very pleasant walk in superb weather.

3 May – Froghall Wharf Circular Walk

Fifteen of us met up in the car park at Froghall Wharf for today’s walk. This was a lovely peaceful spot from which to start a walk as it offered free parking, a public toilet, picnic facilities and a cafe. Display boards near the six limestone kilns on the edge of the car park gave details of the industrial heritage of the site and how the Caldon Canal came into existence to support this industry in the 1770s. For the next 140 years the wharf was the scene of intense industrial activity. Amazingly, the amount of limestone that came from the mines increased from 50 tons per week in the 1770s to 6000 tons per week in the 1850s. This intense industrial activity of quarrying, mining, transportation and burning of limestone is in total contrast to current quiet, rural location of the site today. From here there is easy access to