30th: Extra walk

30th: Extra walk

13 arrived at Torkington Park for a walk where no one, not even the leader, knew where we were going. A couple of suggestions led us to Millers Dale CP and a walk up Chee Dale, along what is undoubtably Derbyshires longest ranger mile, 1 mile in 1 hour. Learning along the way how many left feet we had (728) we followed the course of this beutiful dale, a bit slippy in places we finally climbed up to Topley Pike. Next stop Churn Hole and up to Chelly (Chelmorton). Excellent beer set us up for a climb up to Sough Top and down to Taddington Across the road and one vertical descent into High Dale before joining the Monsal Trail above Litton Mill. Weather was sunny all day, a bit beezy at the start. POints gained for pub stop, weather, toilets at start, mid point and finish, and local ice creams at the end. A splendid day,

Weekend at Wastwater

Weekend at Wastwater

We had a great weekend at Wastwater, with a wide variety of walks in generally good conditions. Campbell did a "sponsored" swim in the icy waters of the lake as a follow up to a collection we had for the Jimmy Mizen charity. A group of fund-raisers, including Jimmy's mother, were staying at the hostel and many of them were doing a sponsored ascent of Scarfell. Some of them got lost in the mist and it was 11.30pm before they got back!!!
Our thanks to Dave and Sue for organising this excellent weekend.

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/stockportwalkingoutdoors/WastwaterHostelWeekendLedByDaveANDSue

23rd Lyme Park walk by Steve B

23rd Lyme Park walk by Steve B  http://picasaweb.google.com/stockportwalkingoutdoors/LymeParkWalkLedBySteveB

16th: Baslow walk

16th: Baslow walk

many thanks to Harvey for this walk above baslow, 19 in number we left Curbar Gap CP for a walk along the edges, Curbar Edge then Froggatt, coffee stop near the stone circle and onwards towards a cafe on the Longshaw Estate, which we didn't stop at. We actually walked past both Little Johns and Robin Hoods Wells. Across the road to a windy pub stop, excellent Marstons Pedigree and use of landlords tables for sandwiches. Heading back along White edge and Big Moor  a surprise, a full grown Derbyshire poisonous snake, an adder basking on the path. Unfortunately this wasnt the only dangerous animal spotted or encountered. Smaller herds of cows presented no problem, but we met some of those fluffy cows from Scotland, these were more than a little skittish with dogs, and at one point we had a major concern at these seriously bothered ladies with calves, ran across the path.  A short diversion to Wellingtons monument then Baslow Edge and the cars. A total of 11.15 miles was recorded.

Photos http://picasaweb.google.com/stockportwalkingoutdoors/BaslowWalkByChris

09th: Dovedale walk

09th: Dovedale walk

In near perfect walking conditions, 16 of us set out from the old station at Alsop en le Dale. It was nice to welcome back several recently joined members also great to see Vince out walking again. We first walked along the rim of Mill Dale before dropping down to Mill Dale hamlet where we had a coffee break. The walk then took us down the length of Dove Dale. We were fascinated to find that most of the fallen trees and stumps had vast numbers of coins driven into them, thus proving that money really does grow on trees. We had to have a go at crossing the stepping stones even though we were not going that way!! Most of us managed the ascent of Thorpe Cloud to magnificent clear views, the rest of the party took the easier route up Lin Dale. A brief stop was made at The Dog and Partridge in Thorpe for refreshments before following the Tissington Trail to Tissington. The route then went over the fields and back to the cars at Alsop.

Jack

 

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/stockportwalkingoutdoors/DoveDaleByJack

02nd: Mystery walk

02nd: Mystery walk

Billed as a mystery walk because our leader didnt know where to take us, few arriving at Hazel Grove knew what to expect, and 25 joined a walk that started in Bollington and didn't go up White Nancy.

Instead we headed for the blue bells of Harrop Edge, unfortunately whilst the weather met with Steve's normal standard, he couldn't bring spring forward two weeks, so we were early (note lots out this week). Musical instruments provided the first attraction on this roller coaster walk. Leaving the woods behind to coffee and biscuits at 11, then up via a little used path, a bit steeper than expected, to the Gritstone trail. On to Sponds Hill and our leader gave a talk on why they are called Bowstones.

Into Lyme Park and down to the Millpond cafe, good spot for luncheon with ample facilities for comfort .

Suitably refreshed uphill to West Park Gate, with hills steeper by the minute back over the hills to Pott Shrigley, all down hill from here, with yet more surprises, a mole came and joined in, before passing some turkeys, peacocks, or guinea fowl? down over a rebuilt stone bridge and back to start.

Altogether about 9 miles in ranger dialect, but actually nearer 11. A bit of a tough walk with the ups and downs, and i note that Steve has been grumbling about his ankle ever since.

 

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/stockportwalkingoutdoors/BollingtonWalkBySteveH