The morning was bright enough as 15 of us set off on the ascent to Axe Edge Moor on the stony track where the walk began at the end of the metalled part of the Old Macclesfield Road, Burbage just west of Buxton.
Sweeping views were all around as we headed over the moors, including the wonderful view to Chrome and Parkhouse Hills and beyond. Within 2.5 miles, there was a mini deviation. Despite having recce’d the walk (honest Colin!).
Detour Denise missed the track (due to blathering) to cut off a corner down to cross the A53, so we dropped down the steep bank to a sheltered spot by what once was a parking lay-by, for morning snap. At the end of the break a few drops of rain were felt.
We followed the young River Dove for a short spell before heading north through the dismantled railway track paths in the research laboratory complex.
The drizzle intensified and we were glad to get shelter in the stand of trees to the west of Countess Cliff Farm looking over to Diamond hill for lunch. The drizzle became stair rods, so we lingered a little before deciding we would just have to press on regardless.
By the time we had walked past Fern Side and the Buxton Riding School we were all pretty wet and at the sports field at the foot of the intended path up to Grin Low, an executive decision was made to cut that ascent out as the views would be much obscured.
At Poole’s Cavern a comfort and brief refreshment stop was made before we headed through Grin Low woods at the back of Green Lane, with minor deviation number two which led us out of the woods one track too soon.
The group adjourned to The Shady Oak at Fernilee for light refreshment on the way home. Cutting out the ascent to Solomon’s Temple on Grin Low only curtailed the walk by half a mile and despite the vagaries of our British weather, the group enjoyed the 8 mile circuit, with plenty of laughs on the way.
Denise
