Todays walk in detail

We welcomed 3 new walkers to our club today. I hope they enjoyed the walk and the company. 30 of us set off from the car park off Churchfield Lane, we headed out of the village past the old church, onto Clayfield Lane then past the Round House. Turning left off Cortworth Lane we passed Cortworth House on our way to Hoober Stand. After a very brief history lesson from me we headed towards our coffee/tea break stop at the Needle's Eye (and another short history lesson). It was a calm day with blue sky to start with, turning misty later but no rain. We made our way along the ridge to Elsecar with views of the surrounding area. Dropping down the hill we then came through King's Wood making sure we took the right path up through the trees. Then back over the fields to the car park, safe and dry. Refreshments were taken at the Rockingham Arms. A big thanks to Dave for back marking.

Twenty hardy Ramblers set off, for our first Thursday walk of 2026, from High Street, Apperknowle, heading northeast past the airfield towards the small hamlet of Greenside. As we crossed fields toward Troway, we encountered the first of many stiles, some trickier than others, especially in the icy conditions. From Troway, we headed across the side of the Moss Valley, passing through fields and woodland before emerging onto a lane that led us towards Coal Aston. After a short coffee break, we skirted the edge of Coal Aston and descended into the Drone Valley through Frith Wood. A steady climb out of the wood followed, then through fields to the hamlet of Summerley before returning to Apperknowle. Thanks to Roy for back-marking and to everyone for making it an enjoyable and safe walk despite the icy conditions. Refreshments were taken at the Bridge Inn, Ford.​​

Thanks to the 17 who braved the wild winter weather on the last Sunday walk of the year and thanks to Val for back marking. The walk began along the sheltered rather lovely Little Don Valley where we spotted a heron on flight. Climbing up onto the moors the wind buffeted us but we soon found shelter in a walled enclosure for our coffee and snack break.  A further climb up to the top of the moors the full strength of the wind hit, but undeterred the group made it to the top of Cabin Hill  and then yomped across the last stretch of moorland to the Woodhead Road. Joining the path across the road, carefully avoiding swamps which weren't as bad as expected I'm pleased to report, a small group peeled off to a trig point hoping to bag an Ethel, rejoining the group as we dropped down towards reservoirs. Everyone remained in good spirits despite the intermittent rain and poor conditions underfoot. It is the end of December after all and only to be expected. Lunch stop at the picnic area at Dunford Bridge on the TPT, then an easy finish along the newly replaced trail, across fields and back to our cars. Deserved liquid refreshment at Wortley Club ended a slightly challenging day and, funnily enough, I think we all enjoyed that bit of a challenge.