Twenty-five ramblers and two dogs set off through the Peter Fidler Nature Reserve, pausing at the memorial to its namesake, Peter Fidler, a Bolsover-born surveyor and explorer who mapped remote regions of Canada while working for the Hudson’s Bay Company in the late 18th century. We passed several small lakes, pausing briefly to check out the wildlife, before joining the Stockley Trail for a short time. From there, we followed a footpath across a series of fields, climbing up Rylah Hill towards the summit, the village of Palterton. Our coffee-break in Palterton offered fine views over the Doe Lea Valley towards Sutton Scarsdale Hall and the hills beyond. Refreshed, we continued across the ridge into the outskirts of Bolsover, following winding paths through Bolsover Back Hills until we emerged below the walls of Bolsover Castle. The route then led us down through fields, returning us to our starting point. Refreshments were taken at the Arkwright Arms, Duckmanton. Thank you to John for back marking and thank you to everyone who came and made it an enjoyable walk.
Todays walk in detail
30/10/2025
Bolsover Circular
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26/10/2025
Crowden, Lads Leap, Tintwhistle
18 walkers arrived , some quite early, at Crowden car park to find the main parking area already FULL. Not to be put off we parked on the verges of the entry track. Setting off in reasonable weather we were soon enveloped in mist and gentle rain we ascended up to heights at Lads Leap for a mid morning coffee stop. Not to be deterred we continued along the edges, imagining the great views we should have had of the Longdendale valley below. We managed to circumnavigate the worst of the very wet and boggy paths and as we began to follow the lovely valley down from the tops. Now on a pleasant grassy footpath the views opened up to us. The trees were just glorious in their autumn finery. Lunch at Stock Brow in Tintwistle, no H, a nice small square with benches (the stocks having been removed). After crossing the busy main road we followed the reservoirs of the Longdendale valley on good tracks and footpaths with glorious view. Yes, we were all somewhat damp but in good spirits when we arrived back to the car park. Refreshments were taken at the Wortley Men's club on the way home. Thanks to all who braved the weather and the poor conditions to join me on this 10 mile walk. I raise a glass to you.
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23/10/2025
Wentworth Wander
Thanks to all who braved the 'dodgy' weather forecast and turned up for my walk. Thirteen 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. By now we had expected rain but the sun came out and blue sky appeared. We made our way along the ridge to Elsecar with great views of the surrounding area. Dropping down the hill we then came through King's Wood with sunlight dappling through the autumn colours of the trees. Then back over the fields to the car park, safe and dry. Refreshments were taken at the Rockingham Arms. Thanks to Annie for backmarking.
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19/10/2025
Firbeck circular
No fog, hooray! Unlike last week it was a very clear day with bright sunshine, unfortunately it was forecast rain at the end of the walk so we cracked on a bit (sorry) cos I don't like getting wet (spoils my hair do). Eighteen walkers set off for bit of road walking out of the village, some of the householders had left free apples and after we walked by, a few empty apple boxes. A long slope towards Laughton en le Morthern followed before turning towards Dinnington. The views from the top of the hill were brilliant as we headed towards Letwell for our coffee break at the church. The church was open and they still had their harvest festival display on show, the scrumpers amongst us left the displays alone, however, further down the village more apples fell victim to the passing very hungry caterpillars, I mean walkers. We then headed off towards Langold leaving a trail of apple cores up to our meal break by the lake. Afterwards a pleasant stroll through the autumn colours of Dyscar woods was followed by me boring the group showing them (again) where the first St Leger horse race took place. A stroll through The Yews was followed by me explaining (again) why the cricket bat plantation (willow) was important to the area before finishing back in the village. A distance lottery then took place with varying results between 9.7 and 10.6 miles, who knows ? Anyway, post walk rehydration was at the King William at Oldcotes. No casualties in the walk apart from several empty apple boxes and some undeclared belly ache. Thanks to everyone who made it such an enjoyable day.
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16/10/2025
Bolsterstone
On the level track from Bolsterstone, 29 walkers and 1 dog headed towards Whitwell Moor. We took a path through the woods to join a track and head for a road junction. Then followed a long downhill through woodland, and a brief refreshment stop. A series of paths and a bit of quiet road walking and we were back in Bolsterstone, completing a 6 mile walk. Some of us then called in at the Blue Ball for a drink.
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12/10/2025
Wentworth "Monuments and Follies"
23 people and 3 or 4 dogs left the car park on a misty morning (creating a lovely atmospheric feel to the day). I gave a talk, ramble! on the history of The Needles Eye and Hoober Stand, surprisingly some of our group seemed to be interested!!! We had post walk drinks in the garden of the George and Dragon. Thank you Anne for back marking.
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09/10/2025
Aughton, Aston Ponds followed by AGM at the Woodlands Club, Doncaster Road, Rotherham, S65 1NN.
Thirty two walkers gathered at Burgoyne park at Aughton on a nice warm autumn day for the walk prior to the annual club meeting. We walked down to Aston before turning off into the countryside towards New South Farm and up towards the motorway bridge where we crossed the M1. A meal break was taken at Hardwick farm before crossing the A57 onto Aston common. After passing two fields of sunflowers we crossed the M1 again to Aston fishing ponds. Yet another footbridge crossed the A57 into Aston by the church and then back to the park. About 6 miles in total. The group and others then met at Woodlands club for some food and drink followed by the AGM. Thanks to Julie for backmarking and to everyone else for a great day.
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05/10/2025
Stanage Edge, Stanage Pole, Redmires Reservoir Crawshaw Lodge, Moscar
16 of us set off from Dennis Knoll carpark to battle the elements storm Amy was throwing at us. Wrapped up warm we walked up to Stanage Edge along to Redmires Reservoirs for morning coffee. Lunch was taken behind the shelter of a wall at Moscar Lodge before heading back along High Neb to the cars. We took post walk refreshments at the Hammer & Pincers pub on Ringinglow Road. Many thanks to all who walked today; especially Mike for keeping me on the right path and to John who was the back marker.
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02/10/2025
Langsett Circular
29 people and 1 dog met at Langsett Barn Car Park ready to do a 5 mile walk around the reservoir. We climbed up gradually to North America, where we had elevenses and a nice view. We then descended to a valley which had been carved out by the meandering Little Porter House river. We managed to sustain a steady, gentle pace throughout the walk so that we could all enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the beautiful valley, surrounded by Scots Pines and Larches. Drinks were taken at Ye Olde Mustard Pot Pub (a room had been set aside for us to use). Thankyou to all who came on the walk, you were very good company. A special Thankyou to Donna and Annie for back marking.
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28/09/2025
Longshaw Circular Froggatt Edge, Curbar Gap White Edge
Thanks to all the 14 walkers who turned up for my walk on Sunday. The weather was overcast when we set off, but after half an hour the clouds cleared. Then it was clear, with blue skies, fluffy clouds, plenty of sunshine and a light breeze. A perfect Autumn day for walking. We made our way through the Longshaw Estate, onto Froggatt Edge, with a brief stop at the stone circle. We had our coffee/tea break sat on the gritstone edge with fabulous views, and we could see Chatsworth House and the fountain in the distance. The on to Curbar Gap followed by the steepest climb of the walk to White Edge. We had lunch part way along the Edge, again with panoramic views over the moors towards Hathersage and Bamford Edge. We then crossed over the A625 and dropped down towards Padley Gorge and re-entered the Longshaw Estate. We made our way past the pond and back to the café where the walk ended. Refreshments were taken at the George and Dragon in Holmesfield.We welcomed 3 new walkers, Trevor, Keith and Ruby, to our friendly club. Thanks to Peter for back marking.
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