Todays walk in detail

In glorious autumn sunshine 11 walkers and 1 dog passed through the village and headed down Tideswell Dale, following the pretty Brook Head. On reaching a quiet lane we walked into Millers Dale and then up to the Monsal Trail which we followed to the old railway station where we took the opportunity of a toilet/drink stop. After crossing a viaduct, a grassy path took us down to a bridge where we crossed the River Wye. Then followed a stiff uphill to the village of Wormhill where we had our lunch break next to the memorial to local man James Brindley, famous engineer. We enjoyed glorious views all around when crossing a series of fields to eventually drop back down into Tideswell. Sitting outside in the continuing welcome sunshine, we finished the day with a drink.

A throwback to my childhood when my Dad fished there, my Mum did picnics and I mucked about, so some things have not changed. Many thanks to the 22 walkers and one dog who came today. The first part of the walk headed off towards the outskirts of Everton and then crossed the main road. We then walked the plank to a dodgy stile that headed across fields that are always flooded in the winter. We then walked a length of the beautiful Chesterfield canal to a very photogenic lock before heading up to Gringley on the hill. A very nice surprise was that the group was invited into the village hall where an antiques fair was in full swing but more importantly so was coffee and cakes so we had a very nice pitstop. We all then admired the stunning village before heading across the lanes and fields. It was a very clear day so we could see the Trent valley, Gainsborough, Lincoln Cathedral, Worksop and beyond. Meal break was taken at Clayworth church, a hidden gem with rare murals on the walls, worth a visit on its own. The 10 mile walk was completed on another photogenic stretch of the canal back to the Drakeholes canal basin. Medicinal rehydration occurred at the The Sun inn at Everton. Many thanks to the whole group who really made for a great day, thanks to Julie for doing sheepdog duties rounding up the group at the rear and to the big man upstairs who held off the rain until the last few steps of the walk.

20 members joined me on Sunday for the walk from Crowden. We started gently uphill towards the imposing crag of Laddow Rocks that we were aiming for.  Avery stiff climb up, in places on a near vertical narrow rocky path, which took us from the starting height of 222 metres to 504 metres. Here we stopped for a drink and a snack. The views across the Longdendale Valley and on towards Bleaklow Head were quite stunning. After a well earned break we left Laddow Rocks to cross the moors. (4 members officially left the group at this point to bag an "Ethel" before rejoining us). Passing a tripoint and following Hollins clough we reached Lads Leap for lunch. It was as we began our onward journey that the heavens opened and we were pounded by torrential rain and distant thunder. By the time we had descended down through the Quarry to Torside Reservoir and feeling a bit like drowned rats we took the slightly shorter route along the disused railway line and Tinsel School Woods back to the car park. We had mostly dried out at this point so many stopped at Wortley Working Mens Club for a well earned drink. Thank you everyone who came on this walk and actually said they had  enjoyed it (despite the hard ascent and near drowning) because of the great views, the yomp across the moors and the variety of the terrain. Thankyou for your kind comments and for your company.

e set off from Cutthroat Edge lay- by where everyone arrived early enough to get a parking space. We then climbed steadily up to Stanage Edge, where we had elevenses. A steady walk along the edge led to a causeway , where we descended to Dennis Knoll. Lunch  was taken at some disused quarries where we had lovely views across the valley back towards Stanage Edge. A steady climb led us up to Bamford Edge, which happened to be sunny all the way along.
A big Thankyou to the 22 people who attended. I enjoyed your company. Thanks also to the two backmarkers, Roy and Annie, who have provided us with some great photos.