Todays walk in detail

Having overcome the slight problem of finding somewhere to park in an increasingly busy Hathersage 17 of us set off on our journey. Having crossed the bridge over the river Derwent we headed for Mount Pleasant, Callow wood and Offerton Hall. The walk provides great views of the valley beneath our feet even on a relatively gloomy day when rain showers never seemed far away. The early part of the journey was always going to be the hardest, but after having taken our first break in a place  sheltered from the wind, we  then made our way past the radio mast and the rest of the walk became much easier. We passed through what appears to be a very affluent Brough and finished our journey walking alongside the river. We avoided the temptation of crossing via the stepping stones as an additional mile seemed a wiser choice rather then the prospect of falling  into the river. Refreshments were taken at the "Little John". Thank you all for coming on the walk and especially to Phil for acting as backmarker and giving me the occasional prompt when I was in danger of taking the wrong path.

15 members set off from Marsden in pleasant sunshine with a moderate breeze - this would not last! We meandered through the village and started the ascent of Pule Hill. Just before we reached the Cross  (commemorating the Duke Of Wellington's Regiment) the first rain arrived. We continued up and as we gained height we became exposed to the full force of the wind, which would continue throughout the rest of the walk, accompanied by intermittent downpours. The majority of the walk was on open moorland. I'm not sure about this walking malarky! We dropped down to the 'sanctuary' of the quarry, which is the start of the Stanza Stone Trail and has the Simon Armitage SNOW poem carved on the wall.- snow, it wouldn't have surprised us! In fact the sun did make a brief appearance and we enjoyed a coffee stop in the shelter of the quarry. Upward and onward we reached the marker at the top of Pule Hill, we did not loiter! We descended on the more gentle eastern side and headed for the Pennine Way, which we followed for a few miles, being exposed to the full force of the wind on the ridge overlooking the Castleshaw Reservoirs. Eventually we turned north and had a gentle ascent onto March Hill. A belated lunch was taken part way down the hill where again the sun made a brief appearance. From here on it was a gentle downhill, following the moorland path, eventually reaching the Tunnel End Visitor Centre. A short stroll along the canal towpath took us back to the cars. Here endeth the weather report! Replenishment fluid was taken at The Railway.  

Twenty-five ramblers and one enthusiastic dog set off from Timber Lane car park near Pilsley, joining the Five Pits Trail heading in the direction of Holmewood. After about a mile, we turned off the main path, weaving through woodland before emerging onto open farmland. The views opened up beautifully here, looking out across Stainsby towards the iconic outline of Hardwick Hall. Next up was Old Heath village, where we took a short break outside the church. The cottages and old stonework through the village were full of character and made for a lovely stop. From there, we meandered across fields and over a couple of modest hills, then made our way into Sutton Scarsdale. We stopped for lunch in the scenic (and slightly draughty) ruins of Sutton Scarsdale Hall, enjoying wide views across the valley to Bolsover Castle. Bellies full, we followed Rock Lane downhill and then into the peaceful surroundings of Sutton Spring Wood, continuing onwards toward Temple Normanton. From there, we picked up the Five Pits Trail once again and made our way back towards the start, pausing briefly at the iris-lined banks of Wolfie Pond for a drink and a chat before finishing the walk.
 

Eleven walkers left the fisherman’s car park heading for Wessington where we had our coffee break. Onwards and upwards we walked, negotiating a herd of frisky bullocks and a yapping dog. Passing through the hamlet of Wheatcroft, we climbed up to the radio mast, passing the ruins of Trinity Church. It was mostly downhill or flat on the last leg back to the car park. Recovery juice was taken at The George in Clay Cross. Thanks to Kay for back marking.