Todays walk in detail

17 walkers and one dog set off from Longshaw car park. It immediately started to rain. Rain did not last very long and we continued towards White edge at pace. Cloud overhead did not reduce the wonderful views too much, with Deer spotted on the moor, wonderful. Onward along White edge we reached the trig point for refreshments and a natter. Weather was continuing to improve, along with the views and it did not take long to reach Curbar car park. After a brief stop to take off waterproof jackets etc. we started uphill along Curbar edge. Once again wonderful clear views and group photo was taken. Continuing along the magnificent edge taking in the views towards Froggatt Edge and on to the Stone Circle. Few yards further on to lunch and to rehydrate. Weather good now, so on to Longshaw estate after negotiating the road crossing and fording the stream. Anna tempted to take a dip. Sun now in full working condition Pete upping the pace, getting nearer the pub. Finished walk back to Longshaw car park and then onto Fox House pub for a relaxing drink in the sun. Many Thanks to Roy for back-marking. Fabulous day guys.

On a glorious hot day in late May eleven of us set out from Monsal Head not knowing perhaps how we would cope with one of the hottest days of the year [26/27 degrees]. Welcome to Kayleigh [ great to be named after the marvellous song by Marillion] who joined us for the first time. We were not inconvenienced by too many bikes along the Monsal Trail before heading up the relatively steep climb from Cressbrook Mill. Our coffee break was taken above Cressbrook Dale before we walked along the valley with the impressive Peter's Stone in view. We then made our way to Foolow for our lunch break, the proximity of "The Bull's Head" providing some welcome refreshment for 5 of us. Then it was across numerous fields before reaching Watersaw Rake and Black Plantation. The big question was then would I get it right this time and not turn what was planned as a 9 mile walk into a 14 mile one. Fortunately I chose the correct path [unlike the one I took on the recce]. It was then down through the woods and onto the road which took us back to our starting point at Monsal Head. I must thank everybody for coming on the walk in what could have been quite a tough one with the heat, but you all coped with it extremely well. It made me wonder how our colleagues were dealing with the heat in Northern Spain where temperatures would seem to be much higher. Thanks to Roy for being backmarker. "The Crispin" proved to be a good place for our welcome and deserved drinks at the end and not too busy unlike the other pub we passed on our way back to Monsal Head.

Fourteen arrived at Cromford for the Sunday walk.  We walked out of Cromford and along a ridge, dropping down to Artist Corner car park. Then a short climb up to the war memorial where we had coffee break with views of Riber Castle, Onwards to Tansley and up to Dethick Church for lunch stop. After lunch we definitely needed waterproofs, passing through Lea and Holloway down onto the Cromford trail. We were lucky enough to have a short talk about the Smedley family from a volunteer at restored cottage on the canal. Recovery juice was taken at the Jug and Glass at Lea. Thank you to Angela for back marking.

Fourteen club members started our walk from Artist Corner car park, Matlock. We followed the river Derwent through Matlock town, until we reached  the village of Oaker. After a short climb out of the village we took our coffee break. We then continued our gradual ascent to Upper Town, continuing down into Bonsall, where we had lunch. After lunch we carried on, taking in views of Riber Castle and Crich Stand. Then an easy downhill finish (except for short steep section at the very end). Thanks to everyone who came for the walk and to Roy for back marking. Recovery juice was taken at the Duke of Wellington, Matlock.