Todays walk in detail

We had perfect weather for a walk that was just under 10 miles.  Fourteen walkers and a dog headed off down Lathkill dale, one of the most stunning valleys in Derbyshire.  The dale part of the walk was all downhill, its starts off in a grassy vale that turns into a rock deep limestone valley.  There isn't any water at the start if the walk but as you head down it emerges from numerous small caves to create a crystal clear stream.  First break was taken at a truly magical waterfall, one of Derbyshire's hidden gems.  It was so stunning I don't think anyone wanted to move on from the sunny bank but we then kept on heading down the valley until we reached Over Haddon, from there it was all uphill for a few miles,  through the village, up across the fields by young cows and lambs, and numerous stiles and gates.  We stopped on a gloriously sunny bank looking across the hills towards the Magpie mine.  After a meal break accompanied by some snoring it was again somewhere you could have stayed all day but we then headed into the mine.  If you haven't been there it is similar looking to a Cornish tin mine but was sunk to access lead and silver, which is why it was called the magpie because they were looking for shiny things. It was almost like a third break here because it was so interesting but we then headed  back downhill across the fields back to Monyash where we rehydrated with about 50 bikers at the village pub. Many thanks to such a wonderful happy bunch of walkers.

On a fine day in late April we set off from Castleton to tackle the relatively steep climb which takes in Treak Cliff and Blue John Caverns before reaching Mam Nick. The turnout of 21 was excellent considering the attraction of the dogs at Owlerton the previous night and the arduous efforts of those in training for the Three Peaks Challenge. Crossing the road at the foot of Mam Tor, coffee break was taken at a spot enabling us to have great views all around. From there it was on to Rushup Edge and on the way we passed a burnt out Range Rover and a wrecked Porsche, the question being how did they get there. A two mile walk down the road took us down Perry Dale before reaching Eldon Lane. From there, and having taken our lunch break, we eventually reached the Limestone Way and followed the path which took us back to Castleton. This time we avoided the precipitous slope next to the wood where some unfortunate walk leader had previously had taken a tumble during a recce. It is to be hoped this person, who shall remain nameless, will in future read the directions laid out in walk guides. Many thanks Phil for backmarking. I'm just sorry you didn't fall for it when I pretended to go down the precipitous Cave Dale.

There were 18 members and 1 dog who met at Mytham Bridge at Bamford. It was a mostly sunny, windy day with only a couple of brief showers. We walked through the village of Shatton joining the Steel Cotton Rail Trail to Brough. We continued over fields following the river where we had a short break sitting on fallen trees. Skirting Castleton we continued passing Loose Hill Hall Youth Hostel. Lunch was taken near Aston. We then continued to Thornhill and the Thornhill Trail back to Bamford. Drinks were taken at the Fox House Inn for those who were travelling  home that way. Thanks for those attending and Kath and Roy for back marking.

n an overcast morning, 18 hardy souls set off for a pleasant circular walk around Cannon Hall. Starting from Cawthorne Village, we made our way south over fields, passing Banks Hall, before descending through woodland towards Silkstone. After more field walking we descended through more woods, and a little mud, for our 11's. After break, the walk continued undulating northwards towards Deffer Woods where lunch was taken. After lunch, we traversed eastward to High Hoyland. The walk was now heading southward, downhill to Margery Woods and our final ascent back to Cawthorne. Refreshments were taken at The Spencer Arms. Thanks to all for persevering.