Todays walk in detail

29/03/2026

Firbeck, Laughton Circular.

Thank you to the 21 members who got up that extra hour earlier to walk from Firbeck to join me on this walk. The weather was sort of nondescript but at least the rain held off until midday and then it wasn't much. The walk was a field and wood's walk with some good open views along the ridge from the top of Roche Abbey to Laughton and again on the long path through a ploughed field towards Letwell. There were plenty of daffodils in the villages and some very pretty little whitish tiny flowers under the hedgerows, bit like tiny pansies. Coffee stop was at Laughton village hall and playground with plenty of seats , hooray, and lunch by Letwell church. Rather windy here. Onwards towards Langold ,turning off on the track back to Firbeck. The recent spell of drier weather meant that this was a relatively easy walk with hardly any slippery mud and with only a couple of short climbs. The King William pub in Oldcotes was the watering hole for any who wanted a drink and social chat before returning home. Again many thanks to all for your company and support,

 

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26/03/2026

Harden Round Walk

On a cold, yet bright, early‑spring morning, 24 walkers gathered at Hade Edge near Holmfirth. We set off along Dunford Road before crossing a playing field and descending via a lane and an unmade track that led us past Holmestyes Reservoir. From there, we began the steepest climb of the walk: a narrow, wooded path rising sharply beside the valley. A brief pause at the top allowed everyone to catch their breath before we continued for a short stretch along the Kirklees Way. After skirting the head of the valley, we began the long, steady ascent through the woodland section of the route. Once across the road, we stopped for a welcome coffee break before heading out onto the moor. The occasional call of Grouse accompanied us, though no Curlews were heard today. With the sun glistening on Harden Reservoir to our right below us, we enjoyed several opportunities to take in the superb 360‑degree views. Leaving the moorland behind, we followed a short roadside section before branching off onto the long, straight Snittle Road, where Lapwings were seen in flight. We continued past the Hade Edge Football Club ground and, after reaching Penistone Road, it was only a short walk back to our starting point. Refreshments were enjoyed at the Boshaw Trout pub, with some walkers also staying on for lunch. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Peter Acton for back‑marking, to Keith and Angela Booth for assisting with the initial recce and to Simon Fisher for joining me on the follow‑up recce.

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22/03/2026

Worsbrough Circular

Nineteen people turned up for the walk from Worsbrough Mill Car Park on Sunday. We began the walk by passing through the Old Mill Buildings and trees full of blossom. We then headed up to the Trans-Pennine Trail (This had a good, new rubbery surface). We pressed on through some lovely countryside and woods. The big hill up to Hood Green provided us with a welcome coffee break, with a great view. After passing through the village, we eventually came to a huge field, which had the stubbly remains of a sweetcorn crop. Ascending by means of a special enclosed footpath, we followed the line of the boundary wall of the Wentworth Castle Estate. Lunch was then eaten, again with a view. We headed towards the Queen Ann Obelisk, but sad to say, we could only see half of it. Lastly , we walked along the side of the lovely Worsbrough Reservoir. Thanks to Roy, Annie and Andrew for doing a splendid job of back marking, taking photos and keeping us entertained. Thanks also to all who came. Much appreciated.

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19/03/2026

Langsett Reservoir Circular.

On a glorious spring morning, 26 of us, including 2 new members, set off from Langsett Barn car park. Clear blue sky, gentle breeze, perfect. We made our way over the dam wall and up through the hamlet of Upper Midhope, then along Thickwoods Lane to North America Farm (used by tanks for target practice during WW2). Turning left, we headed up on the open moors to cut gate path junction, where we had our tea/coffee/snack break with superb views over the valley. After the break we headed down towards the bridge over the weir, taking in the great views stretching miles into the distance, along the way. After crossing the bridge we headed back to the car park, along the path under the giant conifers at the waters edge. Thanks to John for back marking. A good walk with good company. 

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15/03/2026

Monyash, Flagg Hall circular.

Thank you to the 9 members who turned up at Monyash when the weather report was dubious. The weather was in fact good, with sunshine until 1pm but then the heavens opened and we got truly soaked. However it didn't daunt our good spirits. The route took us up through fields, over a couple of awkward styles to a track. We had a quick snack stop (we had had  an early breakfast after all) with good views, before continuing to Deepdale, a lovely valley that lives up to its name. Further sustenance here before climbing very steeply at first, up through the woodland until we reached the top overlooking Taddington village. Ever onward we eventually finished the last climb  of the day and began a gentle traverse through fields,  a farm track and lunch, just in time before the rain came in! From here on in all downhill through the tiny village of Flash, then picking up the Limestone Way back to Monyash. A big thank you to our gallant men who offered help and support as we teetered over potentially slippery styles of which there were approximately 10 during the course of the day. A very enjoyable hour in the pub in Monyash by a roaring fire was a great finish to a day in the White Peaks.

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12/03/2026

Anston Stones.

19 of us set off from Anston Council Car Park with prospects of high winds and rain. In view of this I decided to do the walk in the opposite direction leaving options open for later on in the walk. However, we were very lucky, after negotiating a few dustbins that were blowing about, we reached the bridle path behind the Butterfly House and continued down the Brands Farm track, having a short break before crossing the windiest field to reach Lindrick Common. After the noisy A57 short stretch, we walked along the lower path through Anston Stones back to the car park, where just as we arrived the rain started to fall. It was certainly an invigorating walk. Finished off with refreshment at Little Mester. Many thanks to Ian for doing an excellent job back marking.

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08/03/2026

Chatsworth

On a murky misty morning 19 off us set off from Chatsworth House up into Stand wood and onto the Dell were we had a brief stop to admire the viaduct. We then walked around Swiss lake to the Hunting tower were we had good  views of the grounds of Chatsworth. Next onto Dobbs edge, then over the busy Chesterfield road passing the Robin Hood pub up onto Birchins edge were we had lunch next to Nelson’s column. Then on to Wellingtons monument and after a brief stop we went down to Baslow were we had ice cream, after that we went back onto Chatsworth Park were we saw a heron and a few off us saw a kingfisher as well. Back to the cars then onto the Robin Hood pub were we had drinks and everyone sang happy birthday to me. Thanks to all that came and Annie and Andy for doing a good job back marking .

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05/03/2026

Treeton Two Lakes.

Twenty-four of us turned up today for my first ever walk as the lead.  It was a misty start but we had no rain, and the sun broke out on the second half of the walk. Today was going to be a shortish walk, but that changed when, not once but twice, I got that carried away chatting that I missed the turn we were supposed to take. Two bits of backtracking was the result to get back on the route. Thankfully everyone saw the funny side. Special mention to Lisa for backmarking.  Refreshments were taken at the Robin Hood, where we were able to sit outside in the sunshine.

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01/03/2026

Longshaw Circular. Froggatt Edge, Curbar Gap, White Edge... then a little bit extra.

Thanks to all who turned up for another one of my favourite walks. It was overcast with a moderate breeze when 14 of us 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 in the distance. Then 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 and deer grazing on the grasslands partly sheltered under the trees. 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 cafe where the walk ended. Thanks to Annie for back marking. 

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26/02/2026

Trans Pennine Trail

Thanks to all 22 who turned up for one of my favourite short walks. The forecast wasn't good and it was raining when we set off. Starting from Cote Green car park we passed through Thurgoland tunnel on the TPT then dropped down to the river Don by which time the rain had stopped. Then on past the 'fish pass' and the old mill near the weir where we had our coffee/tea break. After crossing the river we made our way up through the woods to the delightful Ivy Millennium Green Communal Garden in Green Moor village. After a brief stop, we crossed the road up and over the village green, climbing through Delph quarry. We emerged on the top field with views of Stocksbridge and the surrounding area. It was quite breezy up there as the rain came down once again. Then down through the woods, over the stepping stone bridge and back to the car park just in time to miss the next heavy shower. Thanks to Peter for backmarking. A good time was had by all. 

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