Moderate

Eleven ramblers set off from Teversal Trail Visitor Centre just as the sky began to clear. Our first objective was the top of Silverhill, the former colliery spoil heap that now stands as one of Nottinghamshire’s highest points. We paused at the summit to enjoy the views and take a closer look at the ‘Testing For Gas’ monument. We then retraced our steps into Teversal village and made our way across some very muddy fields to reach the Skegby Trail.

On a dull damp morning 12 hardy walkers set of on a 10 mile circular walk around the 2 reservoirs. At the base of Derwent dam the water was pouring over spectacularly ( no water shortage here ).  We carried on up a slight incline to the top of the dam.  Onward then to Howden dam, again spectacularly overflowing and a hydration stop was taken. We walked in a slight drizzle and arrived at the top of Howden Reservoir at Slippery Stones for our 11 o’clock coffee break, all feeling a bit damp. All downhill now returning South back to base in full waterproofs.

Almost 20 years ago, this was the very first walk I led for the club. Couldn’t read a map, didn’t possess a map, not a clue - somethings don’t change! Fortunately my carer guided me through. Anyway, 23 of us set off from Hathersage on a lovely sunny autumn morning, past the village cricket club and across the fields to Birtley Lane and Brontë Cottage (named to honour the visit of Charlotte Brontë in 1845, whilst visiting her friend Ellen Nussey she was inspired to write Jane Eyre). Upwards and onwards to North Lees Hall [believed to have inspired Thornfield Hall].

No fog, hooray! Unlike last week it was a very clear day with bright sunshine, unfortunately it was forecast rain at the end of the walk so we cracked on a bit (sorry) cos I don't like getting wet (spoils my hair do). Eighteen walkers set off for bit of road walking out of the village, some of the householders had left free apples and after we walked by, a few empty apple boxes. A long slope towards Laughton en le Morthern followed before turning towards Dinnington.  The views from the top of the hill were brilliant as we headed towards Letwell for our coffee break at the church.

18 walkers arrived , some quite early, at Crowden car park to find the main parking area already FULL. Not to be put off we parked on the verges of the entry track. Setting off in reasonable weather we were soon enveloped in mist and gentle rain we ascended up to heights at Lads Leap for a mid morning coffee stop. Not to be deterred we continued along the edges, imagining the great views we should have had of the Longdendale valley below. We managed to circumnavigate the worst of the very wet and boggy paths and as we began to follow the lovely valley down from the tops.

16 of us set off from Dennis Knoll carpark to battle the elements storm Amy was throwing at us. Wrapped up warm we walked up to Stanage Edge along to Redmires Reservoirs for morning coffee. Lunch was taken behind the shelter of a wall at Moscar Lodge before heading back along High Neb to the cars.  We took post walk refreshments at the Hammer & Pincers pub on Ringinglow Road. Many thanks to all who walked today; especially Mike for keeping me on the right path and to John who was the back marker.

23 people and 3 or 4 dogs left the car park  on a misty  morning (creating a lovely atmospheric feel to the day). I gave a talk, ramble! on the history of The Needles Eye and Hoober Stand, surprisingly some of our group seemed to be interested!!! We had post walk drinks in the garden of the George and Dragon. Thank you Anne for back marking.

Thanks to all the 14 walkers who turned up for my walk on Sunday. The weather was overcast when we set off, but after half an hour the clouds cleared. Then it was clear, with blue skies, fluffy clouds, plenty of sunshine and a light breeze. A perfect Autumn day for walking. We 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 and the fountain in the distance.

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.

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.