Coach Walks 2010

19 December 2010

Kirkby Lonsdale, Yorkshire Dales

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 29K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 13 MILES

Get ready for Christmas with a varied and challenging walk (especially if it is wet weather), as we follow 3 valleys (and pass 3 churches). Starting from Cowan Bridge, we closely follow Leck Beck on rough paths until we drop into Ease Gill Kirk. Then it is up and over to go down through the woods of Barbondale. On the final stretch we meander along some interesting old tracks and quiet lanes in the Lune Valley, hopefully finishing at Ruskins View before daylight disappears completely.

Leaders Martin and Leo

B WALK - MODERATE - LINEAR - 12 MILES

A walk of two halves, initially we walk over moorland and latterly through fields and villages. We start at Ireby and follow a farm track northwards, which takes us round Leck Hall. The track takes us over wild country affording us breathtaking views. This is pot holing country and we pass Bullpot Farm, a caving centre. Initially heading NW we cross a fast flowing river and walk through trees along the river side to Barbon church. Skirting the village, we head south on field paths and minor roads, thus nearly completing a circuit of Barbon Low Fell, to Casterton. We then make for Devils Bridge and Kirkby Lonsdale via Jingling Lane.

Leaders Alan and Lynn Saleh

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 6.5 MILES

We start our walk at Devil Bridge, with a bacon butty - if wet the café in Kirby L. We head for a look at Ruskin's View. Then head north to Home Farm, Winderley School, over the bridge and River Lune, to Low Beckfoot and on to Barbon and lunch. Then we head south to Whelprigg and Fell Garth and Casterton. Pass by the school, into the woods to Casterton Hall, coming out onto the A683, up to the golf course, the caravan park and Devil Bridge. Good paths, no hills and beautiful scenery.

Leaders Derek and Annette

Walk Reports

B WALK

Report by Diane Exley

21 November 2010

Hawes, Wensleydale

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 24K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - CIRCULAR - 13.5 MILES

This is a circular walk from Hawes on well established paths with panoramic views for much of the way. From Hawes we climb steadily up to Wether Fell, going round this before picking up the high level Cam High Road (a Roman road) and then dropping down to Semerwater Bridge. From there we follow the River Bain to Bainbridge. Crossing the valley we walk back to Hawes on the north side with a short climb to Skell Gill continuing along the side of the valley to Sedbusk and back to Hawes across the river Ure.

Leaders Nigel and Penny

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 11 MILES

Starting from the attractive village green at Bainbridge, we follow the valley of the River Bain to the outflow from Semer Water. We then ascend westwards to the Roman Road and Wether Fell. The path circling most of Wether Fell has the potential to provide splendid views although these were obscured by October mists on our recce. We now descend steadily to Burtersett to pick up a pleasant route through limestone pastures to Gayle and Hawes. Most of the walk is on good paths and tracks although there are some rough and boggy patches. If necessary due to light or time constraints, a more direct route of descent from Wether Fell will be followed.

Leaders David H and Carola

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 6.5 MILES

After the usual refreshments we head over the river to join the Hardraw to Bainbridge road, which we will walk along for 1.5 miles. When we get to Camhouse Pasture we leave the road to head up hill to join a hillside path giving fine views of the valley below. This is a good path crossing numerous fields, passing through Litherskew we continue to the hamlet of Sedbusk. Following along Sedbusk Lane before dropping down to Hardraw, where we will be able to visit Hardraw Force if you wish (for a small charge of £2). We return via a short stretch of the Pennine Way, and the bridge back to the delights of Hawes, with it's abundance of cafes, shops and of course the "Ale Houses". This may seem a little shorter than usual, but it has not been easy to find a suitable walk due to the number of stiles and floods around.

Leaders Glennys and Sue

24 October 2010

Bishop Auckland, Weardale

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 20K)

A WALK - MODERATELY STRENUOUS - CIRCULAR - 15 MILES

We leave the coach at the Auckland Way car park on the by-pass and make our way towards town. Skirting Auckland Park, we briefly join the Auckland Walk (Care - this path is also used by those on four legs and two wheels!). After passing Binchester Roman fort and Dere Street there is some road walking before reaching the river and the Weardale Way which we follow to the village of Escomb (Saxon church). Time permitting, we detour round the fish ponds (look out for kingfishers) before returning to Bishop Auckland a pleasant walk mainly on good paths and minor roads with plenty of interest. Sorry, no Munros and little or no yomping but there will be some ups and downs and it could be wet and muddy under foot in some places.

Leaders Leonie and Leo

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 12 MILES

We start outside Bishop Auckland Town Hall and are quickly in the countryside following the River Wear. After crossing the river we pass by Hunswick, several farmhouses, a heronry and the Weardale Railway. Crossing the river again we return using the Weardale Way, passing through the pretty village of Escomb with its Anglo Saxon church. If time allows, we will get the key and look inside.

Leaders Alan and Lynn

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7.5 MILES

After the usual preliminaries in the local hostelry, this pleasant (on a good day), walk commences in the Market Place of Bishop Auckland and circum-navigates Auckland Park, in earlier days the deer park of Auckland Castle, the palace of the bishops of Durham, before reaching the banks of the River Wear.
The walk meanders along river side meadows and paths, passing under Newton Cap Viaduct, built in 1856/7 to carry the railway over the River Wear, eventually leaving the riverside and arriving at the village of Escomb, where St. John's Church, built in 7th. Century, is one of England's small handful of surviving Saxon churches and was partially built of stone robbed from the nearby Roman fort of Vinovia.
Climbing away from the village, along field paths and crossing an overgrown railway line, the walk eventually rejoins the riverside on the return to our starting pointing the Market Place in Bishop Auckland.
If time allows, for those more interested in culture than ale, leading off from the Market Place is the 18th century gate to Auckland Castle which is well worth a visit.

Leaders Sue & Brian

19 September 2010

Bowness, Lake District

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 18K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 15.5 MILES

A lovely walk on a half decent day, with many lovely and varied views. Starting at the entrance to Sizergh Castle the walk winds its way across three valleys south of the main road As a result it (a) only reaches maximum height of 229 metres - although there is 2600 feet of up and down, and (b) does not go one inch on the Dales Way

Leaders Leo and Jeremy

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 10 MILES

We start our walk at the start or finish of the Dalesway path, which we follow to near School Knott tarn. Passing over the railway line, across the A591 to Mislet. On minor roads, we turn off at Common Farm, making our way up to Orrest Head. Wonderful views, then down to Windermere and Bowness.

Leaders Derek and Alan J.

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7 MILES

Our dropping off point is Windermere railway station and after a short coffee stop, we make our way up to Orrest Head where we will be richly rewarded for our efforts with a stunning view over Lake Windermere and Bowness. We then proceed over fields, lanes and tracks past Orrest and Allen Knott towards Troutbeck with superb views on our left all the way. Troutbeck, however is not our destination but our turning point for home and the second short climb of the day. Once up, we join a stony track and country lanes back to Windermere. We intend, at this point, to get the bus into Bowness but there is nearly a two mile walk available into Bowness which takes us onto the lakeside for a while but does involve quite a bit of road walking.

Leaders Jenny and Alma

Walk Reports

B WALK

It was not really a day you would have chosen to walk. The rain came down unremittingly and the mountains were veiled. Lakes appeared where no lakes should have been. However, we were not downhearted as we set off from Bowness initially on the Dales Way. School Knott was our first major destination and we reached this without difficulty. Schoolknott Plantation gave us pause for thought. A couple of dogs tried to point us in the right direction and a handy GPS was brought in to help and we made it to the railway line. Some quiet road walking and a final heave brought us to the pinnacle of our aspirations - Orrest Head. From here, with some imagination and a following wind, we could visualise the giants of the Lake District displayed before us. We plunged back down to the pell-mell of Windermere and Bowness, seeking a slight escape from the crowds in a pleasant walk along the lakeside. Thanks to Derek and Alan for a lovely walk. In spite of the weather the company was good and we even saw the sun at one point. Hope springs eternal.

Report by Diane Exley

15 August 2010

Chop Gate, North York Moors

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 14K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 15.1 MILES

This walk follows above the two dales of Ryedale and Bilsdale. We leave Helmsley on the Cleveland Way to Rievaulx, and follow the river valley before ascending onto the moors. We pass the Bilsdale Transmitting Station continuing to ascend to our highest point at Noon Hill. Finally, we lose all our height in the last two kilometres down to Chop Gate. (2500 ft. of ascent).

Leaders Moya and John

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 8.5 MILES

Starting from Chop Gate, along the road for a short while before heading through Seave Green and Bilsdale Hall, then to Medd Crag, Round Hill, along Carr Ridge, crossing the B1257, along to White Hill and The Wain Stones, shortly turning south across Cold Moor and back to Chop Gate.

Leaders Peter and Derek

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7.5 MILES

After our " fuel stop" in Chop Gate, a steady climb up Black Intake to pick up the track across Nab End Moor and Nab Ridge and , given the weather, superb views in all directions and passing the prehistoric Bride Stones, before descending to Nab End and crossing the B1257, to Low Mill, a 14th Cent. mill that can still work (occasionally!!). From here we turn for "home" on an up and down track along the eastern flank of Bilsdale West Moor and back to Chop Gate.

Leaders Trevor and Jean

Walk Reports

B WALK

Leaving Chop Gate at a steady pace we began the first climb of the day to Medd Crag and then to the heights of Round Hill. Luckily by then the mist was beginning to clear and the familiar shape of Roseberry Topping could be seen in the distance. Retracing our steps slightly we picked up the Cleveland Way and made tracks to Hasty Bank. Floating above, as we perspired our way up, were hang gliders sitting comfortably in their airborne seats surveying the scurrying dots below them. Our climbing was not over yet though and we continued our upward way to the Wainstones where we seemed to be even nearer to the hang gliders. But from there it was nearly all downhill. A small group diverted themselves through some untrodden ways but all arrived safe and sound at the welcoming pub in ChopGate. Thanks to Peter and Derek for a good walk with magnificent views.

Report by Diane Exley

18 July 2010

Reeth, Swaledale

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 13K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - CIRCULAR - 16 MILES

This is an exhilarating walk on well defined footpaths and tracks, exploring lower Arkengarthdale, once the hub of the lead mining industry. The walk starts by climbing and traversing Fremington Edge, visiting/passing the former mining villages of Hurst, Booze, Langthwaite and Sel Gill and seeing the industrial debris of a previous age. This is also a fine area for the sighting of Moorland Birds and many wild flowers by the beck sides. If the weather is kind, splendid views, if not, you will still have to listen to them.

Leaders Leo and Jeremy

B WALK - MODERATE - LINEAR - 11.75 MILES

We start at Richmond station and join the Coast to Coast Walk, following the River Swale, then up to Marske for ice creams. Down to see the ruins of Marrick Priory and then rejoin the River Swale to finish at Reeth.

Leaders Mary Thompson and Philip

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7 MILES

As usual the coffee shop is arranged before we start the walk.
We start from Reeth heading towards the river, which we follow for a couple of miles. Then we head away to start a climb onto Harkerside Moor. This is a gradual diagonal track used by the four wheeled vehicles to transport the grouse shooters, we have plenty of time so this shouldn't be a problem.
On reaching the top we will have far reaching views of the head of Swaledale and the Vale of Mowbray, and the outline of the Cleveland hills which are 40 miles away (on a good day). [How far are they away on a bad day? - web editor]
After travelling along the moor for another couple of miles we start our descent to Grinton and field paths back to the delights of Reeth, for retail therapy or refreshments. There are some very quaint back streets worth investigating.

Leaders Glennys and Sue

Walk Reports

B WALK

Sunday did not dawn as brightly as forecast and whether or not to don rainwear in the rather sticky heat was a big issue. However, after an interesting tour of the station at Richmond, we pointed ourselves in the direction of Reeth and got going. Soon we had reached a very well-appointed picnic spot to have our elevenses before setting off again to reach the heights above Richmond. Battling against strong winds and the occasional shower, we rejoined the Coast to Coast path to walk through beautiful countryside filled with sheep, cows, tiny calves and the occasional proprietorial bull. Moving on, we made for Marske where a delightfully hidden refreshment stop was found in a garden. This strengthened us to climb the appropriately-named Hardstiles Hill and to stride out across the fields to Marrick and its priory. The intervening Monk's Trod steps, which were lethally greasy and never-ending, we shall not mention. A pleasant walk along the river bank brought us to Reeth and the comforts of its refreshments. Thanks to Mary and her co-leaders for finding the way successfully and bringing us back safely.

Report by Diane Exley

20 June 2010

Staithes, North Yorkshire Coast

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 31K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - CIRCULAR - 15 MILES

This walk explores two of the inland wooded valleys before returning to Staithes along the Cleveland Way. Some of the woodland tracks are not often walked and hence some of the route is like an obstacle course. We head south from Staithes through Easington Woods, skirting Boulby Mine, and then west to Liverton. The route heads north through Castle Woods to come out at Skinninggrove, where we pick up the coastal path back to refreshments. (2450ft. of ascent).

Leaders Moya and John

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 11.75 MILES

The Cleveland Way coastal path is followed at the start and at the finish and offers outstanding views. The inland part follows country paths that take us by fields, through woods and on escarpments with lots of ups and downs. There will be time to look round the ancient fishing village of Cowbar at the completion of the circuit.

Leaders Alan and Lynn

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7 MILES

After dropping down into Staithes we then have a bit of a pull up to reach the coast path, then, surprisingly, there is only one stiff down and up again along the way past Port Mulgrave to Runswick Bay. The return leg goes through Hinderwell then fields and woods - and another stiffish climb!! - before passing through Dalehouse and back to Staithes.

Leaders Joan and Margaret

16 May 2010

Ravenstonedale, Cumbria

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 19K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 14 MILES

We will be dropped off on the A685 and make our way to Bowderdale Foot before climbing West Fell and Hazelgill Knott to the west of Bowderdale. We continue uphill to the Calf and then descend near Hare Shaw to Bowderdale Head. We view Cautley Spout on our steep decent towards Low Haygarth. Just before we get to the river we turn north east to Narthwaite and then north and back uphill skirting west of Grere Fell before once again descending on a path to take us to Ravenstonedale. Total ascent in the region of 3200ft.

Leaders Moya and John

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 10 MILES

We leave Ravenstonedale and head off across the fells to Knoutberry and from here we make our way up Green Bell at a sensible pace. We will be rerwarded with stunning views across the Howgills and Wild Boar Fell. We descend via Stwarth and Poskey Bottom to Newbiggin-on Lune. We head off for Friars Bottom and Smardale Bridge then follow the stream to the viaduct, returning via the old railway track to the Bridge. We make our way back to Ravenstonedale, glancing at Gallows Hill and Breakyneck Scar and enjoying great views of Green Bell. There is an excellent stream at the end to clean your boots - did I mention bogs??

Leaders Diane T and Angela O'Keefe

C WALK - EASY - LINEAR - 7 MILES

A cracker of a walk with glorious views all round, starting from Kirkby Stephen to Ravenstonedale. A choice of coffee shops at the beginning, then on towards Smardale Nature Trail, taking in the viaduct. Then, onto New Biggin on Lune, and finally down to the quiet village of Ravenstonedale.

Leaders Sue and Brian

Walk Reports

B WALK

Leaving Ravenstonedale, we quickly gained a wide and bewildering expanse of moor. Good job visibility was no problem! Ahead lay Knoutberry, up which we plodded at a steady rate. Worse was to come in the form of Green Bell, a seemingly endless stairway. But, at last, the welcome sight of the trig point hove into view and we could all enjoy the wonderful rolling expanse of the Howgills.. We descended via the unlikely-sounding Stwarth and made our way to Newbiggin-on-Lune. From here we followed the delightful valley of Smardale up to its spectacular viaduct, admiring the beautiful spring flowers native to this limestone area and studying the ruins of its industrial past. Returning to Smardale Bridge we made our way safely past Breakyneck Scar to reach Ravenstonedale and its welcoming pub. A lovely walk in country not often visited by the coach. Many thanks to Diane and Angela for their excellent leadership and care.

Report by Diane Exley

18 April 2010

Danby/Eskdale, North York Moors

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 16K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 15 MILES

Starting from the large village of Great Ayton, we cross the Esk Valley railway line before disappearing into Cliff Ridge and Newton Woods where we catch glimpses of our first objective, Roseberry Topping at just over 1,000ft. elevation. The route then follows the Cleveland Way round Captain Cook's monument and thence onto Kildale village. A section of road walking then ensues, taking us up onto Kildale Moor with pleasant views into Baysdale before arriving at Hob Hole on the Westerdale road. The final section along the Esk Valley Way through Castleton to the finish at Danby.

Leaders Alan K. and Yvonne

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 11 MILES

This is a scenic route with excellent views. We start down the Esk Valley before climbing erratically through woodland and pasture onto the broad, moorland ridge between Little and Great Fryup Dales. After dropping into the top of Little Fryup Dale, the route traverses Danby Rigg into Danby Dale. The walk concludes by crossing Danby Low Moor and following field paths via Ainthorpe back to the Moors Centre. Paths are, generally, good although there are some muddy and/or rough sections. Ascent - 1500 feet.

Leaders David H and Carola

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7 MILES

After refreshments in the Visitors Centre, it's off on an interesting walk with superb views, given the right conditions, and a couple of climbs. A short section of road before taking the track up passed Crag Farm and along the eastern flank of Little Fryup Dale. Be prepared for mud!! The first climb, at the head of the dale is fairly steep, but there is no rush and well worth the effort for the breathtaking (literally) view!! An easy road descent to the second and easier climb is up Crossley Side, once more, with superb view from the ridge. From here, it's an easy stroll across Ainthorpe Rigg and down to field paths back to the Visitors Centre, last orders 3-30, and closing at 4.00.

Leaders Trevor and Jean

Photos

A WALK

Please click here to view photos of this walk by John Wood (external web link)

Walk Reports

B WALK

Volcanic cloud notwithstanding bright sun shone on us as we left the Moors centre for the Esk Valley. A confusing tangle of branches later and a session of doubling back on ourselves led us a pleasant amble between Little and Great Fryup Dales.Well-worn jokes about breakfast and sausages helped us up the hill until we emerged on the edge of Danby Moor.A relatively short hike across the Moor led us to Danby church perched apparently in the middle of nowhere and a good three miles from Danby. Any suggestions? We found the vicarage at Ainthorpe so both parishioners and minister must have been keen travellers. Anyway, on to the Moors Centre where some of us indulged in tea and goodies and others went with the coach to Danby for more substantial refreshment at the pub. A lovely day in beautiful surroundings led excellently by David, as usual (He even diverted us from awkward stiles and a field of highly strung ponies) and reliably backed up by Carola. Thanks to both of them.

Report by Diane Exley

21 March 2010

Chipping/Forest of Bowland, Lancashire

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 20K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - CIRCULAR - 15.5 MILES

A good varied walk starting from Chipping to the major climb of the day, Parlick. A further 250 foot climb takes us to the highest point, Fairsnape Fell at 1647 feet. We then follow a fence to Fiendsdale Head over peat bogs which were remarkably dry in February! Gaiters required!! There should be good views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District Fells, given a clear day. The descent past Langden Castle brings us to the valley bottom. Our return is via field paths, woodland and farms. As there will be time constraints, a shorter walk of about 13 miles over Whitmore Fell will be considered if conditions dictate.

Leaders Yvonne and Derek L

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 9 MILES

Starting from the centre of Chipping we head out on bridleways and footpaths via Leagram Hall Farm and Chipping Lawn to reach Saddle End Farm from where we begin a steady ascent into the open access area. Staying mainly on reasonable tracks we pass over Saddle Fell and Wolf Fell to reach the summit cairn and trig point on Fairsnape Fell, before commencing our descent via Parlick Fell (look out for gliders) to reach Fell Foot. Here we leave the open access and return to Chipping via minor roads and field paths.

Leaders Philip and Alan H

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7 MILES

This is a grand walk in remote undulating countryside in the south of the Forest of Bowland. For the first part views are dominated by the open fells to the west , but in the second half we get the contrasting views of the Hodder valley and Longridge Fell.
There is some rough ground, some very pleasant green paths, a few short climbs, a couple of streams with bridges and of course some mud, but nothing we cannot do in the time we have allowed.

Leaders Glennys and Sue

Walk Reports

B WALK

Assured of a good day's weather after the deluges of Saturday, we set out from Chipping at a steady pace. Reaching higher ground we realised that spring had not yet come and braved our faces against the icy wind. Achieving the heap of stones which was the highest point of the walk we then turned our faces to the descent to the trig point on FairSnape fell. This was not as easy as it sounds, involving as it did an acrobatic ascent of a kissing gate to narrowly avoid the quicksand bog below, not to say the sagging signpost which threatened to decapitate at least one person. We were not yet out of the woods - or bog for that matter but, arriving safely in the vicinity of the trig point, we were assaulted by a glider clearly aiming to "part our hair" as one person so eloquently put it. Time to descend to the safer environs of Chipping, still avoiding airborne missiles, but coming safely through. A lovely walk in beautiful countryside and even a sight of Blackpool Tower and the big wheel. Could you ask for anything better? Many thanks to Philip and Alan for their sure-footedness through the mire.

Report by Diane Exley

21 February 2010

Leek/The Roaches, Staffordshire

TRIP CANCELLED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 31K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 15.5 MILES

Today we start about 2 miles north of Leek on the A53 and head west towards Tittesworth Reservoir before heading north to Middle Hulme. Turning east we pass through Upper Hulme then north uphill to the trig point on The Roaches. Weather permitting, there are extensive views an all directions. After loosing some height the route then takes us back up hill by a more gradual rise to the ridge along Black Forest, on to Hanging Stone and down to Danebridge. The return route involves some "downs and ups" on minor roads and reasonable tracks via Gun and Fould. A final short ascent takes us along the back of north Leek. Total ascent in the region of 2100ft. Expect some mud!!

Leaders Moya and Mike

B WALK - MODERATE - LINEAR - 10.7 MILES

We start with sweeping moorland views following a country lane. You will appreciate the amount of mud, slurp and highland cattle we have to brave and eliminated from our original starting point! The Roaches remain in view most of the day and we get glimpses of Tittlesworth reservoir. We cross fields, tramp through woods, and enjoy great vistas, finishing the walk along a pleasant ridge, emerging by the leisure centre and real ale at the Royal Oak. You will need gaiters as it is very muddy in a few places. We promise you a very varied route.

Leaders Diane T. and Angela

(Additional info. - Royal Oak pub, real ale, on the Buxton Road / Bean Hayes Road corner. Coffee Bean Tea shop open until 5.30. The coach will be in the Royal Oak car park…….(or behind this by the leisure centre)

C WALK - EASY - LINEAR - 7 MILES

The walk begins close to Shawtop on the road at the back of The Roaches and after half an hour arrives at the coffee stop at Paddock Farm. From there head for Windygates Farm and the remainder of the walk on fields and lanes (maybe a couple of muddy fields! before joining the road at Middle Hulme). If needed, we can shelter from any poor weather at lunchtime, at Tittlesworth Reservoir, before continuing along the western edge of the reservoir leading to North Hillswood and South Hillswood. The Staffordshire Moorlands Walk path past Horsecroft Farm brings us into Leek.

Leaders Glennys and Brian

17 January 2010

Baslow, North Peak District

Walks Map & Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 21K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - CIRCULAR - 15 MILES

It is time to use the good old superlative, a good 15 miles on good tracks, with good views, along good ridges. Also good negative ascents, you won't notice the little lumps, except for the good 400 foot climb near the end and we did it in a good average speed of 2.9 miles per hour. Finishing at good refreshments either at the café or the Wheatsheaf pub in Baslow. The only possible downside could be the weather and finishing in twilight, but then there are the good get outs. We hope you will include another good to your enjoyment of the walk from The Foxhouse start just as the road descends to Hathersage, along White Edge, Birchen Edge above Chatsworth and returning to Baslow via Carlton House.

Leaders David & Christina

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 11.5 MILES

This splendid walk takes from Baslow to Bakewell via the tiny village of Pilsley and returns via Haddon Hall and Chatsworth Park. The terrain is very varied - minor roads, bridleways, woodland and field paths - and, of course, there will be some ups and downs on the way! Thanks to the autumn rains it is likely to be very wet and muddy underfoot, with risk of flooding near the rivers. Hopefully we will be rewarded with fine views.

Leaders Leonie and Tricia

C WALK - APPROX 7 MILES

Having had a disastrous recce pre Christmas, our original plan has been abandoned. We now aim to do a walk around the grounds of Chatsworth. This could be a linear starting from Edensor but will probably be a circular as, hopefully, the café will be open in Baslow! We'll be leading it "blind" as we've not been able to another recce.

Leaders Joan and Margaret

Walk Reports

B WALK

After all the snow we are accustomed to seeing, the expanse of green fields in Derbyshire was quite a shock. However, the ice still remained to test our balancing skills and the mud took care of the rest. Starting from Baslow and turning our backs on Chatsworth, we were soon striding out towards Pilsley and thence to the big city of Bakewell. Here we picked our way delicately round the raging river and came safely to Haddon Hall, passing the railway tunnel which had been built to protect the inhabitants of the Hall from the train-travelling rabble. As we neared Chatsworth the houses became larger and the going easier. Chatsworth Park was awash with stir-crazy people bursting to get out into the fresh air again. A pleasant stroll across the Park led us back to Baslow and its various hostelries. A well-led and informative walk. Thanks to Leonie and to Mike who stepped in as impromptu back-up when the real backup became snowbound.

Report by Diane Exley