David and Jacinta's Walks- 2023

 Castleton and Mam Tor At this time of year it's all about seizing the opportunity and the weather window, if they appear. We went to Castleton, had a coffee at the visitor centre   and then walked up past the three Blue John mines- Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and the Blue John Cavern. Then it was up onto the moorlands leading up to Mam Nick. It was cold and quite windy, but nice to be out- although a Saturday during the Christmas Holidays meant crowds, especially as we neared Mam Tor. We always feel that it's great to see so many people out, enjoying the Peak District and we know that, in a week or so, we will have the place (almost) to ourselves. At the top of Mam Tor it was blowing a gale and we didn't hang about. A party of three, which we had initially met at the Treak Cliff Cavern and then a couple of times more, were kind enough to take some pictures of us, with the lovely light illuminating The Peak to the east. In the chilly wind, descending Mam Tor We w...

Moscar, Stanage and Ughill It was somewhat fitting that we headed out on Boxing Day to do a walk that we started the year with on January 2nd. We parked near Moscar Lodge and walked up to Stanage End. The day was (miraculously) dry and the views good, but the view of The Great Ridge and Kinder were not as good as on the second- the photo from the 2nd January is the background to this year's blog... this is how it looked on 26th December! Year-end view of The Great Ridge and Kinder At the Stanage Pole we enjoyed the last of Olivia's shortbread and then ambled down to Redmires Reservoir. It was busy there, with lots of dog walkers out for a stroll. We headed across  rough moorland to come to the Sheffield road, then we struck out across the fields, heading for the bench below Crawshaw Lodge where we stopped for lunch. From here, we hardly passed any more walkers; the walk went across the fields towards Ughill Moor, passing Crawshaw Farm and a very large and intimidating dog. It w...

 The Longdendale Reservoirs It was wet and windy (again!) but we decided to go out and do something regardless. Crowden beckoned and, rather than any ambitious route, we headed for a more sheltered walk around the reservoirs. We walked along the north sides of the Torside, Rhodeswood and Valehouse reservoirs and up to Tintwistle where (surprisingly) the Bull's Head was open. We popped in, only to find that it was set up for a wake, but the landlord kindly served us a drink and we were able to dry out a little. We were a little disappointed that none of the resident animals (Walter the dog and the beautiful Siamese) were in evidence. We then went on to Tintwistle village and paid a visit to Pixie Bakes as it was open and happened to meet there Mary Fitton, a former colleague of Jacinta's from many years ago. Onwards into the rain and wind after this; we passed the Bottoms Compensation Reservoir "Gauging Basin" with an impressive overflow waterspout. The gauging basin w...

 Hayfield, Mill Hill and The Shooting Cabin Saturday was fine and dry but windy, so we adjusted our original plans to have a walk from Hayfield. We picked our way up William Clough- the light was lovely. William Clough waiting for us At the top, we sat and had a break and a cup of tea by the direction post. The direction post at the top of William Clough South Head and Mount Famine from the top of William Clough It was, by now, very windy and, instead of going up to the Kinder Plateau, we decided just to go up to Mill Hill, and descend via the shooting cabin. Jacinta on the way up to Mill Hill (Cairn just visible on horizon) The way down was muddy and slightly tussocky, passing several shooting hides, until the familiar sight of the shooting cabin came into view. It proved to be an excellent spot to have lunch and it was lovely to enjoy the sunshine as we ate. From here, it was a short walk back to the reservoir and then back to Hayfield. A shortish (5.8 miles) walk but nevertheles...

 Bleaklow Stones and Bleaklow Head The original plan was for David to meet Paul at Langsett but, for very valid reasons, the plan fell through. I set off for Langsett but, on reflection as I started along the Woodhead road, I hadn't walked on Bleaklow for quite some time so I stopped off at the old Woodhead Station to walk up to the Bleaklow Stones and Bleaklow Head. The mist was fairly low and I wasn't anticipating good views. The view from the Far Black Clough path I didn't expect to meet many people but I did encounter a ram with very fine horns. Ram with fine horns Fortunately, the mist lifted and at the Bleaklow Stones the views were good. The Bleaklow Stones Kinder and Stanage in the distance When I reached Bleaklow Head, the wooden stake had collapsed, so I made a (probably very temporary) repair. Before... After! As I left Bleaklow Head, I could see clouds tumbling over Black Hill and Holm Moss: I anticipated that I'd be walking back mainly in the mist. As it wa...

 A Short Walk from Old Glossop We went to Old Glossop to do a near walk as the weather was not brilliant. It turned out to be super-windy and our original plans to go up to Dog Rocks and beyond were quickly adjusted. We took the lower path leading to Doctor's Gate and just battled our way along for about 45 minutes. Looking happy as it was time to turn back We stopped for a snack of some of Olivia's shortbread and started our way back- it really wasn't very pleasant. Passing the stables for the renovated farmhouse, we saw a couple of ponies deep in conversation with their mate Jack. Gossiping equines A short walk with some (very!) fresh air: a little over 3 miles with 120m ascent.

 Chinley, Cracken Edge and Whiterakes The cold, clear weather disappeared today and was replaced by a damp, drizzly day. But, out we went to Chinley, very familiar and perfect for a short walk if the weather proved unpredictable. After a coffee in Chinley we waked up to Cracken Edge and entered the mist and murk. Into the mist we go It was quite cold and the visibility dropped as we got to the top. We see less and less We dropped out of the mist and it warmed a little as we passed Whiterakes- a deserted house with attached barn which we have passed for at least the last ten years. Our return was via Andrews Farm and the notorious location where we were marauded by sheep- not this time, though! There were few people around and even the sheep looked rather damp. Nevertheless, the walk was worth doing and, as ever, we got back to the car feeling thoroughly invigorated. 5⅓ miles, 335m ascent.

 Derwent Edge, Back Tor and Strines We last did this walk nearly a year ago- 20th December 2022. It was another cold, icy but sunny day and the lure of Derwent in such conditions was very attractive. The walk did not disappoint- up from Cutthroat Bridge to Derwent Edge was familiar, but fantastic in the conditions. The start of Derwent Edge. Lead Hill and Win Hill (in mist) in background We easily made our way along the edge to have a break and a snack at The Wheel Stones. Jacinta approaching The Wheel Stones The clouds above us eventually burned off- the winter light was wonderful. We made a token stop at Back Tor and returned to Foulstone Road (a track serving the many grouse butts) and walked down to the short section of Mortimer Road leading up to Strines. It was easier going in this section as there was less ice about and the views were superb all around. Frosted fungi beside Foulstone Road We nipped up to The Strines Inn for a quick drink and lunch- joined by a curious, magni...

Castleton's Hollow Country (The description is from the Bradwell's guidebook walk title!)  We fancied doing a walk from Castleton so we chose this one from Bradwell's "Longer Walks in the Peak District". It certainly proved to be longer, as in the book it is scheduled to be 8¾ miles and we ended up doing 11½ and descending into Castleton in the semi-darkness! The walk started with a pleasant walk up Caveday, below Peveril Castle. Cavedale and Peveril Castle At the top, we passed the grassed-over diggins at Oxlow Rake- old lead mines- making our way down to the tiny hamlet of Old Dam. From there, the walk went up Eldon Lane past Sweetknoll Farm with two adorable donkeys. Jacinta communes with adorable donkey We decided to go to have a look at Eldon Hole- classed as "one of the seven wonders of the peak" in the 1600s. Eldon Hole- it goes down a long way- honest! There was a lovely lunch spot just below the fencing around Eldon Hole where we ate and admired...