Hathersage and Stanage Edge
So to Hathersage on a very wet Wednesday morning- but Jacinta put her faith in the weather forecast that said that it would clear up later in the morning. It did (more or less) and we were able to enjoy a nice autumnal walk. The first section felt a little circuitus, but we joined the familiar path to Brookfield Manor after passing through the Hathersage allotments.
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Leisurely sheep on the way to Brookfield Manor
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| David and sheep |
Across the fields and through some excellent gates led us to woodlands.
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| Gate Gallery |
Beyond the woodlands, we followed the sign to Dennis Knoll.
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| Arrows in almost all directions! |
From Dennis Knoll we decided to deviate from the guidebook root slightly, and do up to High Kneb which always provides stunning views across the moorlands and to the hills beyond.
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| Stanage and, in the far distance, Higgar Tor |
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| Win Hill and Kinder- beyond Bamford Moor |
It was an easy walk along the top of Stanage Edge, where it was not as windy as the forecast had suggested and so the walking was very pleasant.
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| Typical Stanage litter |
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| Enjoyable views |
The way down from the edge was via stone steps and beyond to the amazing North Lees Hall- reputed to be the Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre. Jacinta likes the thought of Charlotte Bronte making her way up from Hathersage to visit the hall, and it's clear to see why the Elizabethan building caught her imagination.
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| Thornfield Hall (bottom right) nestling in the autumn colours |
From there, it was a pleasant amble to St. Michael's Church and we had our lunch sitting on a bench near some 14th century gargoyles- somewhat weathered by the passing of time.
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| Gargoyles looking drained |
Back to Hathersage and home in time for Jacinta to start a new Italian class. In all, a pleasant day out, despite the unpromising weather earlier in the day.
6.5 miles with 390m ascent.
