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...

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...

Castleton, Rushup Edge and the Limestone Way To Castleton on a sunny Thursday and another walk from the new Day Walks book. From Castleton the path passes three Blue John mines and the obligatory sheep and lambs.  Lamb owning the path On the way up to Blue John Cavern: Mam Tor looming ahead After the Blue John Cavern, it was on to Mam Nick- always a gathering point for the many people who climb up Mam Tor. We stopped for a snack with a very  tame (or cheeky) jackdaw who sampled various snippets. Jackdaw on the scrounge It was then a familiar walk up to Lord's Seat and Rushup Edge but it does not disappoint. This time we went down to the main road and then down the side road (very quiet!) down to Eldon Lane. We took a turning from here which led us into the long, straight Perry Vale which has nice views either side, but still feels a little like a road. The route then follows the Pennine Bridleway, where we passed a bunch of lounging goats. Lounging goats with one scratching hi...

Castleton, Peak Forrest, Sparrowpit and Rushup Edge This was a walk that we didn't do last year, and it did not disappoint. We drove to Castleton and worked our way up the hillside beside the Norman castle to reach the path to Rowter Farm. It was great to see the usual features from a different angle. Mam Tor, Back Tor and Lose Hill with the Derwent Edges in the far distance As we walked towards the farm the clouds were in and out with the occasional drizzle, and a full rainbow. Rainbow with Mam Tor in the background As we passed Rowter Farm, a welcome absence of frisky cows meant that there was no need for detours and the way through The Portway and all the old lead mining workings seemed less obscure than in 2021. The route was a combination of grassy and vague paths, and tracks- some definitely not for the use of casual off-roaders! Giant Lego brick detering 4-wheel drives We made our way down to Old Dam and Peak Forest, and along Perry Dale, a section of the Pennine Bridleway, ...