Walks on Black Hill and the Long Mynd (13th-14th June 2020)

This weekend was one of sunny spells and showers. I got out both days for walks, each around 90 minutes’ drive from home: on Saturday with Ruth in the northwest of the Peak District, and on Sunday with Amina in the Shropshire Hills.

For Saturday, Ruth and I had again selected somewhere to meet that would be a roughly equal length of drive for the two of us, coming from Hilton and Kendal. This time it was Dovestone Reservoir, a place I’d walked through on previous walks from Crowden but never driven to! We met at 10am at the Binn Green car park and soon set off on the tracks around the back of Dovestone Reservoir then up the hydro access road above Chew Brook up to Chew Reservoir.

Looking down Chew Brook towards Stable Stones

Looking over Chew Brook from the dam of Chew Reservoir

From there, we followed the slightly boggy path east over the moor to reach the Pennine Way at Laddow Rocks, then followed that better-built trail north beside Crowden Great Brook to the summit of Black Hill, which was just in the mist as we arrived.

Ruth on the Pennine Way from Crowden up to Black Hill

Descending gently to the northwest, the mist soon cleared again. After a kilometre or so we veered left, leaving the path in favour of the rough moorland at the head of Holme Clough. This was very tussocky at first but the going became a bit easier as we got closer to Birchen Clough. A rough descent down to the stream brought us onto a better-than-expected path that led back up to Raven Stones and back around the edges to Dovestone Reservoir.

Descending to Dovestone and Yeoman Hey Reservoirs

It was lovely to catch up with Ruth again for a few hours of socially-distanced walking in one of the less familiar but more dramatic parts of the Peak District. A map of our route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1165836

I had realised that the Long Mynd was only about as far from Lichfield as the middle of the Peak District is from Hilton, so it would offer a sensible destination for a bit of variety on a walk with Amina. I picked Amina up at around 9:15 and we were parked up in Church Stretton just over an hour later. We set off up the popular Carding Mill Valley where plenty of people had parked, but were pleased to find that not many had ventured more than half a mile from the car park and the higher reaches of the valley were unspoilt by the hustle and bustle.

Amina near the top of Carding Mill Valley

Once up on the main ridge, we continued south to the highest point, Pole Bank, pausing to enjoy watching a pony and her foal for a while. The summit gave hazy views west to Heath Mynd, Corndon Hill and the Stiperstones, but sadly the visibility was too poor to see further into Wales this time. We then dropped down into the head of Ashes Hollow for lunch, before continuing all the down this quiet valley to Little Stretton.

We had enjoyed bright overcast conditions with the odd sunny spell thus far, but a brief thunderstorm arrived as we reached the village so we paused to put on waterproofs and shelter from the worst of it under a tree. Rain continued, more lightly, as we started the ascent the other side of the valley onto Ragleth Hill, but did pretty-much stop by the time we reached the misty summit. The rain and mist cleared back out again completely as we continued north along the ridge, with views of Caer Caradoc and the Clee Hills, and back across the valley to the Long Mynd.

That just a short descent back into Church Stretton. The drive back took longer than anticipated thanks to sitting stationary on the Shrewsbury Bypass for an hour while the emergency services dealt with an accident. Nonetheless, another good day out in good company. A map of our route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1167035

My full photo album, including both walks, is available on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CxmoXJT2dGELhS2i7

Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor (7th June 2020)

This weekend was wetter than any for several months, so I got some chores done at home on the Saturday and only ventured out walking on the Sunday. Jeff and Helen drove up separately and met me at the Cat and Fiddle Inn at 10am for a walk in the Cheshire Peak, nearly three months after our last walk together on The Roaches (just a few miles south) just before the start of lockdown!

The first 45 minutes or so of the walk was in persistent drizzle, over Whetstone Ridge and down into the head of the Dane Valley, but we remained optimistic that the forecast of a drier afternoon would be correct. Sure enough it had pretty much dried up by the time we reached the two pretty stone bridges and waterfall at Three Shire Heads for a short tea break.

We continued around Cut-thorn Hill and over the moor to descend into Wildboarclough, then climbed steeply back up to Shutlingsloe, enjoying views south to The Roaches and north to Shining Tor, and a few sunny spells.

Jeff and Helen on the track around Cut-thorn Hill, with a view of The Roaches

The busiest section of the walk was along the main stone-flagged path to Macclesfield Forest, where we found a sheltered spot for lunch. We then continued along footpaths and lanes to Lamaload Reservoir, then ascended steeply up Shining Tor from the west, a route I’d only taken once before, and that way back in 2012!

On reaching the summit of Shining Tor at around quarter to three, we agreed that the direct route back to the Cat & Fiddle would end the day too early, so took a more scenic route, dropping down over Goyt’s Moss then reascending via the lane past Derbyshire Bridge.

A map of our route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1157181

It was lovely to spend a full day catching up with Jeff and Helen having only seen them relatively briefly during lockdown. We were lucky with the weather in the end, with no more rain after Three Shire Heads, and the cloud off the tops – although it lingered on Kinder most of the day.

More photos are available on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ckTWyhVpeT4vdnFF6

Walks from Chinley and Winster (30th-31st May 2020)

The glorious sunny weather continues so I brought Spring Bank Holiday week to an end (after three days back in the office) with two more walks in the Peak District.

On Saturday it was a solo outing. I decided to head northwest for a walk around the Hayfield skyline, but starting down in Chinley. The route started with an ascent onto Mount Famine to gain the skyline proper, and views towards Kinder Scout. From there I continued up the ridge, over South Head, to Brown Knoll, taking the short detour to visit the trig point at the summit.

I dropped down to the top of Jacob’s Ladder, then opted to take the scenic route around Kinder Low End and back up to Red Brook, rather than over Kinder Low itself, a path I’ve only taken once before I think. Having gained the edge of Kinder Scout, I continued past the Downfall and had first lunch near Sandy Heys with great views over Kinder Reservoir and all today’s hills.

The stone flagged path west from Mill Hill led me easily down to the main road at Hollinworth Head. From there, I followed quiet footpaths south to Lantern Pike, a great viewpoint for second lunch, before dropping down to Birch Vale and re-ascending to Chinley Churn before dropping back down to Chinley and the car.

Looking over the moors to South Head and Mount Famine (left), Chinley Churn (centre), and Lantern Pike (right)

A map of my route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1147966

On Sunday I had arranged to meet up with Heather, Grahame and Ashleigh for a socially-distanced walk from Winster. Okay so it was a day earlier than groups of more than two are technically allowed by the new lockdown rules, but hey who’s checking the small print?! I paused briefly on the drive up to tick off the latest new addition to the list of Derbyshire Tumps: Scarthin Rock above Cromford Mill, which was a good little viewpoint and a worthy place to re-complete this minor hill list!

Once we’d all convened in Winster, we set off north across the valley, down and back up onto Stanton Moor: always a scenic spot and not as busy as I had expected. Having dutifully visited the Cork Stone and Nine Ladies Stone Circle, we followed the lane down through Stanton in Peak, then crossed the fields to Alport.

Grahame, Heather and Ashleigh on Stanton Moor

We had lunch beside the River Bradford, then followed the Limestone Way up over the pastures to the rocky outcrop of Robin Hood’s Stride. A few boulderers were enjoying the rocks but the summit itself was again pretty quiet. From there it was only a short walk back across the valley and into Winster.

Ashleigh, Heather and Grahame on Robin Hood’s Stride

A map of our route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1147979

Another great weekend in my local hills, and great to walk with company again on the Sunday. Hopefully the Covid-19 R value remains low enough that we will continue to be permitted to do this kind of thing, as it makes lockdown so much more bearable!

My full photo album is available on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZGpCHNmCCTKNat6k8

Spring Bank Holiday, not in the Highlands (23rd-26th May 2020)

Thanks to the Covid-19 lockdown, for the first time since 2008 I was not able to spend Spring Bank Holiday week in the Highlands. A sad loss of what is usually my best Scottish week of the year, and particularly frustrating in the present sunny weather, but I was determined to use the Bank Holiday weekend for some good local walks instead.

On Saturday, Amina (from band) joined me for a walk from Baslow, as the east of the Peak District was forecast to have the driest weather. She’s been doing a lot of running during lockdown, and her improved fitness was apparent immediately as we walked briskly up hill onto Baslow Edge. We followed Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt Edges north – one of my favourite walking routes in the Peak – enjoying views over the Derwent Valley and plenty of sunny spells.

Amina at the end of Baslow Edge, with Curbar Edge ahead

Curbar Edge. There was a strong westerly wind!

We then dropped down through the woods to Grindleford Station, and re-ascended through the attractive mossy woodlands in Padley Gorge to emerge in the Longshaw Estate. From there our return route was along White Edge, at the top of the moorland ridge, where we felt the full force of the strong westerly wind, making progress harder than it might have been.

Looking towards the Hope Valley from White Edge

Then it was just a short walk along the edge of the forest to Wellington’s Monument and back down the track to Baslow. A lovely day with great company and scenery, and it stayed more-or-less dry throughout.

A map of our route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1140984

Sunday was the greyest day of the weekend, so I spent the morning doing a few chores around the house before driving across to Repton for a local walk after lunch. I parked near the Farrows’ house and walked over the fields from Mount Pleasant to Bendall’s Cottages, then up the track and back down through Hartshorne Wood to Hartshorne. There I spent 90 minutes chatting with Jeff and Helen in their garden over freshly baked almond bread and scones!

Suitably refreshed, I headed back over the hill to Repton by the slightly-more-direct route, and spent another hour or so catching up with Dave, Jo and Jess in their back garden before driving back to Hilton. Although I enjoyed all my local explorations walking from home during full lockdown, it was good to be able to omit the flat miles from Hilton to Repton and back today!

A map of my route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1140986

Monday was a perfect sunny day, not what one expects on a Bank Holiday at all, so I got a fairly early start to drive up to Ashopton, by the Ladybower Reservoir bridges, where I claimed the last proper marked roadside parking place at just after 9am! Clearly others had formulated similar plans, although the early arrivers had dispersed themselves well and were not really evident at the roadside!

My walk started by climbing up onto Derwent Edge, with great views over Ladybower Reservoir to Win Hill and Kinder Scout. I followed the edge north as far as Back Tor, then turned west to descend via Walker’s Clough to the reservoir track.

From there it was just a short walk through the totally-full Fairholmes car park to escape the crowds again as I ascended through the woods to Lockerbrook Farm. There I picked up the ridge path to Alport Castles, where as usual there were not many others around. I paused for lunch below the crags before continuing down Alport Dale to the road.

My third ascent of the day took me gently up to Hope Cross, enjoying views up Edale, and then along the ridge to Win Hill, another busy spot so I didn’t visit the very summit this time, instead bypassing a few metres to the south. That just left a steep descent back to Ladybower dam, by far the busiest place I found. I wove through the crowds, keeping my distance as best I could, to return around the lake shore to the car.

A map of my route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1140993

Tuesday is a fixed Rolls-Royce holiday, so I had another day off work to enjoy. I arranged to meet up with Ruth in the South Pennines, roughly half way between our houses. We parked at Ogden Reservoir, near Rochdale, and walked via the Pennine Bridleway and Rochdale Way up on to Blackstone Edge – a new Hump for me to bag!

After lunch near the summit, we followed the Pennine Way south for a couple of miles, back over the M62, and then picked up paths down beside Piethorne Reservoir to the car.

A map of our route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1140998

It was great to catch up with Ruth at least for a few hours on a week when we would usually have been Corbett-bagging together in the Highlands. We agreed to meet again in a few weeks for something similar.

My full photo album from all four days is available on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SDKsuM2epaEimiJ56

Stanage, Eyam Moor, Parwich and Dovedale (16th-17th May 2020)

With the relaxation of the lockdown rules opening the option of travelling away from home for exercise, I was keen to visit some hillier terrain in the Peak District, and headed up there both days this weekend.

On Saturday, following the best of the weather, I decided to walk in the east, starting in Grindleford. Taking one of my favourite routes, I ascended from Grindleford Station up beside Padley Gorge then up through the Bole Hill quarries and onto Over Owler Tor. There are so many changes of vegetation and scenery in such a short distance here!

Then I continued along the moorland ridge to Higger Tor and up on to Stanage Edge. A fair number people were out and about walking and climbing, but there’s so much open space around here that it was not at all difficult to maintain social distancing.

Looking down over North Lees towards Eyam Moor and Offerton Moor

I dropped down past Green’s House to Bamford Station, enjoying good views back up to Stanage,then crossed the main road and reascended the other side onto Shatton Moor for lunch, enjoying the views of Edale and the Hope Valley.

Looking from Shatton Moor towards Bamford Edge

From there I dropped down Abney Clough then climbed back up onto Eyam Moor, with excellent views up Bretton Clough with all the spring foliage. Then it was just a short walk back down the lane to Grindleford.

A map of my route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1128569

I broke the drive home with a few minutes’ walk from Crich village onto ‘The Tors’, a newly-identified Derbyshire Tump.

On Sunday I fancied a shorter walk, nearer to home, so I put together a 13km loop to tick off another new Derbyshire Tump: Baley Hill, on the rim of Dovedale. Not wanting to include any of the main valley path, lest it be hard to maintain social distancing, I started in Parwich village and followed typical White Peak footpaths through limestone-walled fields to Alsop-en-le-Dale and then around the rim of Dovedale to my objective.

After lunch on the summit, during which only one other group passed by, I headed back over the fields to Tissington and then through Alsop Dale back to Parwich. I had thought I would be re-completing the Derbyshire Tumps today, but it turned out on getting home that another one was found yesterday near Cromford: a target for next weekend!

A map of my route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1128575

My full Google Photo album is available to view here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nSAsVMy5q9zGnt1g8

Social-distancing walks over VE Day weekend (8th-9th May 2020)

With more warm, sunny weather on the Friday and Saturday of this Bank Holiday weekend, I did a couple more long-ish walks in the local countryside. While full lockdown continues, I’m making a point of only walking directly from home, but I’m still managing to find new routes and destinations to explore. The first few miles from home in any direction are becoming over-familiar and tedious though! Hopefully the rules will be relaxed soon and we will no longer be discouraged from travelling a few miles to exercise.

Friday’s walk went west and northwest from Hilton. The first few miles were mainly on lanes: through Hilton, briefly across the fields to Marston on Dove, then through Hatton to Scropton. From there I took a series of footpaths that appear to be totally unused, through fairly flat arable farmland to Foston and Harehill. It was nice to walk through the colourful fields of oilseed rape.

The most scenic section of the walk, with slightly hillier ground, was across the grassy fields up the valley to Cubley and back over the hill to Boylestone. A couple of the fields were occupied by large herds of inquisitive cattle, which was unnerving at times! There was still very little sign of any other walkers having been that way recently.

Looking back towards Cubley from near Boylestone

Heading back to the east from Boylestone I soon reached more familiar trails and lanes that I have explored on my longer training runs. I took the byway past Barton Blount then footpaths over Longford Brook to Sutton-on-the-Hill, then followed the Willowpit Lane – a surprisingly popular walking route at the moment apparently – back to Hilton.

A map of Friday’s route can be viewed here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1118236

Saturday was even warmer and sunnier than Friday had been! I took my fourth fortnightly social walk to Hartshorne and Burton. Bored of the route through Egginton and up the canal to Willington, I decided to try just walking along the main road for a change. All but 1.5km of it has a pavement, and it wasn’t busy first thing in the morning. I did at least get a closer view of the strange swampy copse near the Egginton-Etwall crossroads!

I continued along the road to Repton, and was then pleased to get onto bridleways and footpaths for a few miles, crossing the ridge to Milton then heading towards Ticknall but dropping down to Bendalls Farm to pick up the paths beside Foremark Reservoir. Officially the site has been closed by Severn Trent Water but, with the whole place near deserted, there seemed little reason not to follow the undulating lakeside permissive path down towards Carver’s Rocks. There I picked up public footpaths up through the woods and back down to Hartshorne.

It was lovely to chat to Jeff and Helen for an hour and a half as I sat eating my lunch in their back garden – at a distance of course – and to help them dispose of a couple more glasses of surplus prosecco from their postponed wedding!

I then continued through Caulkley Wood, with some bluebells but now past their best, and up Moxon’s Hill to Bretby Hall, then went up the long driveway to pick up the main road into Burton, where I stopped for another 90 minutes to chat to Heather over tea and cake on their patio. It was great to catch up face-to-face.

Heading from Caulkley Wood towards Moxon’s Hill

Rather than my usual route up the canal and through Eggington, I decided to mix up the walk home by picking up the Jinnie Nature Trail – a disused railway – from Stretton to Rolleston, and then followed the lanes back to Hilton via Marston. After a long day out, I was pleased to find that the fish and chip shop has re-opened, giving me a good option for a quick, lazy and filling dinner!

A map of Saturday’s route can be viewed here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1118249

My full photo album for both walks is available on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZVkQsqFRLAFxcvGF6

Social-distancing walk to Needwood Forest (2nd May 2020)

Once again I spent my Saturday doing a long (43km) walk from home to explore some more of the local countryside. After a wetter week, it was fortunate that the day was once again warm and dry, and I found that the ground has not yet had time to become muddy again. I hoped that some of the small woodlands in Needwood Forest, an area I’ve never visited, might offer good displays of bluebells, and was not disappointed!

I started on familiar ground, of course, joining the Trent & Mersey Canal near Egginton and heading south along the towpath, further than I’ve been before, to Shobnall at the far side of Burton. There I found hillier ground on the wooded ridge of Sinai Wood, before dropping back down to Tatenhill.

A quiet morning on the towpath of the Trent & Mersey Canal

My route then continued west, following attractive but little-walked footpaths over Tatenhill Common, then from Rangemoor towards Yoxall Lodge. Several of the small pockets of woodland had a good carpet of bluebells, particularly one called The Dingle.

On reaching Brakenhurst Wood, my route turned north, initially through the forest then over fields to the attractive village of Newborough.

The homeward leg crossed undulating farmland to Hanbury Grange, Woodend, and eventually Tutbury, where I rejoined the familiar local paths to Marston on Dove and home.

My full photo album can be viewed on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fqZp1sptK4V6mAPm9

A map of my route can be seen here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1107375

Social-distancing walk to Hartshorne and Burton (25th April 2020)

The fantastic April weather continued, so I went for another long walk from home to make the most of it while complying with the social distancing rules. This time I picked a route that would pass through a few wooded areas, in hope of seeing some good displays of bluebells.

The first few miles were on my now-regular route via Derby Airfield to Egginton, across the A38 to the canal, and up the towpath to Willington. I wish there were more bridges over the River Trent – one at Newton Solney would be really useful! Once across the river, I followed the road to Repton, then took some unfamiliar footpaths back towards the river and Twyford. A small chain ferry operated here until 1963.

Then I headed back away from the river to pass Foremarke Hall and continue up to Heath Wood, where I found by far the best bluebells of the day.

Heath Wood had the best displays of bluebells of the day

I continued through the fringes of Robin Wood and across the fields to Ticknall, then through Calke Park and up onto the ridge of Pistern Hill. From there it was only a short distance down through Several Wood and over the fields to Hartshorne, where I chatted to Jeff and Helen in their garden for an hour or so over lunch and prosecco on what should have been their wedding day (sadly postponed, but at least it gives me some extra time to write my Best Man’s speech!).

I continued up to Midway then took the footpath through Burton Golf Course (not open for golf currently, of course) to reach Heather’s house mid-afternoon. I chatted to her and Grahame in their garden over tea and cake, then continued home by my normal route along the canal and through Egginton.

The canal is so still with very little boat traffic at the moment!

A long day out in the sunshine, covering 46km in total! Lovely to see a few friends at a safe distance.

More photos can be found on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PZ78g8344uH1sWa66

A map of my route can be seen on plotaroute.com here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1099866?units=km

Social-distancing walk to Trusley (19th April 2020)

I spent another sunny Sunday morning exploring more unfamiliar local footpaths, stringing together a few of the local churches. Heading north to start with, I followed the roads to Etwall then deserted paths via Dalbury to Trusley. From there I looped back around to the west, via Sutton on the Hill to Hoon Ridge and Marston on Dove. Finally I followed the little-used footpath around the bottom of Hilton, across the Dove floodplain to Egginton, to join the road home at Derby Airfield.

As ever, there are more pictures on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/3jE7wmHcT5vVKRj49

Social-distancing Easter weekend walks (10th-13th April 2020)

The pandemic sadly put paid to my Corbett-bagging plans for Easter weekend in the Cairngorms and Monadhliath, so I had to content myself with further local explorations in the sunshine! The local paths range from deserted to quiet (a bit like most Corbetts!), so social distancing has been pretty easy even when covering some significant distances (about 120km over the four days!). I’ve also perfected the art of opening gates with my elbow and crossing stiles without using my hands!

On a very sunny Good Friday, I explored southwest from Hilton, heading along the lane to Rolleston then along footpaths through farmland to Hanbury, then dropped down to Fauld and returned along the valley to Hatton and then home.

Saturday was even hotter for a long walk (42km!) to the east and southeast. I followed footpaths through the woodland around the back of the Toyota factory to get to Findern, then joined the Trent & Mersey Canal as far as Swarkestone. From there the ground became a bit hillier as I continued through Robin Wood to Ticknall and on to Hartshorne, for Bakewell tarts and a socially-distant chat on Jeff & Helen’s driveway. I continued over the hill to Repton, for a short chat with the Farrows over the garden gate, then back to Hilton via Willington, the canal, and Egginton.

The Trent & Mersey Canal, near Swarkestone

On Sunday I turned my attention to the northeast, following the disused railway to Mickleover and continuing a few miles further to reach Markeaton Park for a short walk-and-talk around the parkrun course with (but safely distant from) Ashleigh. I headed back through Mackworth and Mickleover to rejoin the return leg of my standard 10-mile running route via Burnaston and Etwall.

Easter Monday was cloudier with a cold wind. I started by walking to Rolleston again, then followed footpaths via Upper Outwoods to Shobnall. From there it was a short walk across town for a slice of treacle tart outside Heather’s kitchen window (and a chat). I took the direct route back, up the canal to Egginton then past Derby Airfield.

With the exceptional Bank Holiday weather, it’s been great to get out in the fresh air each day and to explore a few new places around home. Many of the paths will also be good new options for running!

More photos are available in the Google Photos album here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/464SsY7hdcFFpB6R9

Social-distancing walk to Church Broughton, Longford and Radbourne (5th April 2020)

Another weekend, another long walk from home, and superb sunny weather for it! This time I headed generally north from Hilton, using a mixture of lanes and footpaths and generally seeing very few people out and about except on the disused railway near the end.

My first objective was ‘Hoon Mount’, a minor summit just outside Hilton. It didn’t really live up to the grand name, but did give views of the Nescafé factory, Tutbury Castle, and Sutton-on-the-Hill! I then continued along lanes and unused footpaths to Church Broughton (with its attractive church).

My route then continued then north past Barton Blount (a secluded stately home) to Longford, with its church, Hall, and disused watermill.

An attractive tree-studded hedgerow near Longford

There I picked up the Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk, marked on my map and on some of the stiles and gates, but apparently barely trodden. This led through undulating mixed farmland, east through Osleston and Lees to Radbourne (with another church and Hall). From there it was only a short distance further to join the familiar ground of the Great Northern Greenway (disused railway) back towards Hilton.

Just over 30km in total, making the most of the sunniest part of the day. Great to get out in the fresh air even if it was not as scenic as my typical walks.

More photos on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/5tumW78Nduzvp6eB8

Social-distancing walk to Burton, Hartshorne and Repton (28th March 2020)

In these peculiar times amidst the Coronavirus epidemic, I made the most of my one permitted daily exercise session for a long, brisk walk. Starting at home, as one is currently obliged to, I followed the lanes to Egginton before crossing the A38 (no longer hazardous with the current travel restrictions) to join the Trent and Mersey Canal, which I followed down to Burton. Then it was just a couple of urban miles across town and over the river to Heather’s house. She put a cup of tea (in a Brooksie’s Bash mug) outside the door for me to drink while we chatted for half an hour through the kitchen window!

I continued along roads and then bridleways past Bretby Hall to Jeff and Helen’s house in Hartshorne. They put a cup of tea (in a Brooksie’s Bash mug) and a couple of chocolate brownies on the drive for me to eat while we chatted for an hour or so over the gate! Then I continued over the hill and down past Repton Shrubs to Repton, for a short chat with Dave and Jo through their dining room window. They offered tea but not in a Brooksie’s Bash mug (and I had only left Hartshorne an hour earlier) so I politely declined!

That just left a flat walk along the road to Willington and a couple of miles down the canal towpath to rejoin my outward route through Egginton and back to Hilton (for a cup of tea in a Brooksie’s Bash mug!). 35km in total, in just under 6 hours plus chat stops. Great to see everyone, even if at more than arm’s length!

More photos can be seen on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sygAcH3ULq4tp23y7

The Roaches (22nd March 2020)

I met up with Jeff and Helen for a social-distancing walk in the Peak District, keeping enough distance to avoid infection risk but close enough to enjoy conversation! We started near Upper Hulme, heading up onto Hen Cloud and then over The Roaches. We then headed through the woods to Lud’s Church before regaining the ridge at the Hanging Stone and dropping down steeply to Dane Bridge. From there we followed the river upstream as far as Gradbach Mill, then took smaller paths east over the moorland to Gib Tor, then south to Ramshaw Rocks and back to Upper Hulme.

It was lovely to get out in the fresh air and spring sunshine for what one fears might be the last such outing for some considerable time.

More photos are online here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Bq2aYkCGGrJxtBnz8

Duffers' weekend in Windermere (15th-16th February 2020)

Many of the Duffers and their Dufflings spent February half term week in the Lake District, staying in the large and comfortable Cleabarrow Manor, near Windermere. I didn’t really want a full week of toddler walks and playroom supervision, but went to stay in Ruth’s house for the weekend and visited the group both days.

On Saturday morning I tried the new Rothay Park parkrun, in Ambleside, just about getting around the course and back across town to my car before the rain arrived. After lunch I drove across to the house to spend time with the group as everyone arrived, unpacked and settled in, heading back to Ruth’s after dinner (the flooded roads just-about passable, but unnerving in the dark!).

On Sunday morning I returned to Cleabarrow and joined almost everyone for a short walk (long for the Dufflings!) up nearby Brant Fell, with a few rocks to scramble over on the way, good views along Windermere from the top, and lots of puddles to jump in on the walk back!

There are a few more photos on Google Photos here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nWEGYypCcBtZoW3b6

Great to catch up with lots of my friends even though the annual group New Year trips to the Highlands have come to an end.

Lake District from Natland (24th-26th January 2020)

I went up to the Lake District for what turned out to be rather a rainy weekend walking with Ruth. On the Saturday, we did a horseshoe walk from Hartsop around the Hayeswater skyline then along to Boredale Hause and back along the valley. Sadly everything above about 400m was in mist, and a cold and wet mist at that! Still good to get out on the fells though.

Heading back up Patterdale towards Brothers Water

Sunday morning was even wetter, so we opted for a late start to bag three low-level Humps around Kendal: Grassgarth Heights near Bigland Tarn, Hampsfell above Grange-over-Sands, and Benson Knott above Kendal. It was wet and misty on the first, but the other two gave dry ascents and good views towards the Lake District.

Looking into the Lake District from Hampsfell

The Longsleddale and Kentmere fells, from the summit of Benson Knott

My full photo album can be found on Google Photos here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FyXQL9PWyXorhfgcA

Glen Coe (28th December 2019 – 4th January 2020)

Ruth and I once again headed to the Highlands for New Year week, sadly not joined by any other Duffers this year. We stayed in a cosy two-bedroom cottage, Tigh Floraidh, in Glencoe village, which gave access to a wide choice of hills to suit all conditions.

Having driven up via Carlisle parkrun and the supermarket in Dumbarton on Saturday, we were keen to get cracking with some bagging the next day, and with high winds forecast picked a relatively small Corbett above Kinlochleven, Glas Bheinn. While not the most dramatic hill, it was superbly situated for all-around views of the Mamores, the Corrour estate and the Aonach Eagach. We descended south to the Blackwater Reservoir dam then enjoyed an attractive walk down the beside the River Leven.

Looking over Loch Eilde Mor to the Mamores

Monday started very wet but was forecast to improve later. Ruth had a sore hip so opted for a rest day, while I headed up Glen Coe for an afternoon walk over Buachaille Etive Mor. Starting around midday, I ascended quickly via Coire na Tulaich, making use of my ice axe for a short distance to cross the remains of the cornice at its rim. For a few minutes I had clear views along the ridge, but I soon entered the cloud as I ascended to the northerly Munro, Stob Dearg, and remained in it throughout the traverse back along to Stob na Doire. The final few hundred metres up to Stob na Doire had a good covering of snow, the remains of a deep drift. Just as I was starting to give up on seeing more views on departing the top, the clouds broke and lifted to reveal the ridge ahead, and I was to remain in the clear for the rest of the afternoon, with superb views of the White Corries, Glen Etive and Bidean nam Bian from the second Munro, Stob na Broige.

New Year’s Eve was forecast to be a fine, sunny day: the best of the week. Ruth and I had two Corbetts we wanted to bag near the bottom of Glen Etive, each a brisk half-day walk, so this seemed the best opportunity to tackle those. We set off early to reach the car park at the head of Loch Etive at sunrise and set off up Beinn Trilleachan. This proved to be quite a rough ascent over tussock grass at first, eventually reaching easier, slabby ground on the ridge. We were rewarded for our efforts with superb views across the Trilleachan Slabs to Loch Etive and Ben Cruachan, and also up Glen Etive.

Looking across the Trilleachan Slabs to Loch Etive and Ben Cruachan

We descended the same way, then drove a couple of miles up the valley to set off again for an afternoon ascent of Stob Dubh. After an easy approach along the track to Glenceitlein, this was a brutal and relentless ascent on short but very steep grass directly to the summit. However, the views over Glen Etive to the Glen Coe Munros were magnificent in the low afternoon sunshine. We made it back to the car just before sunset, and felt we’d made very good use of the daylight on the final day of 2019!

Looking over Glen Etive to Beinn Fhionnlaidh, Sgor na h-Ulaidh, Bidean nam Bian and the Buachailles

Sunset on Stob Dubh, as we approached the cottage at Glenceitlein

New Year’s Day brought a return to grey, windy weather. For a relatively short walk, we opted to climb the nearby Corbett, Mam na Gualainn, a repeat visit for me. Rather an unremarkable hill in mist, but I got a tick in a box by visiting its neighbouring Graham, Tom Mheadhoin, on the way down, which did have decent views over Loch Leven.

Thursday was a very wet and windy day. Ruth’s hip was giving trouble again, so she opted for another rest day while I ventured out for an afternoon march up Buachaille Etive Beag, which I reckoned would have a good path all the way and not involve any tricky burn-crossings. This proved correct and it was a straightforward outing, up both Munros and back to the car in around 2h20. A very thorough test for my new waterproof jacket, with heavy, wind-driven rain throughout, and a good opportunity to prove I haven’t turned into a fair-weather walker!

Friday’s forecast was for more strong winds and snow showers. With Ruth still too injured to want to do a significant walk, I was tempted to do something short, but convinced myself to venture up onto the Mamores ridge and see where I got to. I wasn’t feeling very optimistic as I walked up Coire na h-Eirghe in falling snow, with mist shrouding the peaks. However, conditions began to improve as I reached the bealach, and cleared out properly while I was on the summit of Am Bodach. While the wind was still bitterly cold and brought occasional snow flurries and quite a bit of spindrift, it wasn’t too unpleasant while heading east (out of the wind) so I continued along the very fine ridge, with mild scrambling in places, to Stob Coire a’ Chairn, then on to Na Gruagaichean and Binnein Mor. The light covering of snow and shifting sunlight in the corries made for spectactular views along the ridge in both directions and across Glen Nevis to the Grey Corries.

Looking back to Na Gruagaichean from Binnein Mor

I descended via Sgor Eilde Beag, the one Munro Top I had not previously visited in the range, then back down the good stalkers’ paths to Kinlochleven.

That concluded a mixed week, generally lacking in snow except for the dusting on the final day, but plentiful in the usual wind and rain! I was pleased to have got up major hills every day, and to have ticked off three new Corbetts (leaving just 15 yet to be bagged) and a Graham over the course of the week, as well as revisiting seven Munros and another Corbett. The path to Corbett completion is starting to look clear ahead, with plans outlined for visits to the Cairngorms and Monadhliath at Easter, and to the Western Isles and far north over Spring Bank Holiday week, which should leave only a small handful to go.

As ever, a much more extensive photo album of the trip is available on on Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/UKFoeR3VbaFwEZjr6