With a sunny weather forecast, I headed to the Peak District for a walk for the first time in a few months (although I have been up for a few fell races in the meantime). It seemed like ages since I’d been to the Roaches so that was my chosen destination, and I came up with a route starting in the layby below Ramshaw Rocks. I had set out from home under clear blue skies but it was disappointingly grey in the western Peak!

I started by heading west to go up Hen Cloud from the back. Having taken in the views of the Roaches and Tittesworth Reservoir, I continued northwest along the full Roaches ridge, over Back Forest to the Hanging Stone. The highest ground was in mist, which was a shame.

I descended to Danebridge, finding that the old mature forest around the path had been clear-felled and re-planted since my last visit. Then I followed the Dane Valley Way upstream to Gradbach and up onto the ridge below Turn Edge where I stopped for a quick lunch break.

The final few kilometres via Flash Bottom, Gib Torr and Ramshaw Rocks were pretty boggy (not unexpected after previous visits) but did give increasingly sunny conditions and excellent views to end the day.

You can see my route map here and more photos here.

With more great summer weather and an empty diary, I spent most of the weekend walking in the Peak District. Saturday started with a visit to Black Rocks parkrun, meeting up with Jeff, Helen, Matt and Sarah who were staying nearby. My fitness has improved since my previous visit a few months ago, and I was pleased to knock nearly 90 seconds off my time to finish in 4th place in 18:56. It’s a flat and fairly fast course but, disappointingly considering its setting on the High Peak Trail, only really has views for one short section in the first kilometre, so not my favourite!

Afterwards, I drove a few miles to Brassington for my walk. My route headed west to Ballidon, up then up the valley and across fields to Minninglow, with its neolithic chambered tomb. Then I dropped down to the High Peak Trail for a short distance before descending the quiet, grassy valley of Gratton Dale. I continued through the village of Elton, pausing for lunch on a bench, then followed undulating footpaths via Aldwark back to the car. This is a quiet area on the fringes of the national park and I didn’t see many others except for a short section on the High Peak Trail – a very peaceful if not dramatic outing.
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3079602

For Sunday’s walk, I headed much further north, to the very top of the Derwent Valley. I got a fairly early start for the 80-minute drive and arrived at Fairholmes around 9am, finding the large car park already over half full! Nevertheless, I was soon able to get away from the crowds by ascending the permissive path up Hagg Side to gain the ridge near Lockerbrook. I followed the good path over Rowlee Pastures to reach Alport Castles – only a few weeks since my last visit but I trod almost none of the same ground!

After taking a few photos of the landslide and crags, I dropped back down the footpath into the Westend Valley and followed the track up the valley bottom, passing a fell-runner descending and a group of farmers using sheepdogs to round up their flock from the forest and moors above. A surprisingly well-worn path leads up the ridge to Round Hill, and from there up to Barrow Stones and then Grinah Stones, with impressive wind-carved rock formations. All around was a sea of purple-flowering heather – a very picturesque display!

I followed the traversing path west to Bleaklow Stones, then turned north, taking another obvious (but unmapped) path down Far Black Clough for a while before diverting east to reach Swains Head, the saddle at the very top of the Derwent Valley, From there, I followed steadily-improving paths and tracks all the way back down the valley to the car, initially brushing through more purple heather and lush bracken but becoming a 4×4 track to Slippery Stones. The final few miles beside Howden and Derwent Reservoirs were the only busy section of the day, with many walkers and cyclists out enjoying the sunshine. The water levels were as low as I’ve ever seen them, after the very dry spring and summer!
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3080788

There are more photos on Google here.

Claire suggested we meet up for a bit of a training walk ahead of the Gentian trip to the Austrian Alps later this month. Options are a bit limited in the Peak District to meet her requests for “hilly” and “some easy scrambling” but I did my best with a circuit around the Woodlands Valley and Alport Dale.

We met at mine around 8am and I drove us up to the start point, a large layby about a mile short of the old Snake Inn. Heavy rain had fallen as I ate my breakfast but it had only been showery on the drive and we started up the lower reaches of Blackden Brook in the dry. Drizzle soon arrived though, and gradually intensified to be more like rain as we ascended. The scrambling opportunities in the stream-bed are intermittent and optional but were just about dry enough to be enjoyable towards the top.

There were only a couple of short breaks in the rain as we continued west along Seal Edge, which had some interesting wind-carved rocks and, briefly, a rainbow that appeared unusually far below us. After a while we reached the top of Fair Brook, which we descended by the good path, not opting to include any scrambling this time as there was a good amount of water flowing down right from the start. Lower down, the rain did stop properly and we paused for first lunch below some pretty cascades that were being ascended by a gorge-walking group.

Once back down in the valley, we crossed the River Ashop and followed its east bank up below the Snake Inn, then took the forest path up Lady Clough as far as Birchin Clough. A short but steep climb up the steps in very humid, misty air brought us onto the open moorland of Alport Moor with a welcome breeze making it feel fresher.

There’s a clear and not-too-boggy (at least at the moment) path across the moor towards Hern Clough. We followed it as far as Over Wood Moss, from where we descended steeply, off-piste into Alport Dale, crossing the river just above an attractive set of waterfalls. Not far back up the opposite slope, we joined a fairly obvious path that traversed southeast with great views up and down the steep-sided valley, and across to the waterfalls in Nether Reddale Clough. I had not explored these impressive upper reaches of Alport Dale previously. Some sections are being reafforested with deciduous trees that seem to be establishing quite nicely in their plastic tubes.

After a pause for second lunch, we clambered up the steep grassy slopes to join the larger path on the rim of the dale, which gave easier walking to Alport Castles – always an impressive sight. We took the scenic detour down the lumpy, bouldery valley created by the landslip, and I enjoyed the easy scramble up to the summit of The Tower. Then we returned to the public footpath to descend back into Alport Dale. That just left a half hour or so down the track and back up the road to the car.

It didn’t rain significantly after first lunch, so we finished with mostly dry kit and felt we’d had a good day out overall. It was good to catch up with Claire too. My full photo album can be viewed here, and a route map here.

The blog has been very quiet lately as a combination of poor weekend weather, the cross-country running season, and brass band rehearsals and competitions kept me off the hills from mid-January through February. I’ve been pleased to get out for a few local walks since the start of March though, my availability finally coinciding with some dryer and brighter weather!

On Saturday the 1st it was just an afternoon walk from home to Hatton, but I explored the path along the Dove riverbank from Marston-on-Dove – not strictly a public right of way but clearly in fairly regular use by dogwalkers and fishermen. Thankfully much less overgrown than the section the other side of Marston, which was my last exploratory route near home!

On Saturday the 8th, I started the day with a visit to the relatively new Black Rocks parkrun near Wirksworth. It was a lovely sunny morning and a scenic course on the High Peak Trail with views over Cromford, although I thought it would have been more fun if the course had included one of the nearby inclines rather than sticking on the flat section with multiple 180-degree turns!

Afterwards, I headed into the nearby corner of the Peak District for a walk through Lathkill Dale, starting at the Moor Lane car park west of Youlgreave. My route took me across Cales Dale to One Ash Grange, then down towards the head of Lathkill Dale.

I followed the dale all the way down to Alport: a narrow gorge with slippery limestone boulders in the base to start off, then a wider but deeper dale with scree and crags, then a wooded valley with the clear waters of the River Lathkill flowing beside the path. It’s a pretty spot in any season but particularly beautiful on a sunny day like this one!

From Alport, I followed Bradford Dale upstream for a few kilometres, pausing for a late lunch below Youlgreave, then returned to the car by a steep final climb up the Limestone Way.
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2902549

The next day I had a band rehearsal late afternoon but the forecast was similarly sunny and I was feeling motivated so I got up early to drive up to Edale. Even though I arrived in the valley by 8:45am, I found the Barber Booth car park full, and the main Edale car park also full! There had also been a large number of cars abandoned on double-yellow lines near Mam Tor, despite all the publicity this problem has received recently. I was glad to see they had all been given parking tickets while they watched the sunrise! Luckily there were still a few spaces left in the Edale overflow charity car park beyond the railway station.

I was pleased to get away from the crowds quickly as I set off west up the valley footpaths to Barber Booth and Upper Booth, enjoying views of Broadlee Bank Tor to the right and Horsehill Tor to the left.

From Upper Booth, I climbed steeply up the front of Broadlee Bank then more gently to the rocky summit of Grindslow Knoll, which gave some good views over Grindsbrook and Crowden Cloughs.

I followed the edge of the plateau east, around the top of Grindsbrook Clough and Ringing Roger, then above Oller Brook and Jaggers Clough to reach Crookstone Knoll, from where there’s a gentle descent to Hope Cross. I then followed the high-level traversing footpaths past the youth hostel at Rowland Cote and back to Edale village, with a lunch break in the warm sunshine about 1km before the end of the walk. That gave me plenty of time to drive home, shower and change before band, and the lovely walk was definitely worth the early start.
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2903357

Hopefully the next couple of months will see me head to the hills more often!
My full photo album can be seen here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YeiSEiY8cnq5tsrA7

I made the most of a bright, if not actually sunny, day for a fairly long walk over some of the hills around Ladybower Reservoir. Starting around 9:30am at the Carr Lane car park near Thornhill, I headed down the valley a little to Bamford Village then climbed steeply up onto Bamford Edge, stopping regularly to take in the excellent views of Shatton Moor, Win Hill and Ladybower Reservoir.

I continued on the heavily-trodden path down to Cutthroat Bridge then followed the bridleway west to Whinstone Lee Tor, then continued up Derwent Edge all the way to Back Tor, appreciating the early-autumn colours of the moorland and the forest around the reservoirs.

I descended to the foot of Howden Dean then followed the shore of Derwent Reservoir south to the dam, pausing part-way on a bench for lunch. Once past Fairholmes, I re-ascended steeply to Lockerbrook then followed the grassy ridge southeast to the twin rocky summits of Crook Hill, another excellent vantage point. That just left the short descent to Ashopton and a few kilometres beside the road, over the Ladybower dam then along the Thornhill Trail back to the car.

A map of my route can be found here, and more photos here.

More than a year after I ticked off my penultimate Ethel, I decided the time had come to take a trip to the far northwest of the Peak District and complete the list. The final hill was Ashway Moss, a flat-topped, moorland hill above Dove Stone Reservoir. With a reasonable forecast for the day, I advertised my intention to the Gentian Club WhatsApp group, and despite the short notice, Claire said she would like to join me for the walk. It’s quite a long drive up to Greenfield, so we shared a lift from Derby and back.

We arrived at the car park below the dam at Dove Stone Reservoir around 10am and found the cloud hanging low over the water, and quite a strong breeze, but no rain. We followed the track around the back of the reservoir then ascended steeply beyond Ashway Gap to reach the edge of the Black Hill plateau. A short walk north and east along the edges brought us to the much-photographed ‘Trinnacle’ rock, although it was shrouded in mist and did not offer any views. We took the short and straightforward scramble to the top anyway, then continued on a compass bearing across the plateau to what seemed like the highest point. The phone confirmed we had indeed reached the “summit” of Ashway Moss!

Continuing west, we returned to the gritstone edge and paused by the memorial to 19th-century local MP, James Platt. He was killed on that spot by the accidental firing of one of his companions’ gun while out shooting. We followed the edges south for a few kilometres, pausing in a ruined (roofless) hut for a snack, then took a boggy path across the moor to Chew Reservoir, where the mist was so thick we could barely even see the water from the dam! The light drizzle had also been gradually strengthening, and we had put on our full waterproofs.

We then followed the southern rim of the Chew Brook clough, pausing for a late lunch in the lee of a rocky outcrop at Stable Stones, eventually reaching the trig point on Alphin Pike, another Ethel. Then it was an easy descent northwest to White Lee and along the track from there back to the car. This final section gave the best views of the day, over the valley and villages towards Oldham and Saddleworth.

In summary, although it was disappointing to be in the mist for most of the walk and to have rain for the second half, it was good finally to tick off that last Ethel and to catch up with Claire as we walked!
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2761443
Full photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/gxHpkB7yVqnL7Kru5

I started the day at Ashbourne Recreation Ground parkrun with my friends from Rolls-Royce Derby Band. As the weather was good, a few of us decided to take a lunchtime walk in the White Peak afterwards. Will, Jane, Hayley (with baby Oliver) and reconvened in one of the car parks in the village of Alstonefield.

Our route started off past the village church – we took a quick look inside as this is to be the venue for a band concert later in the year – then followed the footpath down to Milldale, where we bought tasty ice creams from the café.

Then we followed the River Dove upstream for a few miles, through Wolfscote Dale, enjoying the increasingly clear water, forest- and scree-covered slopes, and limestone crags.

At the bottom of Beresford Dale, we crossed the bridge and turned back to the south, heading up the steep grassy slopes (actually a little unpleasant with nettles and thistles towards the top!) of Narrowdale Hill.

After a short lunch and nappy-changing break on the top, with extensive sunny views over much of the White Peak, we descended the way we’d come and followed more grassy footpaths the mile or so back to the village.

You can view a few more photos here, and a map of our route here.

I often lack motivation to head to the Peak District, but the weather was so good today that it would have been wrong not to be out in the great outdoors. My knee injury continues to prevent me from running, so I thought I’d do a long-ish walk to try to maintain some semblance of fitness. My choice was an anticlockwise circuit of Outside (the Hathersage gear shop)’s ‘Hope Valley Round’, although I actually started at Leadmill Bridge rather than the shop.

I was underway at 9:25am after a fairly busy drive up via a fuel stop in Belper (where it’s always cheap!). The slopes below Bamford were nice and quiet, then I began to pass more people on the ascent of Win Hill. I don’t think I had previously taken the direct route all the way up the southeast ridge, as the upper section is not marked on the OS map.

After taking in the views for a moment, it was straight back down via Twitchill Farm to Hope village, followed by an equally direct ascent of Lose Hill via the path from Townhead. It was good to have the bulk of the day’s ascent done within two and a half hours.

The ridge to Mam Tor was predictably busy with tourists, and the summit even more so. I didn’t pause there, heading straight down to the south to find some quiet on the long, straight bridleways over Bradwell Moor.

I paused for a late lunch before the final descent into Bradwell village, giving me the energy for the final steep uphill pull to Bradwell Edge.

That just left an easy traverse of Shatton Moor to Offerton and Callow to get back to the car at Leadmill in pretty-much exactly six hours. That seemed alright when the Outside website said the average for a ‘fast walker’ was six and a half! The knee was generally alright – a bit clicky on some of the ups and a little uncomfortable on the steeper downs (but those were tame compared with Scotland, of course!).

You can find more photos here, and a route map here.

Four weeks after their wedding, the new Mr and Mrs Livesey came down to visit me in Derbyshire for the Saturday and Sunday of the May Day weekend. We met mid-morning on Saturday in Earl Sterndale for a walk over the distinctive “Dragon’s Back” hills. I defined a route that would save the summits for the second half, taking a more northerly (but less scenic) outward route from the village. Dowel Dale gave some good views of Chrome Hill though, and we crossed a very pretty arch bridge over the infant River Dove on the ancient byway between Leycote and Tenterhill.

We continued down the very quiet valley of Hollinsclough, pausing for lunch in a pretty spot overlooking Hollins Hill. Then we ascended the ridge of Hollins Hill before traversing the crests of the more popular Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill – all made possible by permissive paths – to return to Earl Sterndale. These hills have become much busier since the pandemic and it was sad to see how eroded the small path over Parkhouse is getting.
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2612693

On the Sunday, the plan had been for Ruth and me to tackle the second of this year’s Peak Raid MapRun events. However, I had picked up a knee injury running the Shakespeare Half Marathon (in Stratford-upon-Avon) two weeks prior, and exacerbated it by running the first Peak Raid course at Monyash the following weekend, and did not feel able to run. I therefore kept Josh company on a walk, aiming to intercept Ruth a couple of times on her run.

The MapRun and our walk started in the village of Wetton. We started by heading to the clifftop above Thor’s Cave – which I don’t think I had visited before – for great views up and down the Manifold Valley. Then we made a brief visit to the cave itself (overcrowded!) before dropping down into the valley bottom.

We headed up the Manifold Trail a bit, then ascended the unnamed valley on the north side of Wetton Hill, and climbed up steep grassy slopes to reach the westernmost summit a little before Ruth passed by (she had taken a longer route over Ecton Hill). We continued over the main summit then looped back towards Wetton to meet Ruth again on her way back in from the east.
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2612698

We had lunch on a bench by the village green, then headed back to Hilton, from where Ruth and Josh soon set off back home.
There are a few more photos on Google, here.

As ever, returning from the Highlands left me underwhelmed by the prospect of a walk in the flatlands of the Peak District. The forecast was reasonable though, so I dragged myself out to the western moors around the Cat and Fiddle Pass to stretch the legs. 

I started off south along Whetstone Ridge, then dropped down by Cumberland Brook to Wildboarclough, enjoying the white frost on the rocks and dry-stone walls. 

Then it was a steep climb back up to Shutlingsloe, rewarded by extensive, very clear views towards The Roaches to the south, and Macclesfield Forest and Shining Tor to the north, with the Manchester skyline visible in the distance. 

I continued through the top of the forest then along some quiet footpaths to reach Lamaload Reservoir, which I circuited on the west and north before climbing back up via Andrew’s Edge (pausing for a late lunch in a sheltered spot) to Shining Tor. 

My motivation had increased by that point, so I opted for the longer option of descending to Errwood Hall before climbing back up to the Cat and Fiddle, rather than taking the direct path along the ridge. 

A decent day out overall, with great air clarity. A map of my route can be seen here, and more photos here. 

Amazingly, over a month had passed since my last walking day, if I don’t count a couple of Peak Raid races! Finally I had an empty day in my diary and a dry – if rather grey – forecast. After suffering from a heavy cold for much of this week, and with a chesty cough still lingering, I went for something not too strenuous, starting from the village of Ilam. Having attended the Gentian Club Annual Dinner recently in Fenny Bentley, but not having been available to join in with the associated trip to Ilam Hall bunkhouse, I also felt somewhat inspired to follow in their footprints!

I fancied walking down Dove Dale rather than up it, for a change, so set off north from Ilam, crossing a frosty Ilam Park then passing Castern Hall to follow a scenic footpath along the eastern rim of the Manifold valley towards Wetton village.

I then visited the two tops of nearby Wetton Hill, and enjoyed the views back down the Manifold and north over Ecton Hill, before descending southeast to Alstonefield and then down to Milldale.

I continued down the main Dove Dale footpath, pausing to appreciate the caves at Dove Holes, then the pinnacle of Ilam Rock. The path was damaged in places following the recent flooding, but not at all difficult to pass. Further down, I took the opportunity to head up the short side-path through the impressive natural limestone arch that leads to Reynard’s Cave. Surprisingly, I don’t think I’ve ever actually made that short detour before!

After a lunch break at Lover’s Leap, I was just left with a short walk down to the car park then over the fields – the muddiest path of the day – back to Ilam. I gave my boots a bit of a wash in the river before driving home!

A map of my route can be seen here, and more photos here.

My parents visited me for the weekend, and we were very fortunate to have a weekend of uninterrupted sunshine – quite a contrast to my visit to them a couple of months ago! Dad requested a walk in the White Peak, and Mum some flowering heather, and I was able to satisfy both with walks in Chee Dale and on The Roaches.

We got an early start on Saturday so I could try out the new-ish Pavilion Gardens parkrun when we were in the Buxton area for our walk anyway. Dad decided to save his energy for the walk, so he just spectated with Mum this time. It’s a fairly fast three-lap course, all on tarmac and not significantly hilly, but with lots of twists and turns to slow one down a little. They did well to come up with a course that did not require a fourth lap, visiting every corner of the small but attractive park. I was quite pleased with my time of 19:17, roughly on a par with my best recent runs.

Afterwards, we made the short drive to Wormhill, where we found plenty of roadside parking near the well, currently decorated (although not very impressively, we thought) for the annual Well Dressings. We started by following the footpaths northeast to cross the head of Monk’s Dale, then climbed back up to follow the Limestone Way above the far side of the valley and down to Miller’s Dale.

The main attraction of the walk was the next few kilometres, following the River Wye upstream through Chee Dale. For the end of summer, I was surprised how muddy and slippery it was, making the rocky steps more awkward than I had expected. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the dramatic scenery of the limestone gorge, and the two sets of distinctive stepping stones going along the side of the river below the overhanging cliffs.

To finish the walk, we ascended the zigzagging bridleway up to Meadows Farm, then down and back up to Wormhill.
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2376093

On Sunday, we got a more leisurely start before driving to Upper Hulme to park in one of the last couple of places available in the popular laybys below Hen Cloud. We started our walk by following the lane north, almost as far as Roach End, then used traversing paths to gain the ridge of Back Forest. We enjoyed the views towards the Hanging Stone, with The Cloud beyond.

Once we had reached the ridge, we paused for a snack break among the purple heather, with excellent views north towards Shutlingsloe and up the Dane Valley. Then we continued along the well-worn path to Roach End and up the stone-pitched path onto the main Roaches ridge the other side, appreciating the dramatic wind-carved shapes of the gritstone outcrops.

We had lunch in a sheltered spot – very warm out of the light breeze – then continued past the trig point and along the top of the cliffs, with improving views of Hen Cloud and Tittesworth Reservoir, before the final descent back to the car. I had not previously taken a route through the woods below the main climbing cliffs, so that made an interesting change.
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2376903

In summary, two good days out in the Peak District in the late-summer sunshine. It was good to spend time with Mum and Dad, and to give them the chance to visit these two beautiful locations again. My full photo album can be found here.

I usually aim to get away somewhere for a bank holiday weekend but, just a week after the return from Norway, wasn’t sufficiently motivated to do any long-distance travel this time. Instead, I made Saturday a parkrun and chores day, then went for day walks in the Peak District on Sunday and Monday.

On Saturday night, Sunday’s forecast was for a few heavy showers late morning but also some sunny spells. I was disappointed, therefore, when I woke to see that expectations had deteriorated overnight, with more prolonged rain expected. I decided not to be a “fair-weather walker” though, and stuck with my plan to recce (at walking pace) the route of the 15-mile “Groovy Kinder Love” fell race, a gratuitously-hilly route from Hayfield on the western edge of the Kinder plateau. Poor weather almost seemed appropriate for recceing a fell race!

After a damp drive up, the rainfall radar didn’t show any imminent improvement so I set off straight away, ascending via “Christine’s Gate” – not sure whether that’s just the name given for the purpose of the race – to Mount Famine and South Head, both in the mist. Then the going was easier on the long, gentle ascent over the flank of Brown Knoll to Edale Cross.

Next came a detour that one would only make for the purpose of increasing a route’s total ascent, down to the bottom of Jacob’s Ladder and back. I was pleased with myself for having sufficient motivation not to skip this part! After a short further climb up to Edale Rocks, where I took advantage of the shelter for a snack break, it was back down again, along the ridge of Kinderlow End and then north into Broad Clough. It was on this section that my phone died as I tried to get a photo of the purple heather – apparently it had got too damp in my jacket pocket and water had got to the screen, which flashed different colours for a bit before a failed reboot and black screen of death. I stowed it more safely – futile at this point – in my dry bag, before continuing on my way.

The penultimate significant ascent was the first totally unfamiliar ground for me, following a small path up the heathery slopes to the top of Red Brook. Then came a flat section, along the edge of the plateau and past the Downfall to Sandy Heys, before a steep descent to the bottom of William Clough. I was treated to decent views over Kinder Reservoir, as the rain was easing and the cloud lifting a bit.

The last ascent was back up William Clough to Mill Hill – not too steep and on a good path. The final approach to Hayfield was another new route for me, following a boggy path over Leygatehead Moor, then the southern end of the Snake Path. I’d only previously used the section from Mill Hill down to the Snake Inn. I’ll remember this as a particularly damp day on the hill, but at least the final hour of dry-ish and breezy conditions meant that my waterproofs didn’t end the day dripping wet!
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2369468

Thankfully, Monday was a much brighter day. I wanted a shorter drive so I devised a route starting at Darley Bridge, which is only about 45 minutes from home. I started by ascending through Clough Wood – not as pretty as I remembered it – then turned north to head up to Stanton Moor. The flowering heather was slightly past its best, but still the highlight of the day’s views, particularly around the Cork Stone and the old quarries.

I continued over the moor to the stone circle, then zigzagged down to reach the footpath to Rowsley, which was surprisingly overgrown to start off. There I picked up the popular path along the river meadows to Calton Lees, the most northerly point of my route. Having crossed the river, I headed east up the bridleway to Beeley Moor, where I paused for lunch. Then I followed a series of bridleways and footpaths below Fallinge Edge to reach the hamlet of Tinkersley. The views over the valley towards Longstone and Eyam edges were extensive but not remarkable. Finally, I dropped down to the river and followed the Derwent Valley Heritage Way back to the car.
Route map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2370359

You can find my full Google Photos album here. Sorry they’re not as vibrant as usual, thanks to having to revert entirely to my old compact camera after the death of my phone!

The limestone dales of the central Peak District seemed the best bet for a dry walk today, with low cloud and showers more likely in the west and north. I devised a route starting in Great Longstone and taking in a few nearby hills and valleys.

A little drizzle fell on my initial ascent to Longstone Moor, but not enough to need a jacket. It had petered out by the time I reached the high ground, and I enjoyed the views towards Chatsworth, the Wye Valley and Monsal Head as I made my way west along the Edge,

It was pretty breezy on the summit, so I dropped down straight away to head for Wardlow Hay Cop via the lane into Hay Dale and then the helpful permissive path. The summit was another good viewpoint but too windy for much of a pause. I descended by the main path to the northwest to enjoy the excellent views up Cressbrook Dale.

It had been almost deserted this far, but I passed a few other groups as I made my way north up the valley. I don’t think I’ve ever clambered up to the top of Peter’s Stone before, so I took that short detour today, happily having it to myself. Then I dropped back down into the dale and up the other side to follow the permissive path around the rim above Tansley Dale, with more excellent views back towards Wardlow Hay Cop.

A short walk through grassy fields brought me to Litton village, followed by a mile or so along the lane to Tideswell – poorly timed as a vintage car rally had chosen that single-track route at the same time! I had a quick look around the impressive church, which is known as the ‘Cathedral of the Peak’, then carried on down Tideswell Dale on well-made and popular footpaths – a route I’d only taken once before.

Crossing the river at Litton Mill, I headed steeply back up the other side of Miller’s Dale to reach the high pastures again and followed High Dale down to the farm and cottages at Brushfield. From there, the bridleway along the rim of Monsal Dale gave excellent views of the river below and Fin Cop the other side, on my way to the Monsal Head viaduct. That just left a short walk along the cycle path and lane back to Great Longstone.

Mostly a grey and blustery day, but there were quite a few short sunny spells too, and the forecast afternoon rain didn’t arrive until after I’d got back home. Good to get out and stretch the legs amongst lovely limestone scenery. A map of my route can be viewed here, and more photos here.