Thursday Walk 5 October – Report

21 walkers, one of them 4 legged, met at Ashford in the Water on this bright autumn day. A steady plod up Pennyunk Lane brought rewarding views into Monsal Dale and lead to Monsal Head where a long line of benches accommodated us nicely for a coffee break. A dark sky and a light drizzle threatened as we traversed above limestone buttresses on a pleasant path on the north side of the dale (not marked on the map) eventually descending into Hay Dale. Here the warm sunshine made a welcome return and there was a pause to remove unnecessary clothing. Crossing the Wye at Upperdale lead to an ascending track to Brushfield farm and beyond this a sheltered grassy amphitheatre (?) where lunch was taken. A careful descent to White Lodge followed and the walk was completed by following the undulating path through Shacklow Wood. A lovely day!
Thanks to all
Frank