Walk Report Sunday 5 August

Despite the last minute plans six turned out for the walk on a gloriously hot day. Starting from Eyam village, the route went via the Boundary Stone descending into the back streets of Stoney Middleton. Distracted by a heron and chatter we took the wrong path and walked to the wrong bridge! However after a regroup, coffee and a brief spell watching some brave bathers in the weir we continued along the river to Froggatt Bridge and then along an ancient paved routeway to Grindleford. More riverside took us to Leadmill Bridge and a lunch stop before the ascent to Stokes Ford 1 and 2 – the former masquerading as the real thing! Aftera bit of map pondering we ascended to Sir William Hill along adelightful balcony path, taking our time to name all the crags and hills we recognised from this fantastic 360 degree viewpoint. No takers for the trig point at this stage so we continued across the fields before the steep descent back to the cars. 11.8 miles in total – the added distance after a detour to Eyam Hall for some much needed refreshments, although no-onef tried the new Plague Beer. Maybe the branding needs work? Thanks to all for company and enduring the heat.
Ali