Sunday 5th May – Walk Report

26 of us gathered at Taddington school, plus Harvey a Border Terrier, to start this walk. The reason for this huge number was due to the fact that 11 Castle members were joined by 15 members of The Association Of British members Of the Swiss Alpine Club who were staying reasonably close at Monyash. (Five Castle members are also ABMSAC members) At least it gave us plenty of people to talk to!
From the school we crossed the A6, headed north on the Priestcliffe road then took the Limestone Way to the Monsal Trail where we turned left and through the Chee Tor Tunnel. As the River Wye was running low we descended into the depths of Chee Dale and took the superb path along the river crossing over stepping stones in a very dramatic setting. Just after we saw two climbers doing an impressive 7A sport route, if only youth hadn’t passed me by……….!
Eventually we came to Blackwell Mill Cottages, crossed the bridge over the river and stopped for coffee on the riverbank close to where the wild garlic was about to burst into flower.
After our break we crossed back over the A6 at the Topley Pike car park and then took the enclosed path alongside the quarry which has been working since 1907. Due to new quarry workings we unfortunately couldn’t take the path along the floor of Deep Dale so took the re-routed path along the top of the dale which did give us some magnificent views of the surrounding countryside plus a walk amongst a carpet of primulas, daisies, orchids and other wild flowers.
Lunch was taken close to the junction of Horseshoe Dale and Back Dale with again fine views from the top of the dale albeit in a rather chilly position. At the end of the Dale we took paths to Chelmorton passing the church set at 1200 feet making it one of the highest in England. We also passed some stone troughs which once supplied all the village water.
Climbing up from the village we passed Sough Top our last hill climb before descending back to Taddington.
Thanks to all who came and for your company. A really enjoyable walk especially along the river Wye.
Pete and Jane