Thursday walk 13 February 2020 Report

Earlier in the week the forecast had been for horrible
weather but in the event it was rather nice: some blue sky
and sunshine. No rain or snow, very little wind, and not
too much mud! There were good views in all directions on
different sections of the walk. 17 members assembled at
Shatton and headed through fields, across Townfield Lane,
past Townfield Barn and through Elmore Hill Farm to reach
Brough Lane. Good views from here were to the cement works and
down to Bradwell. A gradual ascent of Brough Lane brought us
to a rather fine coffee break stop, equipped with wooden and
stone benches and stone tables. The views north were towards
Bamford and Yorkshire Bridge, and the Ladybower Viaduct was
clearly visible.

Break over, we continued round Brough Lane towards the
Shatton mast, but soon turned off on the path overlooking
Abney. The Barrel Inn could be seen across Bretton Clough,
with Abney Low and the Sir William Hill mast to the left. At
a crossroads of paths, we turned left toward Offerton. A
superb lunch spot was found just below Offerton Edge. From
here was perhaps the best view of the day, across the Hope
Valley and Hathersage, with the skyline dominated by
Stanage Edge.

After lunch we dropped down to Offerton Hall and took the
gradually rising bridleway heading west and eventually
ending on Shatton Lane at the top of the tarmac, now
liberally strewn with debris brought down by recent rains.
It just remained to walk down the road back to Shatton.
Shortly before the reaching the cars, some took the
opportunity to wash their boots in the conveniently
located ford.
Andy & Rosy