Thursday Walk 17 Feb

Eleven walkers set off along the rather muddy Limestone Way and followed a pleasantly improving path down into Bradford Dale. Here, by the bridge, we were joined by three more, who had set off from an alternative car park. Shortly after this excitement we made an early coffee stop on the bank of the River Bradford. Continuing to follow the riverside path with Youlgreave above on our left we passed the unpopular limestone crag of Rheinstor and arrived at Alport. Here we crossed the road and followed the River Lathkill upstream to a sheltered lunch spot by a convenient stone wall. A few specks of sleet soon gave way to a good spell of sunshine.
After passing Raper Lodge we continued to Conksbury Bridge and along the riverside to below Over Haddon. Here we crossed the footbridge over the swollen Lathkill and ascended the zig – zag track to emerge close to Meadow Place Grange. Mud had been predicted here and conditions did not disappoint. A minor route correction found the path up the field. A rather awkward stile provided entertainment before we emerged on to Back Lane. There was some discussion here regarding the final return route as the three late joiners needed to return to their alternative car park. Several extremely polite alternatives were offered and eventually an amicable solution was found.
Many thanks everyone for your company.
And the banter.
Frank