Three set off early from a small village, in search of their fortune in the big city, following old pathways up onto Eyam edge and across Eyam moor. Cows stood quietly chewing, watching them walk by in the early morning mist, down the hill into Hathersage.
Two early bird members greeted us, already at the pool cafe having caught the Sheffield bus in and breakfasts and coffee were enjoyed.
Two more members arrived plus two dogs and a message that the second bus from Sheffield had not yet arrived to pick up two more members, who were still stuck at Hunters Bar, so reluctantly seven set off without them.
We climbed out of the valley past the vineyard and the Moorseats’ helipad, past Carhead rocks, joining the melee of Saturday climbers and walkers around Stanage popular end. After admiring the view from the edge, we set off past Stanage Pole, via Redmires and across a boggy Whitestones moor to Fulwood Lane, making for the picnic bench which seemed a perfect place for lunch. And there on the bench was another member waiting, only to be also met there by our intrepid pair from the delayed bus, who’d made up spectacular time to catch us up.
So now we were ten plus our four legged leaders who seemed to particularly enjoy the myriad of paths along side Porter Brook, all the way into Encliffe Park, stopping to try and catch sight of the elusive kingfisher at one of the ponds and taking a look at the Shepherd Wheel along the way.
By then the rain had arrived so there was much more interest in tea and cake in a nearby cafe rather than a soggy slog up the hill to the Botanical Gardens.
The 65 bus home arrived on time, while the 772 arrived early so two of the gang (plus dog leaders) leapt aboard the 65 which caught up and overtook the speeding 772, but cheered on by the bus driver, they achieved their ‘Mission Impossible’ and successfully boarded the rogue 772.
Thank you for fun company and a good day out. 5.4 + 10 miles.
Hazel
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