4th January Thursday Walk

Walk Report
11 of us including 1 new member, plus Chester the Cockapoo, set off under broken cloud cover
across Totley Moor to the trig point at 395m. Conditions underfoot were exceedingly wet, boggy and
muddy, probably the wettest I can remember on a Thursday walk. No real surprise after the recent heavy rain
and the fact this winter so far has been one of the wettest on record.
After a coffee break at Barbrook Bridge we set off uphill to Lady’s Cross, a medieval boundary and cross road
marker which dates back to 1263. A pity that all that remains of it now is the plinth and a small section of the
stone post. From here we continued uphill to the start of the White Edge ridge before descending past White Edge Lodge to cross the A625 through and opposite the white gates.
Shortly after, on our route towards Oak’s Wood, we stopped for lunch. With a reasonably clear sky good views
were experienced across to the Edale skyline with Surprise View in the foreground. We also spotted a herd of deer
enjoying their solitude some distance away.
Just after crossing into the wood 2 of our number departed to take a more direct route back whilst the rest of us
descended steeply to cross the B6521 and enter Padley Gorge on the east side. As the river was in spate we were
treated to some spectacular cascades.
At the top of the Gorge we crossed into the Longshaw Estate, past the small lake and for some of us a tea stop at
the Longshaw Lodge Caffe. Here we parted company some taking the short path to the National Trust parking, others back to the Fox House.
Luckily the weather held fair for us albeit the ground conditions were somewhat poor.
Thanks to each who came and for your company.
Pete.
Pets’s pics: