Thursday walk 11th January- Report

11 of us set out from Hathersage on a cold,grey and damp morning.
Crossing the bridge at Ledmill we looked in awe at the remains of a large tree presumably carried down the river in the recent heavy rain.
Leaving the river we climbed through the Callum wood to Callum Farm,before stopping on the hillside beyond for a coffee break and view across the valley to Hathersage.
We then climbed over Offerton Edge and crossed Offerton Moor past Oaks Farm to descend into Abney Clough.
Lunch was taken in a sheltered spot in a field above the road.
We then descended to Stoke Ford and headed down the valley to Hazelford- a more muddy affair than we had experienced until then.The section through Highlow Wood was particularly wet and muddy,but fortunately quite short.
Reaching Hazelford one member of the party-anxious not to miss an afternoon appointment- opted to return to Ledmill by the shorter road route.The remainder headed down the track to Hog Hall.Continuing below the hall we crossed the old stone bridge over the Highlow Brook and climbedthe hillside beyond.
All that was then left was to retrace our outward route past Mount Pleasant and Ledmill bridge.One member of the group took the full return through the fields,but the remainder of us took the shorter roadside route.
An enjoyable walk despite the dull and cold conditions.
Thank you to those who came for your company.
Mike D