Walk Report
12 of us on the walk. A cooler day than of
late but at least dry, sunny and with little
wind.
Shortly after the start I suffered a huge
deduction of Brownie points due to taking a
route the river side of the old mill instead
of a path behind the mill. This led to
a stream crossing, via a wobbly stepping stone,
resulting in several people getting wet feet.
I should have taken us round the back of the mill
which would have avoided the stream. Last time I
went the same way it was bone dry. I’ll recce my
next walk and not rely on memory! 🫢
A gradual climb through Great Shacklow
Woods with nice Autumn colours came next
then a descent to our coffee break stop adjacent
the A6. Seating and public loos perhaps discounting, to
some degree, the earlier points loss.
Monsal Dale followed. I was expecting a quagmire
to wade through but luckily the going underfoot
wasn’t too bad. The river flow at the weir, prior to
the climb up to Monsal Head, was rather spectacular
due to the recent rain.
After our lunchtime stop at Monsal Head, which gave
us good views down the valley, we returned to Ashford via various paths and Pennyunk Lane.
6 of us then stopped at the Aissieford Tea Rooms
to rehydrate and consume cake etc.
Many thanks to all who came and for your very
enjoyable company.
Pete
