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The roads leading to Bolsterstone had been completely clear that morning, but sitting in my car waiting for the others to arrive, it started snowing quite heavily, causing some anxiety – would we end up getting stuck here? But as the group set off from Bolsterstone, heading north across fields towards the outskirts of Stocksbridge, the weather gradually improved, with the low mist clearing [and by lunchtime at Underbank reservoir patches of blue sky were appearing]. The way through the housing estate was successfully navigated [often a challenge with an un-recce’d walk] leading to easy walking along straight-forward paths and quiet lanes to the reservoir [with the biggest outflow we all agreed we’d ever seen]. At the currently closed Outdoor Activity Centre, with its climbing wall and high aerial wire and trapeze, we left the reservoir and headed south, gradually climbing to Wind Hill Knoll with views out to wild moorland. Gemma’s dog Lance was allowed to indulge his favourite activity – energetically digging mole hills [no moles were hurt in this exercise!] Another brief bit of road-walking, with the unexpected hazard of a whizzing grit-spreader, but the reward of dramatic and clear views over the Ewden valley, and a signpost reassuringly informing us of our way back towards Bolsterstone. After a brief stop for drinks in a particularly beautiful wood, we joined the track leading to Heads Lane, with a minor diversion to a somewhat anatomically inaccurate snow-woman [!] and then a trig point, as a cold sleety wind started blowing, so a good time to complete this 7 mile walk.
Thank you all for your excellent company, and I’m sure this less well-known area will be visited again soon [it was less than 1/2 hour drive from my house in Sheffield],
Vanda Boyd

A very civilised way to start a walk for the leader – from their own house. So joined by Chris, Mike, Geoff and Hugh, we set off through the nearby allotments, and then houses of Bents Green, to quickly access the nearby fields on the outskirts of Sheffield. The weather was mild if damp, so there were lots of people out already, including two Santas on bicycles and later, a group of four cyclists dressed as Santa, a snowman and elves. Unusually for me, I’d actually recce’d part of the walk the day before, so I felt rather too confident about not going wrong. There was also the challenge of finding paths that neither of the two Sheffielders, Mike and Geoff, had walked before. So on through the wet woods above the Limb valley towards Long Line and Mike said ‘This is a path I haven’t been on before’. Then some road walking, and deep in conversation with Mike, I completely missed and over-shot the stile I’d wanted, which required a bit of back-tracking. The path after the stile was not very obvious, so I think we followed animal tracks [which I presume were new to Geoff] with great views behind us to the east, to reach Houndkirk road. Skirting north of Canning’s Plantation, we stopped for lunch in the shelter of the trees, before crossing Ringinglow road onto Hallam Moors and then looped back towards the top of Porter Clough. Mulled wine had been mentioned as a possibility on this walk, so the choice was made to detour to the Norfolk Arms, but unfortunately the queue for drinks was rather too long, so the offer of mulled wine was ‘cancelled’ and instead we headed down the ski slope and returned via some very muddy paths back to High Storrs Road.
Thank you everyone for your excellent company, and Happy Christmas to everyone else. We look forward to meeting up with you all next year, hopefully after not too long a time.
Vanda .

4 of us met in the rain at Low Bradfield.
As we set off the rain had become quite light.Half way up the hillside it had stopped.So the traverse along the ridge top from Cliffe House Farm to High Bradfield was completed with commanding views.Passing through the churchyard we stopped at the flood grave of the Tricksett family.
We then passed the ancient Bailey Hill and traversed below the Agden Rocher crags before descending Agden Side to the edge of Agden Reservoir.From here we climbed to Wilkin Hill where we found a dead mole!Arriving at the path below Mortimer Road the decision was taken to stay high and cross Bradfield Moors to Thornseats Plantation and the Wentworth Fitzwilliam Forest.
By now the rain was steady and heavy with a strengthening wind-but shelter was at hand once in the woods with less mud too.
Emerging from the woods by the path down to Brogging we found a dead hare lying by the parked cars which Geoff deftly threw into the adjacent field.
Once past Brogging we crossed the Strines overflow and stopped for lunch by the trees above.
From here it was an easy walk along fields above Dale Dike,through the adjacent wood and back to Low Bradfield.
Not the best of days,but with variable rather than constant rain and misty views it was nevertheless worth the effort.
Thanks to those who came and your company.
Mike D

11 people gathered (eventually) in 2 groups on a dank morning in a lay by just outside Sheffield. A most unpromising start was made by the first group with Vanda following some 15 mins behind with the second group when the Rotherham representative eventually arrived.
Setting off up a little used path we reached a ridge, passing en route a small stone shelter where we waited to ensure Vanda hadn’t got lost. Eventually reaching the end of the Houndkirk track we crossed the road to reach the start of the Totley Moor path which was followed for a good distance (including coffee stop) eventually rising to the trig point. Various feats of athleticism were witnessed in the gloom.
Leaving the trig point we headed towards the Owler Bar road which was crossed and lunch taken.
Continuing on and up, passing Lady’s Cross, interestingly described by Mr Warwick. Like being back in the classroom!! Shortly descending past White Edge Lodge we followed a path previously untrodden by Mr Milne, also spotting two red deer stags hiding in the trees.
On reaching the white gate, we crossed into Longshaw, passing a number of well constructed snow persons near the wooden pole. Down past the Fox House, sadly closed, crossing the moor and onwards down through Blackamoor Nature Reserve and back to the cars.
10.5 miles, not many views but no heavy rain. Thanks to all who attended.
Chris has put some pics on Facebook, there may be more later.
Cheers
Paul Gibson

The car park at Redmires was virtually full at 9.am,but 4 of the 6 members who attended managed to get in with the remaining 2 parking nearby.
So all present & parked,we set of in windy ,but dry conditions.We descended the moorland path past the turn off for the Headstone continuing to the valley floor and onward to the A57.An ascent to Crawshaw Lodge followed with a seriously boggy section in the middle ( must have merited full marks on Martin’s mudness scale!).
After Crawshore we continued over the ridge above and then descended past Crawshaw Farm to Royd’s Clough.Sadly the main part of the wood in the Clough has recently been felled without any attempt to clear the area by the path,so it is now not quite the gem it once was. Perhaps I should persuade my co Friends of the Porter Valley to take on a bit more of a challenge up here!
Safely through the Clough we descended through fields to Corker Lane, stopping to admire the drop below the bridge in the lane with cascading water rushing into an impressive gauge.Shortly afterwards we stopped on 3 conveniently place benches enabling us to sit socially distanced ,2 on each bench ,while savoring the view of Damflask reservoir over coffee.
After coffee we continued onwards and eventually upwards with views behind to High Bradfield & Agden Rocher.Climbing through Hall Bank wood and over the fields beyond we reached the collection of houses beyond Cow Gap.
After a rather wet and boggy track below Bent’s Farm we descended Brookside Bank to cross an unusual bridge formed by a single slab of rock.Over the bridge and through the woods on the opposite bank we stopped for lunch below a wall next to the rather dilapidated Hill Farm-getting what shelter we could from the strong gusty wind.Whilst sat there we were treated to a rainbow the other side of the valley forming a perfect arc with each end fading into and out of view with changing colours.
Lunch over we continued up to the main ridge leading west from Stannington.Then passing Moorcroft we headed through the fields to Townfield Head Farm and its collection of chickens-one seen heading off at speed over the sky-line!Another area of “mudness” had to be crossed before we reached the Moorwood Farmyard.
After Moorwood we were soon across the field and onto Moorwood Lane and then down Onskley Lane,where we passed 2 life size Zombies sat by the roadside with other Halloween paraphernalia.
A short stint along the side of the A57 (on a footpath) then led to Wyming Brook Drive,Reddicar Clough and the return to Redmires.
Despite our efforts to beat it,the forecasted rain caught us with half an hour to go before the end!.
Not enough, though, to spoil a great day’s walking in an area beyond the club’s usual stomping ground.Thanks to those who came and for your company-but commiserations to the President who was forced to cancel in order to attend a meeting arranged by his employer to discuss the latest Covid restrictions.
Mike D

Two groups set off in opposite directions from Langsett Barn car park at an earlier meet up time of 9.00 to overcome clock changes. It seems the rest of South Yorkshire had the same idea. However we were soon away from cars and people as we circled around Midhope and Langsett Reservoirs. Blue sky, far-reaching views and a blustery wind accompanied us most of the day. White horses galloped across the top of the water and we found new paths and pockets of woodland. Stops were made on a rickety bench for coffee and later a waterside retreat for lunch, where the only Castle Dipper was the dog. We visited the ruins of North America and had a history lesson when considering its name origin. A foray onto the moors took us onto Mickleden Edge and then back to the shoreline before the last section back to the cars. How the two groups never crossed I don’t know. The sub-group leader assures me he followed the route as instructed. Successful walk and clocked in at 9-10 miles – a little under estimation this week. Thank you all for the company.
Ali

Five gathered at Endcliffe Park to set off on the Sheffield Round Walk. It was a busy morning with joggers, bikers and dogs on extended leads, so a cracking pace was set to escape the crowds. I was hoping that the walking speed may even out but alas it did not! First point of interest was the WWII war memorial for the B-17 Flying Fortress known as MI Amigo. Following the River Porter through various sections of park we met Mike at Forge Dam, as arranged, and continued to the head of the valley. The round continued via Limb Valley and numerous stretches of woodland and green space on the south-west side of the city. After Graves Park we descended via the Gleadless Valley -passing Bishops House and in to the Sheaf Valley for a more urbanised return to the start. Plenty of trees and colours but perhaps missing that magical bit of sunshine to appreciate them in their full glory. Billed as 13 miles was a major underestimation. All of the gizmos ticking away clocked up over 16 miles. Twelve feet were certainly feeling it too. Well done team! Enjoyed the chat – I certainly know a lot about van conversions now. Must admit I went home to tea, white wine, hot bath and comfort food dinner but not in that order. Next week’s walk is as billed and not some wild mileage guestimate!!
Ali

Blue skies and a blustery wind welcomed the two groups of five walkers at Redmires Road. The journey began through the woodland of Fox Hagg, with short pauses for fungi photos and an exploration of a hidden culvert. After Rivelin dams and a babbling brook, we ascended to the Headstone. Here, Chris and Hugh summited via two separate routes. Traversing the moorlang above Oaking Clough, one group made good use of a shooting bluff for coffee, whilst the others strode on. We joined the far end of the Conduit, after passing some old military training trenches. At the small header reservoir one group stopped for lunch whilst the other investigated the now derelict Stanage Lodge. Onward from here we followed an unmapped but well trodden path to High Neb. The Stanage shelter-come- bus stop provided a useful location for a second lunch. Walking along the top of Stanage we admired the views and noted how many trees were changing colour. Next came Stanage Pole, the Roman road and Redmires. Here, the groups diverged in routes. One went over White Stones moor, whilst the other followed the reservoir shoreline – mainly due to a case of blisters. Back at cars, official mileage: group 1 = 10 miles, group 2 = 11.5 miles. A welcome refreshment outside The Sportsman before home. A day of “cat and mouse” or “hare and tortoise”, depending on perception. Great route, weather and company!
Ali

Without sounding too Blightonesque “Five went a hiking” from Moscar along Derwent Edge. Clear views of the Kinder edges, blue skies and plenty of blustery wind ensued. We squeezed in a quick coffee stop and a detour to Lost Lad before lunch and then trudged down the track to Strines and Dale Dike Reservoirs. The difference in weather pattern in the valley was marked. In the balmy air, layers were shed, before a pleasant walk along the water’s edge, noting date plates and solid Victorian architecture. Climbing a little above Strines we found a welcoming bench at Holes Clough where we took sips of water. We found a delightful rhododendron tunnel and an old ice house at Sugworth Hall. The last half mile along the lane then took us to the cars. Around 11 miles – plenty to see, plenty of variety, plenty of good company! Thank you. Ali.

Six members and a dog gathered at Shatton for the first CMC Thursday walk (and the first CMC outdoor meet) since March. It was of course done in accordance with the BMC Covid guidance. It was a beautiful warm sunny day, perfect walking conditions, and with stunning views. We started on the road to Offerton, with views north over the River Derwent to Bamford and Stanage Edges. From Offerton we took the delightful bridleway heading northwest across Offerton Moor. Near the top we paused for a coffee break. The bridleway way took us to Shatton Lane which we followed past the Shatton mast around the head of Overdale, giving us views south over Abney to Bretton. Leaving the track we crossed a couple of fields to reach Bradwell Edge and yet another view, over Bradwell Dale and Bradwell village, with Mam Tor, Kinder, Win and Lose Hills etc in the distance. A short walk along the edge brought us to Rebellion Knoll, our lunch spot where we could rest and admire the views of the Hope cement works. After our picnic we rejoined Brough Lane. Our route was then past Elmore Hill Farm and along Townfield Lane back to Shatton. An excellent walk.
7.4 miles 1190 ft of ascent.
Andy & Rosy