All posts in Meet Reports

marianbirkett
Feb 25, 2013
Lovely walk with great views. From Cutthroat bridge, 8 of us started up the dogless Jarvis Clough and onto Bamford edge. Heather burning was in progress so after some initial smokiness, the walk fortunately took us upwind and gave some impressive flaming photo opportunities. Passing under High Neb, Crow Chin and nearly to Stanage End, we identified a few climbs still to do, before a dry walk (for most of us) back to the cars. Great company – thanks to all who made it.
Marian

Andy Smith
Feb 15, 2013
A vaguely heart-shaped circuit from Andy & Rosy’s house. They were
accompanied by four other members: Linda & Dave, Martin & Pat. It was
mostly cloudy and mostly dry. The recent snow was melting fast but it
still felt a bit cold in the breeze up on the Moor. The six of us set
off up the lane to Newwall Nook, past the usual barking dogs to Outlands
quarry, the first of the industrial sites of Bradwell to be encountered
on the walk. The path skirted round the quarry and we soon reached Moss
Rake quarry. An ascent of Green Dale and deep soft snow in places, led
to Batham Gate, the old Roman Road from Glossop to Buxton. After a short
ascent on the road we came to where a footpath normally heads off to the
right. We found that this part of the old quarry was being landscaped
and we had to cross newly bulldozed ground before picking the path up.
Here, the old open cast workings provided some shelter for a quick
coffee break. Heading down across Bradwell Moor, we reached a wall near
Potter Barn, the bottom of the ‘V’ in the heart shape. We then headed up
next to the wall, trying to avoid the deepest snow drifts, not always
successfully. After a few stiles, one of them quite tricky, we arrived
at the top of Dirtlow Rake, the site of the old Hollandtwine mine. From
here the route dropped down the Dirtlow Rake track with some deep wet
slushy sections. At the road we opted for tarmac in preference to
continuing wading through the deep slush on the track. A stroll downhill
brought us to the top of Pin Dale, where a boulder provided a seat for a
picnic in a reasonably sheltered spot. From here, a bit of involved
route-finding led down to a stile and the track through Pindale quarry
past the old lead veins (Scrins) to Black Rabbit cottage. From here we
took the public right of way through the Hope cement works (formerly
LaFarge but recently bought by Mittal Investments) to arrive back in
Bradwell. The walk was followed by tea and cakes, a Valentine’s Day quiz
and an Antarctic slide show.

6.9 miles; 1130 ft of ascent. Andy
—
Andy Smith – Bradwell, Derbyshire, England; andy@…

paulgibsonforest
Feb 1, 2013
Fortunately the lashing rain, thunder and lightning of the night before had moved on, and the next lot of rain didn’t arrive until after we’d finished, although there was a tiny sprinkle at some time during the walk. There were seven of us at the old Bakewell railway station to repeat the ‘winter wonderland’ walk I’d done with Marion on 13th December. So we set off, uphill initially and safely negotiating the golf course, on rather muddy paths interspersed with quiet country lanes, passing close to Pilsley and then, after a quick lunch stop on a grassy slope in the sunshine and wind, through Hassop and back towards Bakewell. Arriving at the Monsal trail, John chose to take my previous, shorter route directly back to our cars in Bakewell as he had ‘car concerns’, but the rest of us took the one mile longer route on a path through fields, to the river [delightful pack-horse bridge – thanks for pointing it out Dave!] where we ‘lost’ Andy and Rosie who were on a pork pie hunt. So a 7 mile walk for most of us, 6 miles for John and apparently 7.7 miles for those who like their pork pies. Vanda

Andy Smith
Jan 17, 2013
14 assembled at Andy & Rosy’s house in Bradwell. The day was cold but
dry and the cloud level was quite high. There was even some blue sky
though we did not see any sun. There was plenty of snow and ice
underfoot. We began by dropping down into the village and then tackling
the steepest part of the route, the pull up to Bradwell Edge. This got
everyone warmed up, and the frozen mud provided a firmer surface than
usual. A stroll along the Edge brought us to Rebellion Knoll giving
excellent views all round: Kinder, Win and Lose Hills, Mam Tor etc., and
well as down into the village. After a pause for coffee, photos, etc. we

doubled back to Brough Lane and then walked over Abney Moor, easy and
pleasant going, to Abney Grange. A path through fields crossing the
upper part of Bretton Clough brought us to the gliding field from where
we descended to Great Hucklow. Picnic lunch was eaten sitting on the
smart new Jubilee benches. An icy lane led to Little Hucklow and then a
path across fields and over stiles of varying degrees of awkwardness led
on to Tophole Road. From here it was tarmac all the rest of the way back
to the starting point. Mugs of tea were served, accompanied by Rosy’s
delicious home-made cakes. Distance 6.7 miles, ascent 1240ft. The timing
was fortunate. Two or three hours after the group dispersed, the lane
was white and departure by car would have been problematic.

—
Andy Smith – Bradwell, Derbyshire, England; andy@…

Linda Mcleish
Dec 20, 2012
Well done to the 7 who braved the lovely weather- very wet, windy and cold, and scenically challenging! However, it was somehow atmospheric, exhilarating and sociable and my new waterproof trousers, bought last year but never used, were fantastic. Also thankfully, it was the shortest walk of the year, as we cut a corner off to get to the pub quicker!!
We were glad of the lovely extended lunch at the Grouse, met by Andy Smith. We were all impressed that Andy, with his leg brace, at 30 degrees max, walked back to Curbar Gap, and had walked to the pub from Longshaw- good to see your brilliant recovery, Andy.
So, the programme for January- as Hugh is having a 7 mile walk on New Years Day, we will start the Thursday walks on the 10th Jan:
10th Jan- Win Hill- Linda to organise
17th Jan – Bradwell- Rosie and Andy.
24th Jan- Agden and Dale Dike Reservoirs- Linda
31st Jan- Bakewell- Vanda
Volunteers for Feb, please let me know what date you would like to do.
Merry Xmas – Linda and David.

paulgibsonforest
Dec 13, 2012
Another rather exclusive walk – just Marion Birkett and me! But what a stunning winter wonderland; thick hoar frost covering absolutely everything, and persisting throughout the walk, from the tops of the trees, through the shrubs and vegetation in the hedgerows, right down to grass underfoot. It was like being in an Alpine valley in the ski season, and luckily I had my camera with me [sorry Marion for all the stops]. As planned, we walked from the old Bakewell railway station heading NE, skirting Pilsley, before passing through Hassop and then returning to Bakewell partly on the Monsal trail, all new footpaths for me. It was very cold low down in the inversion layer, but we emerged into sunshine and warmth just in time for lunch near Hassop, joined by 2 robins. We then had clear blue skies and views towards Longstone Edge, before getting onto the Monsal trail which was a tunnel of white frosted trees. A lovely walk, just 6 and 1/2 miles, which took us under 3 hours to complete.

ckell2003
Dec 6, 2012
A select group of myself and John M enjoyed Linda’s planned walk from Eyam up past Sir William Hill with great views over to snow covered Kinder. Down to Bretton Clough via frozen paths then up to the pub for a warming chocolate for me, beer for John and lots of others enjying the log fire and food. In true Castle mode we had eaten our sandwiches and had flasks before we got to the pub!

Down to Foolow then along the flat back to Eyam with snowfall starting over the last half mile.

Next Thursday Linda may not be available and I have an appointment so if anyone would like to organise a walk please put on Yahoo Group.
Chris

Linda Mcleish
Nov 23, 2012
Thanks for such a good turn out yesterday- 13 started out on the first loop which was not well known to many even though we were so close to Sheffield. No deer this time, but good views and a feeling of remoteness next to such a big city. The pub was too much of a lure to some, and the weather was threatening, so only 5 did the second loop, and stayed dry and just got blown about a bit. Thanks to David for historical inputs.Thanks to Andy and Rosie for offering to lead next week’s walk, but they have dipped out as Andy has a cancellation slot for his knee operation on Monday, so we will be thinking of you. Volunteers to coordinate walks after Xmas needed, please let me know, and we will get things going on the next Castle meets list- committee meeting mid Jan. One walk each would see us through a good couple of months.
So next Thursday, at 11am as usual, we will meet in Baslow, GR 258723, outside the toilets by the triangular green, and the expensive carpark. This is on the left as you go into Baslow on the Sheffield A621 and then the main Baslow road A619. There is free parking on the side road opposite on the right just after the green, but you may have to go up a way to get a spot, so allow time for this if you are not parking in the car park. Sharing lifts may be a good idea. Let me know if you can offer or want a lift.
The walk is an easy 6 miles around the Chatsworth estate, bring food and drink. We will head up to the folly and the plateau above Chatsworth House with the pretty ponds/lakes, then down to Beeley lodge, and back along the river. It is quite sheltered and gentle underfoot. cheers, Linda

Linda Mcleish
Nov 15, 2012
After another enjoyable walk today with 10 of us, here are details of next weeks Thurs walk starting as usual at 11am.
This will be a figure of 8 walk starting in the middle and at a pub. Both loops are about 4 miles each and very contrasting- the wild moors and hopefully deer spotting, followed after lunch by a second historical halls and woodland loop.
Meet on the side road- Totley Hall Lane – outside the Fleurs de Lys pub. If you are going out of Sheffield on the A621 Abbeydale/Totley/Owler Bar road, it is at the top end of Totley, the Cross Sythes pub is on the right and it is the next (immediately) road on the left. GR 307798.
The first loop will take us up onto Totley moor and Blackamoor with excellent views. We aim to be back at the pub by 1pm, and then lunch in pub (or own food outside..) If anyone wants to come for the second loop then please be at the pub for 1.30pm incase we’ve been there for ages!!! The second circuit takes us to Storth Hall, Fanshawe Gate hall, Holmesfield, Woodthorpe Hall and the lovely woodland round there- David will tell you all about it on this historical leg.
If anyone wants to offer or share a lift please let me know, see you next week, Linda.

Linda Mcleish
Nov 8, 2012
thanks to all for a good walk today, there were 10 of us, a great start. Next weeks walk will be 7 miles, but not as hilly as the last one. We will start at the first parking ( Hurst Clough parking) about a mile in towards Fairhomes alongside Ladybower, just off the A57, snake pass road. gr 187876. We will initially head south along the reservoir, then briefly steeply up hill to Crookhill farm and turn left and follow the gently undulating trail with spectacular views first across to Derwent, stanage and bamford edge and then the whole of the Edale Skyline, bring a camera and hope for a clear day. We will head down to the Derwent reservoir and later via fairhomes tea shop, but this will be in the last section and you might be too hungry by then!! Let me know if you want to offer or need a lift. See you there. cheers, Linda 2219460