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An amazing 20 of us started from the pond area in Hartington.!! Quite a few regular walkers found footpaths they had never been on. The weather, after 10 mins of drizzle turned into shafts of sun highlighting distinctive peaks.
I was so pleased to offer lifts, as Chris noted on arrival at my house, that I had a flat tyre! So she kindly agreed to take us. Then Leon lent me his poles as I had left mine handily in the boot of my car! Hugh looked longingly on as at tea break I offered Leon as many figgy biscuits as he wanted. Hugh said he liked figgy biscuits, but as he had insulted me as usual, I said they are nice aren’t they! Lunch in Hartington by the pond for most, 2 nipping for sneaky cake and hot choc.
I had not reccied the southern loop, but this was well known. We did nearly lose Mary at the toilets. We thought she was taking a long time, and waited. Then sent Marian in to check, she had gone! Someone spotted her trying to escape from us and beckoned her back.
Not sure what Pete’s daughter made of us all. Andrew described the squeeze in the cave en route as a tight fit when he was a skinny 10 year old which discouraged anyone from trying…shame.
Thank you for your company. Cheers Linda.

22 members gathered at Hollin Bank car park on a beautiful morning and under the expert guidance of Bill Gordon, warden for the North Lees estate, we were soon engrossed in the first of many historical features, this being the ‘cut and cover’ water supply channel for North Lees Hall. We descended through woodland, passing the remains of Romano-British boundary walls and ancient enclosures, with Bill all the while pointing out features in the landscape and identifying our position on ancient maps. We arrived at the Grade 1 listed North Lees Hall, and were privileged to be shown inside. We climbed the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and admired the view and late autumn colours in warm sunshine.
After an external inspection of the adjacent cruck barn we made our way to the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and Holy Trinity Well, then descended to the Paper Mill Dam for lunch. It was difficult to imagine over 700 tons of paper being produced weekly from this site for transportation to Sheffield.
Greens Farm, the Limekiln and the site of the Raddle Inn were next visited, before we crossed the road at Dennis Knoll to make our way to the enormous Buck Stone. Perhaps used as a shepherd’s shelter, and a site of early religious significance, we were introduced to the first of many ‘apotropaic’ symbols to be seen en-route. We joined the ancient Causeyway and quarryman’s path onto Stanage and followed the edge to join the sled path for our descent to the plantation, which contains species of trees not native to the area, raising the question ‘who planted them and why?’ Our final ‘discovery’ was the almost secret location of the Resolution Stone and plaque to the Woodcraft Folk, a relatively recent addition to this ancient landscape.
Although familiar ground to us all, Bill’s expert knowledge provided an insight into how this landscape has evolved over many centuries, and revealed features which we would perhaps never otherwise discover.
A good day out, and thanks to all for your support.
Sean.
NB. ‘Apotropaic’ – from the Greek ‘apotrepein’ – to ward off. From apo (away) and trepein (to turn).

We started with 7, lost 2, then lost another and finally gained one to bring 5 back to the cars. Andy broke his nose and Dave his circlip, Rosy didn’t like rain and Marian was suffering from the after effects of woman-flu. Apart from all that we had a nice day, with only a bit of light rain.
Andy and Rosy, Dick and Linn, Chris K, Marian and Dave C started from the south end of the Monsal Trail a little after the 10am scheduled start and pedalled uneventfully until rain caused a stop for an additional layer a bit short of Millers Dale station. About to depart, a voice from behind said “I think we’ve got a problem….” Andy’s trusty and well-used Brooks saddle had fallen apart at the front end. A tape repair seemed to hold it together, but the possible painful consequences of a further failure persuaded Andy and Rosy to turn back to the cars.
The rest of us continued to the (sadly closed for the season) Blackwell tea room where Marian decided that a combination of after-flu and Dick’s Tuesday ride plus a heavy and uncomfortable bike would send her back down the trail. The remaining 4 trudged up the Pennine Bridleway and over the top, when the odd noises coming from Dave’s bike were tracked down to a broken circlip which was no longer supporting the pannier. Dick kindly offered to add Dave’s bag to his own and off we went again, to meet Jo cycling up the High Peak trail from Parsley Hey to meet us. Luckily the tearoom was still open, and we enjoyed hot drinks with our lunches before heading down to Friden where we took to tarmac.
Our bikes stayed nice and clean through Middleton and Youlgreave to lovely little Raper bridge over the Lathkill. After this however, the uncyclable ascent and slippy track across fields led to some accumulation of mud and loss of brownie points for the leader. The best mud still awaited us though, with some super-clarty stuff on the final bridlepath from the A6 to the cars which doubled the width of knobbly tyres, clogged up forks. and made riding very tricky. Thus 5 muddy individuals arrived back at the start to head home to hosepipes and hot baths, with car thermometers showing 4C on the way.
Thanks to those who turned up for (despite all) a very enjoyable day.
Dave C

A party of 7 and Tiggy the dog alighted at Edale station, undaunted by the 19 minute delay ( ?leaves on the line) which had been announced on our arrival on the platform (Plan B was actually being discussed just as the train arrived.)
We set off in cool but sunny conditions and took the path to Ollerbrook and onwards to the Youth Hostel. On arrival at Jaggers Clough we took a break and then followed the track to Hope Cross. Here we posed for the customary group photo (courtesy of Dave C.) and then commenced the long gradual ascent to the summit of Win Hill, where a bright and breezy lunch was taken with the Hope Valley spread out below us. To the east the colours of the high moorlands and edges were superb.
At this point Tiggy decided to lead his two companions down to Hope station, whilst the rest of the party proceeded down towards Thornhill and thence to the garden centre. Here it was unanimously decided to investigate the tea room and it’s facilities. Suitably refreshed, we spent a pleasant hour walking beside the River Derwent in the sunshine to Leadmill Bridge, and then to the cars.
A very enjoyable 12.2 miles.
Thanks to all who have led and supported the first season of Summer Sunday monthly walks. There have been 8 walks, visiting both Dark and White Peak areas, the environs of the Goyt Valley and the land to the West of Chesterfield. Parties have varied in number between 2 and 11, and distances between 10 and 19 miles (total all walks 105mls!).
Thanks for your company.
Sean.

Great location in the Dales. The hut even has central heating!! Plus John M had got a nice open fire going in the lounge, which gave all a warm welcome! 13 of us at some point or other.
Cycling and walking was on the agenda as it was a bit wet each morning. As some of us puffed our way up the hills, the scenery and wildness reminded us of why we love spending time there.
Evening communal meal, vegetarian, saw Leon trying to convince me that he had put the beef steak mince in his bag by mistake. Portions for about 5 that people were asked to bring seemed to be at least double that, and I am surprised that anyone could move the next day.
We raised our glasses to the first anniversary of Caroline’s death. Had a year really gone by so fast. She would have approved of the meet, having stayed in the hut with us all 2 years ago. You are not forgotten.
Thanks to all, for a very pleasant weekend. Linda
Clapham hut/Ingleton/Kingsdale/Dent/Ribblehead/Ingleton/hut. 42 miles/4,050′ ascent (my memory of Dicks’s measurement). I have 10 pics. Didn’t seem much point in taking a camera on Sunday’s ride to Malham because of torrential rain, but the afternoon turned out as glorious as Saturday (eventually!). Russ

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

About 10 of us converged on Broken Buttress – which nearly all of us
climbed – in glorious sun in the morning. We spread West, to the
Creepy Crawly area, and some as far as Titanic. A heavy shower at
4.00 pm finished most climbing. Some esoteric stuff – a secret shared
is a secret no more.
David

10 club members and a dog met up at Gardoms Edge last Sunday The sun shone on us although unfortunately it also brought out a fair few midges. This didn’t put us off and a good few climbs were tackled with enthusiasm, (well I wasn’t too enthusiastic when I struggled up the top of N.M.C. crack) Thanks for your words of encouragement Hugh! Helen was the wildlife expert of the day hearing bats squeaking in one crack and having to use her nut key to clear slugs from another. Julian notched up another few leads and Dick and Phil admitted they hadn’t been to that area for about 20 years. Thanks to all for coming and making it such a pleasant day. Judith

You would have been forgiven for thinking it was the middle of summer at Aldery on Sunday 18th. It was roasting…..a little too hot for some! 15 club members and 1 dog turned up to make the most of the Autumnal sunshine. Julian and Tina continued storming through their leads and everyone enjoyed the classics on a bit of limestone after all the grit. The BMC have cleared and cleaned the right hand section making the whole crag feel more extensive . We could all spread out and Castle voices could be heard shouting encouragement and advice up and down the crag. The response to said encouragement and advice was, shall we say, mixed but all seemed to have a long and satisfying day.
Thanks for the excellent company, hope to see everyone again soon.
Helen

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

6 of us started out from Litton with sun hats,sun hats,sun glasses &,in some cases ,shorts on a seemingly perfect summer’s day.
The initial stages were soon over & we then headed down Cressbrook Dale past the former Mill and so to the splendors of the high level traverse above Miller’s Dale.The meet leader,engrossed in conversation,missed the normal descent to the Monsal Trail -but,no matter a tea break was enjoyed while the meet leader explored the path he was following discovering that it led exactly to where he wanted to be!
To avoid a trudge up the Trail dodging the army of Sunday bike hirers,we descended to Litton Mill & took a scenic detour up Tideswell Dale and over the fields to Miller’s Dale..Lunch was taken on a grassy knoll above Miller’s Dale Church after which we headed into Chee Dale.
The usual muddy entrance awaited where a slip nearly saw Jenny fall head first into the river.Luckily she stopped inches from the water.Once through the mud things improved & we continued over the stepping stones.The cycle shed& cafe at the end of the Dale provided a welcome tea before the ascent to Blackwell.
An impromptu change to the planned route saw us take the path from Priestcliffe to Miller’s Dale Nature Reserve with great panoramic views in the evening light.A pleasant descent then led back to the Monsal Trail.
We again abandoned the busy trail & descended to Litton Mill again to tackle the final ascent of the day to Cressbrook village,
All that remained then was to take the route through the woods and over the fields back to Litton,where a a pint in the Red Lion rounded off a great day’s walking at ,it seems on subsequent investigation, 15.5 miles.Slightly longer than the advertised 14,but well worth it.
Mike