Report on Thursday Walk 6 March 2025

[Andy Smith]

13 members assembled at Chatsworth House under clear blue
skies and sunshine – a perfect Spring day. The initial
section of our walk was the steep climb up many steps to
the Hunting Tower, but we all reached there without
incident. After this initial strenuous uphill section,
the walk became essentially flat on tracks though
Stand Wood. We paused briefly at Emperor Lake, before
continuing to Swiss Lake (now drained), the site of
our coffee break. The spot we had identified on our recce
was occupied by earth moving equipment, apparently
repairing the dam, so we chose a nearby alternative.
After coffee we continued along the track to the gate and
stile at the edge of Stand Wood. A little way before we
reached there, two of the party split off, to return by a
shorter route. The remaining eleven of us wandered down
the path to Beeley Hilltop Farm, the only boggy section of
the walk. The way led through the farmyard and down to
Beeley village. On the way we stopped for our lunch break
and to enjoy the view. From the village we crossed fields
to Beeley Bridge, crossed it, and then followed the west
bank of the River Derwent before crossing it to return to
the cars. Our peaceful return was interrupted by two
fighter jets screeching across the sky above us. The day
was rounded off by a visit to the café.
Distance 5.5 miles. Ascent 600 feet. Andy & Rosy.

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