Thursday walk 9 Nov 2023 Report

[Andy Smith]

15 members, including the President, Vice President and
Treasurer, left the foot of Winnats Pass along the Mam Tor
road. Amazingly the sun was shining and continued to do so
until we got near the end of the walk when it clouded over
and eventually began to rain. We soon turned up the concrete
steps to Treak Cliff Cavern. We continued to ascend on the
path beyond the cavern. After a gate, the terrain levelled
off and then we passed Blue John Cavern; the path led
across fields to the Winnats – Rushup road. A little farther
on we reached the old quarry at Windy Knoll, a traditional
place for a break, and we stopped here for coffee break.
After the break, we climbed out of the quarry and took the
track past Rowter Farm. Crossing the Limestone Way, we
soon began to descend towards Bradwell. The views from
this high ground were extensive and several birds were
spotted by our bird experts. Lower down we found a
sheltered spot behind a wall for lunch, after which a short
walk brought us to the top of Smalldale. We made a detour
to the quarry viewpoint, for the benefit of those who had
not been there before. The huge quarry provides limestone
for the cement works. We descended to the outskirts of
Bradwell before picking up the right of way through the
cement works. At one point we were engaged in conversation
by one of the cement workers, who told us he was due to
retire in a few days and planned to spend £1000 of his
retirement money to walk the Pennine Way. He wanted to know
how tough it was. Two of our group who had done it, told
him. He seemed reluctant to stop talking, but we managed to
break away and continue the path to Pindale. A short
distance remained to Castleton and the start. Thanks to
all who came. Distance 7.5 miles, 1180 ft of ascent.
Andy & Rosy

Vanda’s pics

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