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Fifteen of us gathered at Monsal Head, plus Andy who made the the best of a planned visit to the dentist by cycling back home from our starting point. We went down to the old viaduct and followed the Monsal Trail to the first tunnel where we took the high level route above Water-cum-Jolley and Miller’s Dales to Litton Mill. Spring wildflowers were soon in evidence along this stretch with cowslips, dog violets, early purple orchids, mountain pansies and a swathe of bluebells. We took coffee high above the river with great views up and down the dales and across towards Litton. The steep climb up through Priestcliffe Lees NNR followed but there were plenty of stops to admire the views and more flowers. Shortly afterwards we met Martin and Pat who, in devising their own, shorter version of the walk had set off in the opposite direction to the rest of us so we all enjoyed a sunny but rather draughty lunch together at the top of High Dale before continuing on our separate routes. Ours was down High Dale, a mass of cowslips covering the whole south-facing side of the dale with orchids, anenomes and tormentil on the opposite bank. The much restored hamlet of Brushfield was next (I remember it as a very dilapidated farming settlement back in the 70s) and then it was down through the wooded slopes of Monsal Dale to join the riverside path to the weir and the steady climb back up to Monsal Head. A very enjoyable walk, my favourite in the White Peak, and it was good to share it with all of you
Cheers
Steve W
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