Walk Report Thursday 14 October

[Alison Milne]

From the car park, a small group of us met our first point of interest, even before reaching the starting point. Crossing the cricket pitch, we walked over a fine warped bridge, constructed from wood commissioned from the original Trespass Walk.
After gathering near the picnic site, we departed along a new track for some, passing a community orchard. We then followed the babbling brook of Dale Dike to Blindside Lane. At the top of this we descended to a beach site at Dale Dike Reservoir for a coffee stop.
Onward to the dam end, we noted commemorative plaques to the Sheffield Flood. Here in 1864, over two hundred people perished, after the earthen dam burst, flooding the Loxley Valley, Malin Bridge and the centre of the city. The path then zigzagged to Dale Rd, where we took another steep track on Open Access Land to Windy Bank. Looking back, we sighted various landmarks including Boot’s Folly above Strines Reservoir. Fine vistas also appeared towards Agden Rocher and beyond, with autumn colours just appearing.
After a few field crossings, we descended through woodland to the shores of Agden Reservoir, where some convenient benches provided a lunch spot. A steep ascent to below Agden Rocher ensued, stopping half way for a breather and group photos. Traversing the hillside we made a gradual climb to High Bradfield, to a chorus of scolding, (I had earlier announced no more hills! . All lies!) –
Just before the church graveyard, we explored the motte and bailey, fine examples of early fortifications.
A steep descent through field and snickets led back to Low Bradfield, the car park and a well earned cup of tea for a few at the Post Office cafe.
Seven miles in total, felt like more! A walk of history, ups, downs and bridges. Thank you for the company.
Ali

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