Peter Hammond

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  • in reply to: Thursday Walk – 4th April #22250
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    4th April Walk Report
    9 of us set off in the mist along Burbage Edge encountering muddy and slippery conditions underfoot.
    The next section along Houndkirk road seemed like a “motorway” in comparison and would prove to be
    the only decent surface travelled along the entire walk.
    We stopped for coffee at the bridge above Sparkinson Spring then lunch, after more soggy ground, at Rud Hill.
    See photos on the Walking WhatsApp group.
    The descent to Redmires went completely off Martin’s Mudness Scale – I can’t remember a wetter start to Spring
    but then I’ve only lived in the “Peak” since 2015.
    On reaching the road at the edge of the reservoirs one of our number departed for an alternative way home
    whilst the rest of us ascended the track up to Stanage Pole on more solid ground. The hard ground was short lived as we literally waded across to Stanage Edge through another bog.
    From the Edge it was onwards and upwards to the trig point then a descent back to the cars at Burbage North.
    Distanced travelled a little over 8 miles.
    Despite the conditions an enjoyable walk with good company. Thanks for coming guys.
    Pete

    in reply to: 4th January Thursday Walk #21728
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Walk Report
    11 of us including 1 new member, plus Chester the Cockapoo, set off under broken cloud cover
    across Totley Moor to the trig point at 395m. Conditions underfoot were exceedingly wet, boggy and
    muddy, probably the wettest I can remember on a Thursday walk. No real surprise after the recent heavy rain
    and the fact this winter so far has been one of the wettest on record.
    After a coffee break at Barbrook Bridge we set off uphill to Lady’s Cross, a medieval boundary and cross road
    marker which dates back to 1263. A pity that all that remains of it now is the plinth and a small section of the
    stone post. From here we continued uphill to the start of the White Edge ridge before descending past White Edge Lodge to cross the A625 through and opposite the white gates.
    Shortly after, on our route towards Oak’s Wood, we stopped for lunch. With a reasonably clear sky good views
    were experienced across to the Edale skyline with Surprise View in the foreground. We also spotted a herd of deer
    enjoying their solitude some distance away.
    Just after crossing into the wood 2 of our number departed to take a more direct route back whilst the rest of us
    descended steeply to cross the B6521 and enter Padley Gorge on the east side. As the river was in spate we were
    treated to some spectacular cascades.
    At the top of the Gorge we crossed into the Longshaw Estate, past the small lake and for some of us a tea stop at
    the Longshaw Lodge Caffe. Here we parted company some taking the short path to the National Trust parking, others back to the Fox House.
    Luckily the weather held fair for us albeit the ground conditions were somewhat poor.
    Thanks to each who came and for your company.
    Pete.
    Pets’s pics:

    in reply to: Christmas Lunch Walk 21st.December #21674
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Walk Report
    With some trepidation bearing in mind the very windy forecast, we drove to the roadside parking adjacent the Fox House, to discover many more cars parked than anticipated. Arriving at the bus shelter where all had gathered, I must admit “I was blown away” pardon the pun, by the fact that 25 people had congregated to support the walk.
    At 11am Gordon then lead the party off via the south side of Burbage bridge towards the stone shelter designated for an early coffee break. I eventually caught up having waited for some late arrivals who did join us at the shelter swelling our numbers to 27 plus one cockapoo.
    Having taken the traditional shot of Ginger Frog, we gave a rousing rendition of Deck the Halls.
    From the shelter we proceeded towards Longshaw Lodge and then the track south towards The Grouse thankful that the severe wind forecast was milder than expected.
    At the pub we were joined by other members increasing our numbers to 36. As usual the kitchen staff excelled with a large variety of dishes.
    Following the meal Rosy provided some facts relating to the year’s walks, the most notable of which was the fact that we had only missed one Thursday back in March due to heavy snowfall. Then Dave C read out three excellent poems relevant to mountain walking – a reading being a delightful tradition instigated by the late Sean Jennings.
    After wishing each other Merry Christmas individuals made their own way back through the Longshaw Estate to the Fox House walking into a strong wind and at times horizontal rain.
    Some thank yous are due – to Rosy for organising the walks throughout the year, Gordon for helping with the leading, to Dave C, and to the staff of the Grouse for hosting our lunch. Lastly and by no means least to all those who came braving the elements and creating another memorable Christmas lunch walk.
    Thanks again and a very Happy Christmas and an adventurous New Year to all.
    Pete and Jane
    Mike’s pic

    Hazel’s pics:

    in reply to: Christmas Lunch Walk 21st.December #21657
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    High winds are forecast for Thursday (The Met Office gives a Yellow Warning of Windy Conditions)
    As our proposed route over Totley Moor and White Edge is quite exposed I have done a recce/risk assessment
    on a more sheltered route today. There is still an element of risk due to some tree branches breaking off plus walking conditions could be or will be difficult against the wind.
    The route noted below probably has less than 10% tree cover and does have the plus point of a sheltered stone building for an early coffee break. Underfoot most of the paths are more “track like” especially after exiting the top of Padley Gorge.
    So for those of you that wish to brave the elements the route is:-
    Fox House roadside parking, Footbridge below Burbage Bridge, Stone Hut adjacent B6521 GR: 2585 799,
    Longshaw Lodge, Southerly track to junction with A625, Short road section to the Grouse. Return via Longshaw Estate
    and Lodge.
    We will now leave together at 11am and convene at the Stone Hut for coffee. We can then set off for the Grouse via the Lodge at whatever pace you want.
    As the walk is shorter than originally planned at approx 3 miles, leaving at 11am should mean we reach the Grouse by 12.30.
    I have accordingly advised the pub we will be there earlier so hopefully they’ll be serving food shortly after we arrive.
    For those not walking and just lunching I suggest you also arrive for 12.30.
    When ordering drinks can you please pay for your food and give your first name so the staff knows whose paid for what meal.
    PLEASE ALSO NOTE – the National Trust car park at Longshaw may be closed due to high winds. If so I’ll communicate again after I’ve spoken to the Rangers tomorrow afternoon.
    See you all Thursday.
    Pete

    in reply to: Christmas Lunch Walk 21st.December #21642
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Hi again,
    In view of the large number of people walking from the Fox House to the Grouse over Totley Moor
    next Thursday, it seems sensible to not go as one huge group so we don’t all arrive at the Grouse at the same time.
    So we’ll split into 3 groups viz “Slow” “Medium” and “Fast”
    I’m hopeful we can all take coffee etc. together at Barbrook Bridge, at approx. 12 midday, after which the groups will naturally space out.
    Timings thus from the Roadside Parking adjacent to the Fox House:-
    Carol singing at 10.40
    Slow Group leaves at 10.45
    Medium Group leaves at 11.00
    Fast Group leaves at 11.10
    Don’t forget your Christmas hats etc.!
    Pete

    in reply to: Christmas Lunch Walk 21st.December #21639
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Hi All,
    For those of you lunching at the Grouse next Thursday 21st. If you are not intending to do
    the walk from the Fox House to the Grouse over Totley Moor etc. can you kindly let me know by text on 07468 697805 or email me on pham601051@aol.com.
    Many thanks.
    Pete

    in reply to: Christmas Lunch Walk 21st.December #21626
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    A reminder for those of you intending to do the Christmas walk and haven’t given me your lunch order yet.
    Can you please let me have your choice by “close of play” next Tuesday 12th December.
    To respond either email me on pham601051@aol.com or WhatsApp me on 07468 697805.
    Pete

    in reply to: Christmas Lunch Walk 21st.December #21601
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Please note the menu for the Christmas Lunch is now on the message board under the route detail
    sent out on the 23rd November. In addition to menu there will be a Turkey dinner at £18 plus a Christmas
    pudding at £6.50.
    Can you kindly send your menu choice to my phone 07468 697805 by WhatsApp so as not to clog up the
    walking WhatsApp group messages. You can also email me direct on pham601051@aol.com
    To give the Grouse time to organize our lunches can you ensure you let me have your choice no later than
    “close of play” on Tuesday 12th December.
    I am not sure whether the “Ginger Frogs” are still at Barbrook Bridge. We will just have to see if they’re there
    on the day!
    As per our usual custom Christmas attire is mandatory. Also by tradition a carol will be sung prior to our
    departure from the Fox House.
    Look forward to seeing you all on the 21st December.
    Pete

    in reply to: Navigation 21st October 2023 #21351
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Please note this Navigation day has had to be cancelled due to severe flooding in the Hope Valley.
    We are running another one on the 25th November so if those that were booked for tomorrow wish to join us in November can you just confirm by Text to Pete on 07468 697805.
    Look forward to seeing folk in November with a hope we get some improved weather. The start will again be at 8.30am
    and the meeting place the same viz Edale’s main car park adjacent the station.
    Pete & Gordon

    in reply to: Navigation Day 21st October 2023 #21200
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Please note we will now meet at Edale’s main car park, next to the station, at 8.30am to ensure
    we get car parking spaces.
    Our intention is to start by measuring our pacing for 100 metres followed by an indoor session in the Penny Pot cafe covering grid references, route planning etc.
    Don’t forget to bring the Dark Peak 1/25,000 map number OL1 plus compass, a pen and your phone.
    Look forward to seeing you on the day.
    Pete & Gordon

    in reply to: 31st August Walk #21039
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Brief Walk Report
    9 of us set out from the Grouse in fair weather which soon turned sunny and warm with little wind.
    The main benefit of the good weather was the outstanding views – even Lincoln cathedral could be seen plus some Red Deer some distance away.
    Coffee break was taken at the White Edge trig point – lunch break on the top of Curbar Edge. See photos previously posted on the Walking WhatsApp group.
    All in all a very pleasant stroll. Many thanks to all who came and for you good company.
    Pete

    in reply to: 31st August Walk #20943
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Walk distance 6.5 miles – gentle ascents – elevation gain 664feet

    in reply to: Thursday Walk 4th May #20094
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Walk Report
    7 of us, plus Chester the dog, started off from Taddington School in quite a cold easterly breeze. This
    eased gradually as we made our way down to the River Wye via Long Lane. Coffee was taken on some convienant
    board walks near the river brige at GR 128735. Various layers then came off as the sun heated us up strolling along the very pleasant river path round Chee Tor.
    Lunch was delayed until nearly 1.30pm (Martin wouldn’t have approved!) due to the leaders wish to take advantage
    of hot refreshments, cake and seating at the bike shed cafe opposite the entrance to Great Rocks Dale.
    A steep climb out of the valley then followed on the Pennine bridleway before we crossed the A6 again taking the track up towards Chelmorton. We turned off left before the village, then climbed further past Fivewells Farm and past the trig point and waterworks on Sour Top. A descent then followed back to the village and cars.
    Many thanks to all who came and for your excellent company.
    As an aside Chester managed his first full Thursday walk with plenty of energy left at the end plus seemed to leap over every stile. Deffinitely another Thursday walker!
    Pete

    in reply to: Charles Knowles 90th Birthday – Thurs 20 April #20006
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Walk Report
    27 of us set out from the Foxhouse proceeding across Totley Moor to the Trig Point before descending to Barbrook
    Bridge for a coffee break. See website pic ( courtesy of Andrew ). We then headed up hill passed Lady’s Cross, over the White Edge Ridge passed White Edge Lodge and so down to lunch at the Grouse to celebrate Charles Knowles 90th birthday. Apart from those walking others had either travelled by car or cycled to swell our number.
    43 members passed and present, plus Charles’s nieces and friends, sat down for an excellent lunch. We also were treated to a very tasty birthday cake kindly made by Rosy.
    Speeches then followed by Vanda, Paul and Charles who in turn was very delighted to see everybody including Hamish who had travelled down from Fife in Scotland. Some of us then returned to the Foxhouse via the Longshaw estate shirting round some logging loading on the main track.
    A great occasion, a great turnout and pleasant sunny weather. For those walking to and from the Foxhouse a distance of just over 6 miles.
    Many thanks to all for making it a special day for Charles.
    Pete

    in reply to: Charles Knowles 90th Birthday – Thurs 20 April #19986
    Peter Hammond
    Participant

    Hi All,
    Just in case you forget what you’ve ordered for next Thursday’s lunch your menu choices will shortly be
    posted on the website.
    Pete

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 49 total)