A sunny morning greeted us for our 9am departure from Eyam. Two groups set off for a varied walk, packed with variety and elements of mystery..
The first point of interest was Cucklet Church (a natural cavern where villagers purpotedly gathered for services during the Plague isolation). After photos and mini explorations of the different entrances and exits. we meandered down the delightful Delft nature reserve, enjoying the full aroma of wild garlic.
After crossing the Stoney road, we climbed to the vast expanses of the Darlton Quarries. High above, we spied a railway track and crane, teetering on the edge of the cliff.s. This was the surprise – the film set for the latest Mission Impossible 7 movie starring Tom Cruise. No autographs as no Tom but, undeterred, we marched to the ridge, skirting meadows to take in all the views.
Down a track we stopped for a quick break before continuing to Black Harry’s Gate . We then followed an organic route, with fine views over to Froggat, down to Calver. At the earliest opportunity and following food demands from some, we sat down for lunch, in a small wooded area, amongst a colourful display of bluebells, forget-me-nots, red campion, ground ivy and celandine .
Calver village led to the banks of the River Derwent, the campsite, and then New Bridge. After half a mile we climbed steeply upward to Knoutchley Farm. A few complaints of too many hills were then heard but ignored!
A descent down a rutted lbrougth us to the outskirts of Stoney Middleton. Here we briefly stopped at the springs and the Victorian/Romanesque style bath building, admired the octagonal church (unfortunately not open) and learnt that the village was the first centre for the manufacturing of steel toe-cap boots, The last ascent of the day back , via the Boundary Stone and Plague Cottages, completed the walk.
A 10.5 mile round, quite demanding, but well worth the effort for a rich historical and cultural tour.
Ali.

Nine people in two groups left Bakewell on a chilly morning. We climbed steeply, via the golf course and woodland to the upper, wide open pastures of Calton Lees. We enjoyed a leisurely refreshment stop at 3 convenient benches, with far reaching views.
Next we descended to Edensor, pausing to explore St Peter’s churchyard and visit the grave of Kathleen Kennedy (sister to JFK, married to a Devonshire and killed in a light aircraft crash at the age of 28).
The river Derwent led us away from the crowds to the far end of the estate. After an encounter with some hooded donkeys (protection from flies) we stopped for lunch, in a field above the garden centre.
A slow ascent back to the ridge took us through more pockets of woodland, where, unfortunately, only a few bluebells graced us with their presence. But a blanket of blue looked promising!
By mid afternoon the temperatures had risen considerably, so much so, that sleeping lambs could be tickled awake by Jo!
The return to cars was made by 3pm – early finish due to earlier start!
Successful day with good company and conversation.
Ali

Four members attended and successfully parked at Birchen Clough-although only just!
We then took the new forestry track out of the Snake Plantation and headed up Ashop Clough,which was easy going until we were forced to join the “normal” path near the top of the valley where some “mudness” was encountered.
After joining the Penine Way we climbed the steep ascent to the western shoulder of Kinder,where we stopped to recover,have a tea break and admire the view-the tower blocks of central Manchester clearly visible in the distance.
We then followed the northern edge of Kinder with views down the impressive Ashopton glaciated valley and beyond.Passing the rock feature known as “the Boxing Gloves” Geoff felt the urge to climb it,but the rest of us resisted the temptation.
Continuing our eastwards progress we headed for the northernmost tip of Fairbrook Naze, a surprisingly windy spot,for lunch.We rapidly put our jackets back on and sheltered in the lea of the crags.A nearby raptor gave us an aerial display,but we weren’t able to positively identify it.
Continuing our traverse eastwards we soon reached Seal Stones where the steep descent took us onto the the easier path above Gate Side Clough to the sheepfold at the bottom of Fair Brook.Once over the ford we continued to the bridge over the river Ashop and into the former area of pines,sadly now all felled.We followed the path through the contorted untidy remains in a scene reminiscent of a war painting by Paul Nash.
Emerging from this depressing area we escaped from the edge of the A 57 into the Snake Plantation and followed the path through the woods back to the cars. Mike.

Two groups set off from Lodge Moor on a bright but cold morning. We entered a small plantation, once the location for a WWII prisoner of war camp and where the remnants of huts are still clearly visible. Soon we were ascending steep fields to Rud Hill, which afforded far reaching views towards Kinder and Derwent Edges, noting a blanket of snow that had fallen overnight. Following a new path for many, we headed for White Stones, where some large rocks provided an excellent hot drink stop. Onward we continued, descending to the shores of Redmires Reservoir and then across Access Land to the picturesque Oaking Clough Reservoir, Here we basked in the sunshine and explored the attractive but deteriorating water works building. This was cut short by a burst of hail so we packed up and escaped along the Redmires conduit before crossing Ash Cabin Flats towards Wyming Brook. Taking the top path, we stopped for a short investigation of an extensive cave, where purportedly, two escaped prisoners of war hid out. Crossing Wyming Brook via the stepping stones we then headed along the the high path of Fox Hagg back towards the cars. One group (mine) overshot the last turn off at the back of the Three Merry Lads pub, so completed a total of 9 miles, whilst Andrew’s group completed 8.5 miles. Overall, a very successful walk, with everyone commenting on how they enjoyed seeing lots of CMC members for a good old catch-up!
Ali

The roads leading to Bolsterstone had been completely clear that morning, but sitting in my car waiting for the others to arrive, it started snowing quite heavily, causing some anxiety – would we end up getting stuck here? But as the group set off from Bolsterstone, heading north across fields towards the outskirts of Stocksbridge, the weather gradually improved, with the low mist clearing [and by lunchtime at Underbank reservoir patches of blue sky were appearing]. The way through the housing estate was successfully navigated [often a challenge with an un-recce’d walk] leading to easy walking along straight-forward paths and quiet lanes to the reservoir [with the biggest outflow we all agreed we’d ever seen]. At the currently closed Outdoor Activity Centre, with its climbing wall and high aerial wire and trapeze, we left the reservoir and headed south, gradually climbing to Wind Hill Knoll with views out to wild moorland. Gemma’s dog Lance was allowed to indulge his favourite activity – energetically digging mole hills [no moles were hurt in this exercise!] Another brief bit of road-walking, with the unexpected hazard of a whizzing grit-spreader, but the reward of dramatic and clear views over the Ewden valley, and a signpost reassuringly informing us of our way back towards Bolsterstone. After a brief stop for drinks in a particularly beautiful wood, we joined the track leading to Heads Lane, with a minor diversion to a somewhat anatomically inaccurate snow-woman [!] and then a trig point, as a cold sleety wind started blowing, so a good time to complete this 7 mile walk.
Thank you all for your excellent company, and I’m sure this less well-known area will be visited again soon [it was less than 1/2 hour drive from my house in Sheffield],
Vanda Boyd

A very civilised way to start a walk for the leader – from their own house. So joined by Chris, Mike, Geoff and Hugh, we set off through the nearby allotments, and then houses of Bents Green, to quickly access the nearby fields on the outskirts of Sheffield. The weather was mild if damp, so there were lots of people out already, including two Santas on bicycles and later, a group of four cyclists dressed as Santa, a snowman and elves. Unusually for me, I’d actually recce’d part of the walk the day before, so I felt rather too confident about not going wrong. There was also the challenge of finding paths that neither of the two Sheffielders, Mike and Geoff, had walked before. So on through the wet woods above the Limb valley towards Long Line and Mike said ‘This is a path I haven’t been on before’. Then some road walking, and deep in conversation with Mike, I completely missed and over-shot the stile I’d wanted, which required a bit of back-tracking. The path after the stile was not very obvious, so I think we followed animal tracks [which I presume were new to Geoff] with great views behind us to the east, to reach Houndkirk road. Skirting north of Canning’s Plantation, we stopped for lunch in the shelter of the trees, before crossing Ringinglow road onto Hallam Moors and then looped back towards the top of Porter Clough. Mulled wine had been mentioned as a possibility on this walk, so the choice was made to detour to the Norfolk Arms, but unfortunately the queue for drinks was rather too long, so the offer of mulled wine was ‘cancelled’ and instead we headed down the ski slope and returned via some very muddy paths back to High Storrs Road.
Thank you everyone for your excellent company, and Happy Christmas to everyone else. We look forward to meeting up with you all next year, hopefully after not too long a time.
Vanda .

4 of us met in the rain at Low Bradfield.
As we set off the rain had become quite light.Half way up the hillside it had stopped.So the traverse along the ridge top from Cliffe House Farm to High Bradfield was completed with commanding views.Passing through the churchyard we stopped at the flood grave of the Tricksett family.
We then passed the ancient Bailey Hill and traversed below the Agden Rocher crags before descending Agden Side to the edge of Agden Reservoir.From here we climbed to Wilkin Hill where we found a dead mole!Arriving at the path below Mortimer Road the decision was taken to stay high and cross Bradfield Moors to Thornseats Plantation and the Wentworth Fitzwilliam Forest.
By now the rain was steady and heavy with a strengthening wind-but shelter was at hand once in the woods with less mud too.
Emerging from the woods by the path down to Brogging we found a dead hare lying by the parked cars which Geoff deftly threw into the adjacent field.
Once past Brogging we crossed the Strines overflow and stopped for lunch by the trees above.
From here it was an easy walk along fields above Dale Dike,through the adjacent wood and back to Low Bradfield.
Not the best of days,but with variable rather than constant rain and misty views it was nevertheless worth the effort.
Thanks to those who came and your company.
Mike D

11 people gathered (eventually) in 2 groups on a dank morning in a lay by just outside Sheffield. A most unpromising start was made by the first group with Vanda following some 15 mins behind with the second group when the Rotherham representative eventually arrived.
Setting off up a little used path we reached a ridge, passing en route a small stone shelter where we waited to ensure Vanda hadn’t got lost. Eventually reaching the end of the Houndkirk track we crossed the road to reach the start of the Totley Moor path which was followed for a good distance (including coffee stop) eventually rising to the trig point. Various feats of athleticism were witnessed in the gloom.
Leaving the trig point we headed towards the Owler Bar road which was crossed and lunch taken.
Continuing on and up, passing Lady’s Cross, interestingly described by Mr Warwick. Like being back in the classroom!! Shortly descending past White Edge Lodge we followed a path previously untrodden by Mr Milne, also spotting two red deer stags hiding in the trees.
On reaching the white gate, we crossed into Longshaw, passing a number of well constructed snow persons near the wooden pole. Down past the Fox House, sadly closed, crossing the moor and onwards down through Blackamoor Nature Reserve and back to the cars.
10.5 miles, not many views but no heavy rain. Thanks to all who attended.
Chris has put some pics on Facebook, there may be more later.
Cheers
Paul Gibson

The car park at Redmires was virtually full at 9.am,but 4 of the 6 members who attended managed to get in with the remaining 2 parking nearby.
So all present & parked,we set of in windy ,but dry conditions.We descended the moorland path past the turn off for the Headstone continuing to the valley floor and onward to the A57.An ascent to Crawshaw Lodge followed with a seriously boggy section in the middle ( must have merited full marks on Martin’s mudness scale!).
After Crawshore we continued over the ridge above and then descended past Crawshaw Farm to Royd’s Clough.Sadly the main part of the wood in the Clough has recently been felled without any attempt to clear the area by the path,so it is now not quite the gem it once was. Perhaps I should persuade my co Friends of the Porter Valley to take on a bit more of a challenge up here!
Safely through the Clough we descended through fields to Corker Lane, stopping to admire the drop below the bridge in the lane with cascading water rushing into an impressive gauge.Shortly afterwards we stopped on 3 conveniently place benches enabling us to sit socially distanced ,2 on each bench ,while savoring the view of Damflask reservoir over coffee.
After coffee we continued onwards and eventually upwards with views behind to High Bradfield & Agden Rocher.Climbing through Hall Bank wood and over the fields beyond we reached the collection of houses beyond Cow Gap.
After a rather wet and boggy track below Bent’s Farm we descended Brookside Bank to cross an unusual bridge formed by a single slab of rock.Over the bridge and through the woods on the opposite bank we stopped for lunch below a wall next to the rather dilapidated Hill Farm-getting what shelter we could from the strong gusty wind.Whilst sat there we were treated to a rainbow the other side of the valley forming a perfect arc with each end fading into and out of view with changing colours.
Lunch over we continued up to the main ridge leading west from Stannington.Then passing Moorcroft we headed through the fields to Townfield Head Farm and its collection of chickens-one seen heading off at speed over the sky-line!Another area of “mudness” had to be crossed before we reached the Moorwood Farmyard.
After Moorwood we were soon across the field and onto Moorwood Lane and then down Onskley Lane,where we passed 2 life size Zombies sat by the roadside with other Halloween paraphernalia.
A short stint along the side of the A57 (on a footpath) then led to Wyming Brook Drive,Reddicar Clough and the return to Redmires.
Despite our efforts to beat it,the forecasted rain caught us with half an hour to go before the end!.
Not enough, though, to spoil a great day’s walking in an area beyond the club’s usual stomping ground.Thanks to those who came and for your company-but commiserations to the President who was forced to cancel in order to attend a meeting arranged by his employer to discuss the latest Covid restrictions.
Mike D

Two groups set off in opposite directions from Langsett Barn car park at an earlier meet up time of 9.00 to overcome clock changes. It seems the rest of South Yorkshire had the same idea. However we were soon away from cars and people as we circled around Midhope and Langsett Reservoirs. Blue sky, far-reaching views and a blustery wind accompanied us most of the day. White horses galloped across the top of the water and we found new paths and pockets of woodland. Stops were made on a rickety bench for coffee and later a waterside retreat for lunch, where the only Castle Dipper was the dog. We visited the ruins of North America and had a history lesson when considering its name origin. A foray onto the moors took us onto Mickleden Edge and then back to the shoreline before the last section back to the cars. How the two groups never crossed I don’t know. The sub-group leader assures me he followed the route as instructed. Successful walk and clocked in at 9-10 miles – a little under estimation this week. Thank you all for the company.
Ali