Whilst others enjoyed the isolation and tranquillity of Bryn Hafod, six of us gathered below The Roaches for a canter around Ramshaw Rocks, Gib Tor, Gradbach, Dane Valley, Hangingstone and Roach End before finishing along the rocky crest of The Roaches in low cloud. Few others were encountered along the way except around the Scout Camp at Gradbach and along the final ridge where , somewhat bizarrely, we met a party of three descending in the mist from the trig point, casually dressed and carrying a white suit bag and a wooden stepladder. Despite the often grey sky we remained largely dry though the going would have to be described as ‘soft’ for much of the way. As always the Dane Valley was beautiful, lacking only a little sunshine to reveal its full glory. True to form the walk came in at 13.7 miles rather than the advertised 12 which I can blame entirely on the guidebook from which I lifted the route.
Steve W

A party of 15 and 2 dogs alighted from the train at Whaley Bridge station and immediately made for the very small passenger shelter in order to don waterproofs. We made our way out of Whaley towards Toddbrook Reservoir and to the tiny hamlet of Taxal. A walk beside the River Goyt followed, to the wall of Fernilee Reservoir where the party was momentarily distracted by several cars of various shapes and sizes awaiting the start of a local hill climb. The rain abated as we made our way alongside the reservoir and when we reached the wall of Errwood Reservoir the sun was shining. Here we stopped for a late coffee/first lunch and were joined by Elen and Scout, who preferring a more energetic start to the walk, had caught a train an hour later than the main party. A gradual climb followed until we reached the old railway line which contoured round the hillside affording good views of the Goyt Valley. A second lunch was taken in the shelter of a wall, before our last climb to Beet Wood. With Buxton spread out below us all that remained was a gradual descent across a waterlogged golf course and a stroll through Serpentine Gardens to the official start/finish of the PDBW in the old market square. As the heavens opened once again we posed for a photograph on the ancient cross. Several members decided to head for home a this point whilst the rest, joined by Charles, enjoyed a meal in the King’s Head.
Thanks to all who came.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported this challenge during the summer, either on foot or by providing transport. The first Stage was walked on the 7th June, and collectively 115 people and 3 dogs have taken part since then. 32 individuals have walked the various Stages, covered 190 miles and climbed 24,903 feet, which is only 4125ft less than the height of Everest! Thanks again to all.
Sean.

An excellent and satisfying climbing meet at Wharncliffe today. Four climbers gathered at the allotted time on Station road, below Stocksbridge, to walk up through the beautiful woods and sludgy tunnels to the top of the crag, soon to be joined by two others and their dog. We all then became reacquainted with the challenges here – steep fingery climbs, which all seemed rather hard for their supposed grade, and the area below the crag completely covered with piles of huge rocks, which made for slow progress along the bottom when looking for the climbs we wanted to do next. But the sun shone warmly, climbs were ticked off in the Cheese block and Great Buttress area, before a decision was made late afternoon, to have a look at the classic ‘Puttrell’s Progress’ and so round off the day properly. Gordon Tyrrall bravely led this with much squirming, grunting and heavy breathing, allowing 2 others to follow in similar fashion. So we left the crag suitably tired, and full of admiration for those talented climbers from earlier times, with their very minimal gear.
Vanda Boyd

Seven walkers and two cyclists met on Sunday 3 September at Low Bradfield. Having bid cyclists farewell for their hilly tour of various surrounding valleys, we ferried the required cars and walkers and then set off from Langsett Reservoir,. The pace was brisk to match the gusty wind . We headed through pockets of woodland and forestry rich with tasty and very ripe blackberries, but alas not enough time to pick them. We then skirted Midhope Reservoir to emerge on the edge leading to our lunch destination. We stopped for a late morning refreshment, admiring the views down into the Ewden Valley, before challenging ourselves to stand up from ground level without hands. Two members were successful but aided perhaps by sloping ground. Onward to Bolsterstone where the cyclists had just arrived. Lunch took place in the churchyard and a quick visit inside the church followed, to admire the stained glass windows. Entertainment was provided by folk attempting headstands. But remember too long upside down can play havoc with balance and walking skills!
The afternoon stage continued down in to the Ewden valley and in between Broomhead and Morehall Reservoirs. A slight detour here involved a half mile u-turn before we huffed up the other side of the valley. We passed some old quarry workings before descending into High Bradfield. Another slight detour ensued here which meant that we had to complete more unwanted down and up with an even more unwanted wasp sting. The finale of the walk involved a steep descent into Low Bradfield and an unfortunate argument with a dog who didn’t like sticks. Glad to say everyone arrived back at the car park in one piece.
Overall an interesting and varied route. The usual ambiguous route description in the book led to various unanswered questions along the way. For example: When is a wide path a track? But this dilemma, at least, led to the most imaginative list of track adjectives, that I have heard for a long time. 11.8 miles completed on the day and ascent of 1346+ feet or 410+m. Thanks to all who came.
Ali

Under a somewhat grey sky, 10 members and 2 dogs gathered at Lawrencefield where a number of routes were climbed around the gingerbread slab area. Bill skipped up Limpopo Grove while Leon headed through heather and trees to get to the top of Nova. Special mention must go to Jo who showed true grit and determination at the start of Pulpit Groove after rain had made it very wet and slippery. Nice to see Mark who called by to say hello whilst out running with injured fingers. Rain eventually stopped play around 3pm. Judith

12 of us climbed in perfect climbing conditions at Froggatt yesterday. Very enjoyable, routes up to HVS led. David took me up some steep Joe Brown routes, thuggish! Time to get those amazing crack climbing gloves, made jamming so much more bearable .
Ben back on the rock after minor injury, managed to wear his trainers back to the car this time!! Tina and Rosa arrived well before the rest of us, especially David and I!! Mark and Adele coped with 5 hours kip the night before. Scout was as energetic as ever, and was loved by all at the crag. We were there last to leave though…. Great day, nights seem to be drawing in..?? Time to climb, climb, climb! Linda

Good turn out and a fine day. Stanage is probably the best single pitch crag in the world! So many fine routes – with a beautiful view. Fine heather this year.
–
Geoff Nichols

7 members set off from Eyam on a fine morning for this gentle circuit.We took the path past the Boundary Stone and down into Stoney Middleton then followed Stoke Brook to emerge on the road near Calver crossroads. A short stretch along the road brought us to the pleasantly graded path leading up towards Longstone Edge. A coffee break was taken on this section. Excellent views were enjoyed as we worked our way westwards via tracks and paths to the tumulus and small cairn on the southwest edge of Longstone Moor.It was quite breezy here so we descended for 10 minutes until a wall corner provided us with a sheltered lunch spot.Our next objective was Wardlow Hay Cop attained by a permissive path which approached from the south.We then retraced our path for 10 minutes until Cressbrook Dale appeared below. Passing below Peter’s Stone, the summit of which was occupied by a noisy radio playing group, we crossed the road at Wardlow Mires and followed easy paths to Foolow where we treated ourselves (after some debate) to a welcome drink at the pub. The western sky looked threatening as we crossed the fields back to Eyam but we arrived before rain could spoil our day.
Thanks to all for your company.
Frank & Jennifer

An unbelievable 426 miles clocked up on the first day of the cycling challenge. 14 cyclists altogether plus a support group of 3 to see the whole assembled group head off from Fairholmes. Well done to us all,
Further cycles this week include
Weds: road ride from Steve’s heading out towards Clumber Park 40 &60 mile options.
Thurs: Lincoln to Sheffield. Contact Dave J
Thurs: evening mountain biking round peak. Details to follow.
Further details follow links on home page to messages.

Mary