Sitting in the car at 10.45, the weather was a mix of snow, sleet, rain and wind and the meet leader and companion wouldn’t have minded too much if nobody had joined them. But in true Castle tradition a dozen hardy souls duly arrived and we were forced to set off.
The route originally skirted Totley Moor, extending a little more than planned as the meet leader decided, privately, to explore a bit further in the assumption a track would eventually lead us back to the trig point. Luckily it did and we found said trig. After pictures were taken we descended to the road and eventually, after Linda’s plea, found a sheltered spot for a tea break.
Shortly after we crossed the road and ascended to the northern end of White Edge, some of the party diverting slightly to hug an unidentified stone, before reaching the road junction to Froggatt.
At this point several of the party decided that shopping for rock boots and socks, free tea in Longshaw café and other unspecified excuses were vitally important and turned towards Longshaw whilst the remaining six headed towards Froggatt via the track beyond the white gate which most of us had never walked. A delightful path took us into the woods for lunch before we headed, via quarrying remains, to the Grouse Inn for reviving drinks; mulled wine, beer and hot chocolate were consumed next to the woodburner.
On leaving the pub the weather was markedly better and dry, we descended to the top of Tegness Quarry and the excellent view from the far end, before further descent to Grindleford Station and a trek back up Padley Gorge and through Longshaw to the Fox House, which was full as we passed by, to the cars.
An unpromising start eventually led to a fine walk to start the New Year, just touching 11 miles, thanks to all who attended. Pictures on Facebook.
Happy New Year
Paul and Vanda.
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