With the amount of the snowfall on Friday night the feasability of of Sunday’s walk looked problematic.However, a steady thaw on Saturday and the efforts of the gritters meant that 13 of us were able to get out to Cutthroat bridge on a crisp Sunday morning-one member,Geoff, having hitched a lift!
The initial sun soon faded,but our spirits were not dimmed.Reaching the Derwent Ridge below Whinstone Lee with the views of Ladybower-we noticed a large group of Ramblers coming our way so we quickly strode off along the ridge to keep ahead.
We stopped to admire the Wheel Stones with its icicles,then pressed on to keep ahead of the Ramblers.A short while later we stopped for an overdue coffee break.
Not long after,as Back Tor came into sight,we started down a footpath which proved difficult to follow with patches of deep snow,so we reverted to my original plan of crossing Lost Lad.Conditions here were much better and we soon descended steeply on to open moorland leading to Shake Holes and the distant Millbrook plantation.Lunch was now needed and,as there was no wind we stopped in the open by an old wall.Lunch was taken with a light snow shower limiting the views.
After lunch we were soon past Millbrook plantation and the well defined path led us down to Well Head.
Passing the site of the former Derwent village we ascended to the pass below Whinstone Lee,stopping for tea in the conveniently sited shelter on the hill side.
Once on the pass we followed the easy path back to Cutthroat Bridge,reaching the cars as darkness descended.
The trudging through soft snow left us all with tired legs,but the satisfaction of a fine winter’s day.
Thanks to all who came.
Mike D
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