The weather didn’t look very promising as the four of us were leaving Sheffield in thick fog, but things had definitely improved by the time we met up with four others in Peak Forest, and by the end of the walk, there was blue sky and sunshine. This was a walk I’d led a few times before, but in the opposite direction [so noticing and appreciating things from a completely different viewpoint today]. This time we headed south, initially across a few fields, before soon walking down Dam Dale, Hay Dale and Peter Dale, where it was time for the coffee stop. At the top of Monk’s Dale, we left the valley, and climbed uphill on a narrow track between stone walls, towards Wormhill and then followed some paths new to me, always nice to do. One of the recurring themes of the day [as well as all the stone walls almost hidden by their luxurious covering of amazingly green moss] was managing the great variety of numerous stiles, some of them quite challengingly high, with slippery limestone steps and loose top-stones to avoid pulling on. We passed a cow with 999 stamped on its hindquarter, looking somewhat bemused at the photographic interest we were taking in its rear. Then through Hayward Farm, certainly the muddiest section of the walk, with the highest stile yet seen, which fortunately was not on our designated route. Definitely time for a well-earned lunch-stop with clear views over typical White Peak countryside, before dropping down towards Dale Head, and then some walking on quiet roads before joining the path across Loose Hill, and a few more challenging stiles before Peak Forest, where we all enjoyed tea and cakes in the Devonshire Arms.
As ever, thank you all for your excellent company, being taught to appreciate the beauty of tractors [!] and to Hugh for giving lifts to those of us with car problems.
Vanda Boyd [Distance walked was more than the suggested 8 miles]
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