A Walk - Wolfscote Hill and Dale with Dave Colbert
13 miles (21km) with 2000ft (600m) Total Ascent
Carboniferous limestone (the same stuff as found in the Yorkshire Dales) makes the White Peak ‘white’. Over time, the action of water has eroded the plateau, creating a number of dramatic river valleys of which that of the Dove is arguably the most spectacular. On this walk we will follow the course of this river through its quieter upper gorge, together with visits to a couple of high points.
Starting from the picturesque village of Hartington, we head south to meet the Dove as it passes through Beresford Dale. A quick out-and-back diversion will take us to the summit of Wolfscote Hill, at 388m/1,273ft the highest hereabouts and a fine viewpoint. It´s then on through the beautiful gorge of Wolfscote Dale to Milldale and eventually Ilam Rock, a dramatic limestone pillar where we leave the valley to climb Bunster Hill. We then head for Alstonefield and the coach by way of Stanshope, dropping into Hall Dale and Hopedale along the way.
B+ Walk - Dove Dale and Bunster Hill with Sue Banister
9½ miles (15.5km) with 1700ft (515m) Total Ascent
Starting in Alstonefield we go south east to Milldale then head up round Hanson Grange and The Nabs before dropping down to Dove Dale.
After following the River Dove south for a couple of miles we cross the stepping stones (these can be avoided if preferred) and arrive at the Dove Dale parking area where toilets are available.
We then climb up over Bunster Hill which at 329m is the highest point on the walk and gives spectacular views of the area.
Continuing in a northerly direction we pass Ilam Tops Farm and Air Cottage to walk through Dovedale Wood before dropping back down to the river at Ilam Rock.
We then head up through Hall Dale to Stanshope and back to Alstonefield via Dale Bottom.
B Walk - Alstonefield Mill Dale with Chris Cook
9 miles (14.5km) with 1250ft (381m) Total Ascent
We leave Alstonefield (toilets available) heading south east, a steady climb to the scenic valley of Hall Dale. We then head down the River Dove to llam Rock. Here we cross the river heading north past the caves to Milldale (toilets here). We then climb out from Milldale over the tops, taking in the splendid views of Derbyshire before joining the Tissington Trail. After approximately one mile we leave the Trail and head down the beautiful valley to the River Dove where we find a short climb, Gypsy Bank and on to Alstonefield for a well earned drink.
Happy Days.
C Walk - Alstonefield to Hartington with Bob Tognarelli
6 miles (9.6km) with 350ft (105m) Total Ascent
We leave Alstonefield (toilets available) heading south east, with a steady descend along the narrow country lane leading to the charming Hamlet of Milldale. From here we head east along the road for a short distance to find the path along the Dove. We now follow the Dove northwards to Coldeaton Bridge and along the Wolfscote Dale. Then it´s the woods of Beresford Dale before exiting into fields for the climb to Hartington.
So now it´s time to enjoy the delights of Hartington before the trip home.
Coach pick up point to be decided on the day.