A Walk - Monsal Trail, Cressbrook Dale & Longstone Moor with Dave Colbert
13½ miles (22km) with 1800ft (550m) Total Ascent
A meandering hike across the White Peak including a couple of sections of the Monsal Trail, unfrequented dales and a moorland high point.
We start from Lees Bottom mid-way between Taddington and Ashford in the Water and climb up above Monsal Dale before descending to the viaduct at Monsal Head. Here we join the Monsal Trail and head north-westward along the track bed of the former Midland Railway line through Cressbrook Tunnel (471yds) and Litton Tunnel (516yds) before dropping down into Millers Dale at Litton Mill.
A gradual climb through Tideswell Dale takes us close to the small settlement of Litton and a short descent through Tansley Dale into Cressbrook Dale. Almost immediately we climb out to the village of Wardlow and then around to Longstone Moor, at 395m/1,296ft one of the highest points hereabouts. It´s then south by way of Little Longstone to re-join the Monsal Trail east of Monsal Head; this will take us all the way to Bakewell with no further climbing!
B+ Walk - Stanton Moor with Sue Banister
11 miles (17.5km) with 1083ft (330m) Total Ascent
Todays walk is a little longer than the B+ guidelines but isn´t too strenuous in the way of climbing.
The start of the walk takes us across the A6, up past the cemetery and south to Conksbury Bridge. We then follow the River Lathkill to the beautiful little village of Alport. From here we cross fields and drop down to the B5056 which we unfortunately have to walk along for half a mile.
We then begin a climb up to Birchover and onwards to the top of Stanton Moor (1060ft, 323m) with hopefully some good views of the Derbyshire countryside. We pass the Cork Stone, which can be climbed if anyone fancies it! and will have a look at the Nine Ladies Bronze Age Stone Circle.
From here we head down to the village of Stanton in Peak then north to Haddon Hall. After a short stretch along the A6 we follow paths along the River Wye back to Bakewell.
B Walk - Derwent Heritage Trail with Chris Cook
9 miles (15km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent
We leave Bakewell to begin a short, steep climb up Castle Hill, crossing the golf course, passing Black cross Farm and on to Edensor Forest. Leaving the forest we have beautiful views of golden wheat fields and anlmals grazing in the luscious green fields. We then reach the superb vlllage of Edensor (I will tell the tale of Edensor on the day), from there we have magnificent views of Chatsworth House and grounds.
It is from here we pick up the Derwent Heritage Trail where we walk by the river to Carlton Lees, through fields and paths to Rowsley Still. On good paths we head west towards Bouns Corner, Bowling Green Farm and Haddon Hall Park, eventually following the river Wye and back to the coach.
HAPPY DAYS.
C Walk - Bakewell Circular with Sylvia Rymer & Barbara Malloy
6½ miles (10.5km) with 266ft (81m) Total Ascent
We make our way out of Bakewell passing the Parish church. Turning off by St Anselm´s School we walk down through Endcliff wood to meet the A6. We cross over the A6 to join a path following the River Wye towards Ashford in the Water. There will be time to look around this very attractive village and stop for lunch (Toilets available in the village).
We go a short distance up the B6465, with care as there is no pavement, before joining a path up to the Monsal Trail. We walk easterly along the trail towards Hassop Station. Just before the station, we turn off the trail and make our way south down towards Bakewell on an undulating path. A short walk by the river brings us back to the car park.
