Sunday 10 April 2011

Derwent Valleys 10 April

Derwent Valley Tops (Longer walk) & Derwent Valley (Shorter walk) 
 
My order for good weather exceeded even my own expectations, the day dawned with absolutely perfect walking conditions. We all met up at Fairholm Visitors Centre, 23 of us opting for the longer walk and 4 for the shorter one. The longer trek began with a steep climb up through the woodlands and along the ridge to Alport Castles. The visability was stunning and the views awesome. We dropped down to Howden Reservoir which we skirted before having lunch at the top of the lake. On reaching Slippery Stones the party divided with 5 people taking the shorter route along the reservoir and the rest of the party ascending Cut Gate to Margery Hill. Howden Edge was now traversed before dropping down to Derwent Reservoir, this we followed back to the Visitors centre. On reaching the end of the walk most of us took the chance of having a well earned ice cream.
Vince led a shorter walk, taking advantage of the bus route up to the top of Howden Reservoir. They then had a leisurely stroll along the eastern shores of Howden and Derwent Reservoirs.
Jack
 
Click here for photos of the walks