Sunday 18 August 2013

Wardle Walk Sunday walk, 18 August 2013


Sunday walk, 18 August 2013




Fifteen of us set off from the Trap Farm Car Park at the foot of Watergrove Reservoir, just north of Wardle. Within 15 minutes, we had a horrid downpour but fortunately were able to shelter in the wooded cover beside the reservoir.  We lost two of our group shortly afterwards – well not really. Pete & Sue H had decided to join us and circle the reservoir on a shorter walk, then attend to family matters in the Rochdale area. 

The rain eased off and we ascended one of the packhorse routes which once went down into the village of Watergrove, now drowned under the reservoir. We had our morning tea break in the shelter of 3 of the few trees on the wild slopes of the area.

Following the Rochdale Way, fortunately the weather seemed to be in our favour and we had no more rain for the rest of the day. In fact it got sunnier and sunnier.

We passed the Lobden Golf Club on the Pennine Way and headed south to a pleasant lunch stop beside White Hill.

Next we circled Rushy Hill and two reservoirs, one devoid of water and the other with just about a third capacity.  A slight hiccup followed (what a surprise) in the area of Lobden House. Fortunately a local chap was able to put us right, as the gated road allowed us to pursue our route through a field of cows and heifers and down through a extraordinary collection of old vehicles, dog kennels and garden nursery products at Flower Hill Farm.

Arriving in Wardle from the west, we stopped for a well deserved drink in the beer garden at the Globe Inn.  After this we had a steep ascent via Wardle Fold and up what appeared to be a sunken stream, followed by a passage over very rough reeds and grass before we walked through the memorial woods on the side of Watergrove Reservoir.  The last stretch of reservoir wall revealed many date stones from houses and mills which now are drowned in the waters of the reservoir.

We returned to the car park in lovely sunshine after a circuit of about 8 miles, a bit short of what had been programmed, but a very enjoyable day.

Stanage Edge 11 August 2013

Stanage Edge 11 August 201





After an auspicious start to the weather on Sunday morning, twenty
intrepid walkers assembled at Grindleford station to enjoy what turned
out to be promising weather


The route took us through woodland, then by a "babbling brook" onto
Burbage Edge. From there we ascended Higger Tor via Carl Walk, (site
of a bronze age fort.) It was at this point that Denise fell over and
landed "flat on her face". 
Thankfully mountain rescue was not required
and Denise quickly bubbled into life again, casually smiling and
infecting everyone around with her infectious laughter.

 Another mile or so took us onto Stanage Edge where we sheltered out of the wind for
our lunch stop. Another stretch along the edge followed before an easy
descent to Hathersage was made. Little John's grave  (of Robin Hood
fame) in Hathersage Church made an interesting diversion. 


The final leg was to take the train back to Grindleford station where
we enjoyed tea and cakes in the station café.

regards,
Chris