Diary Walk 39
Crich Market
Place Depart 10 a.m. 6 miles Leader: Brian Hutchings
Because of the extremely hot weather and low turnout, it was decided to postpone the original 12-mile walk, due to take place from here today, so, one or two of us decided to do a shorter six-mile route lead by Brian. Our route took us through some interesting paths and alleys in and around Crich, then through the graveyard and up to the Stand. We rounded the edge of the quarry to descend towards Wakebridge, crossing the tram track, it was here we stopped to admire a nearly full tram re-gearing for a return journey to the depot, we were surprised to see so many visitors about and already enjoying the ride.
Ding, Ding, tram now departing for the depot.
Moving on, passed Wakebridge Farm and onto the track towards Lea. Our leader then found a 'Holloway' route to Upper Holloway, pictured, it hadn’t been used for some time, but we managed to force our way along this ancient, cool and shaded way, thorns and all.
A hollow way, cool and shady, I still call them Hollways.
We eventually made our way to the Cromford Canal, where we
sat beside the wonderfully reflective waters in quiet contemplation of our
surroundings. Awakened from our musings by the ring of cycle bells, a
reminder to be on our guard as we ventured on, aware that this is not only a
popular walking path, but much used by those who push themselves to extremes
riding these two wheeled velocipedes.
We entered Dukes quarries and then on to
Crich Carr, climbing steadily, in the heat of the day, to attain our starting
point in the Market place, and we still got home in
time to see our team’s demise.
Diary Walk
40
Wirksworth
(Ecclesbourne Railway Station CP) Depart 9.57 a.m. 6 Miles Leader:
Gerry White
We made our way, from the E.V.R station yard, walking through the back streets and alleyways of this delightful town, passing the beautiful St. Mary’s church just its clock struck ten. Then through the more modern estates to the West, and on over the old Yokecliffe Rakes to the road and over Soldiers Knoll, before descending to the most eastern tip of Carsington Water, this all in an effort to walk along the newly created bridleway along the northern end of the reservoir. This track has saved many a walker doing a circuit of the water, the necessity of crossing the very busy B5035, and also reducing the circuit to 8½ miles.
Road to the right, water to the left.
New and good views of the water, can be seen from this track and one can see the potential as the flora of the area re-establishes itself along the waters edge which is quite close, but well below the path. Most of the grazing meadows we crossed today were a mass of colourful flowers, some of the most picturesque fields we have walked through this summer. It was interesting to note that when in these fields most of the fifteen walkers kept to a single file, as if they were walking though a cropped field, thus avoiding standing on any of these delightful delicate specimens.
Low-level view of the things that make our
hearts glow.
Eventually crossing
the B5035 and walking through Hopton village, onto the path that ascends towards Middleton
Top - but taking the way back to Wirksworth just before the top came into view.
We took our lunch along this path; in full sunshine atop old spoil heaps,
overlooking Godfreyhole. As you may know, teashops
abound in Wirksworth, so we made best use of them, replacing some of the liquid
that the heat of the day had expelled from our bodies.
Another
very special day.
Next Walks
Sunday 4th July 2010
Ilam, roadside SK 135 508 Depart 9.30.a.m. 11
miles Leader: Gerry White
Wednesday 7th July 2010
Tansley Church, roadside SK 322 599 Depart 10 a.m. 6 miles Leader: Geoff Thrupp