Diary Walk 43              Sunday 11^th July 2010             Weather, Good.

Cut Throat Bridge                    Depart 10 a.m.            14 miles           Leader: Robert Taylor

 

Bamford Edge

 

    We approached Bamford Edge in late afternoon, having started at 10 a.m. from Cutthroat Bridge (legend has it that there really was a dastardly murder here years ago), ascending onto these high moors West of Sheffield. We contoured Dale Dyke and Strines Reservoirs whose shorelines are now exposed like summer beaches because of the recent lack of rain. A lapwing wheeled and screeched its welcome overhead whilst in the distance the long serrated outline of Stanage Edge looked enticing with climbers busy doing their business like ants on a wall.

 

 

                        Stanage Edge, view from High Neb.
 

    All twelve, were to stop and admire this natural grit stone architecture from a distance later, its long imposing edges stretching for about three miles to the Longshaw estate boundary, a magnificent, dolomitic sight in the clarity of a high summer’s day such as today. To the west the outline of Win Hill, Lose Hill and the Mam Tor Ridge were also in sharp profile. This was the Peak District viewed at its best and a stimulating sight, uplifting even to the weariest of souls.

 

    However, the real treat was the last hour of the day as we walked over parched dry peat along Bamford Edge. Up here there is a wonderful long view stretching down the length of Lady Bower Reservoir, its water sparkling in the summer sunshine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ladybower Reservoir, view from Bamford Edge.

 

 

    Lapwings were again busy overhead, whilst to the left and right of this delectable path families of young grouse take wing as we encroach too close to their nests in the heather (which begins to show signs of the purple treat to come in following weeks). Bad tempered parents chortle get away, get away, in raucous indignation and we momentarily feel guilty at being up here on this newly opened Access land, disturbing their privacy. Bright yellow tormenteuil has its minute flowers scattered everywhere, whilst at my feet a lizard, well camouflaged in its dark green and yellow, scampers over my boot.

    The gentle descent over Jarvis Clough with its thigh high bracken concluded a memorable outing.

    We were last on this circuit in the deep snows of January when the landscape had an alpine dimension and the compass was on overtime. Today was a complete contrast with the smells and sights of high summer.

    No holiday brochure could better this - a real treat.

    Many thanks to Robert and Elaine
 

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Diary Walk 44          Wednesday 14^th July 2010     Weather 18^o C   Sunshine and showers.

Ilam                  Depart 10.02 a.m.                   6 miles             Leader: Gerry White

    Thirteen of us traveled rather further than a normal Wednesday walk, to take in a part of Dovedale and some new access routes that not many of us have had a chance to walk, as yet.
    As we set off, we seemed to be heading for Thorpe Cloud, this rather steep towering hill now directly in front of us, not our normal Wednesday fare, many sighs of relief as we veered away, to follow the very popular path along the River Dove to the Stepping Stones. 

 

                A busy path, but it still is so peaceful and enjoyable.
 

    Incidentally, the Stepping Stones were closed due to repair, they have been recapped and raised by some nine inches after many years of boot and water wear, they may lose some of their appeal for the more excitable youngsters, but at least now they will be safe and dry for the most part.
 

Forgive me if I am wrong, I think these giant rocks are the Twelve Apostles!
(Tissington Spires?)
 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    We followed the Dove to Ilam Rock, pausing along the way to observe the flotillas of ducks and the stationary fish beneath them. The riverbank was just the place for our coffee break, then crossing the flow by footbridge to the opposite side, later to turn into Halldale. On leaving this Dale, it was on with the wets, as rain began to fall. We walked along Ilam Moor Lane, taking shelter for our lunch stop ‘neath a solitary sycamore tree.
    After our snap we moved upwards to Ilam Tops Farm and upwards again to gain the top of Bunster Hill, our view from here was somewhat spoilt by a sudden sharp shower that we could see approaching. It passed by, before we made a long and scenic descent back to Ilam where many made for the N.T. tearooms.

 

Next Walks.

 

Sunday 18^th July 2010

No programmed walk on this day.

 

Wednesday 21^st July 2010

Firestone (west side of Chevin) SK 335 465  Depart 10 a.m.  6 miles  Leader: Gerry White