Walk Diary                Wednesday 25 January 2012      Weather, 9⁰ C. Fair.

Cromford Wharf                 Depart 10 am        7 miles           Leader: Gerry White.

It seems to have become the norm’ to have twenty plus members walking on a Wednesday and today was no exception, with a comfortable twenty-three out. Forewarned, we equipped ourselves ready for mud, in actual fact it turned out not too bad; the worst places being the leafy paths of Upperwood and the farm track at Masson Lees Farm, churned by tractors and agitated by beasts' hooves. Taking the river path from the car park and no sooner had we set ourselves along the straight, then the more observant of us had to stop, listen and look at a Song Thrush on the top branches of a small tree above the path, singing the chorus of his well-known song over and over again, with a few short breaks - probably listening to see if any prospective mate was nearby. Seems funny to hear bird song such as this, still being January, but the mild weather of the last few days has certainly given nature a wakeup call, not too soon I hope. Later, we would see a swan inspecting a potential nesting site.

We crossed the A6, where those of us who had stopped to admire the Thrush, caught up with the main body who were still waiting for the traffic lights to change. Then it was up Scarthin Lane, to a familiar path that winds up through the wood above Matlock Bath, first passing by the Heights of Jacob and then on for the long haul to the Heights of Abraham, where we noticed the cable cars running, no doubt being readied for the season ahead. We stopped for our first break just a little way past the top cable car entrance, sitting on a prominent lookout point, with excellent views of Matlock town below and, far across the vale, Riber Castle almost on the same level. Venturing on to Masson Hill to then take the path below Jugholes Wood, making many stops to admire the views around us, well it’s no good climbing all this way up if you don’t take in the vista, that so many don’t even realise exists or have no appetite to do so. Way down below us, we could see the bright trig point on Oker Hill; a place where we regularly stop for a break. Leaving all this behind, we turned to head over the top of the moor; a colder breeze hit us here, requiring a bit more warmth, hats on, coats zipped as we made for Upper Town and a stop for lunch, seated near to a farm and road. The farm dog visited each one of us, seeking with begging eyes any morsel that might be going spare, I think he may have been a little disappointed.

Leaving Upper Town, we cut across Bonsall Dale, just behind the Barley Mow pub and then picked up the main street through Bonsall village to Via Gellia Mill, walking between millpond and mill. If we had turned to the right here, we would have known we were in for another stiff climb up Groaning Tor but, much to the relief of many, we turned left and headed along the good paths of Slinter Wood that run parallel to the A 5012, Via Gellia, all the way back to Cromford. Passing the Scarthin Pond, teaming with water fowl of all kinds, also stopping for a quick look here and there in the many shop windows, before making our way back to the car park, Wharf tea rooms and all. Considering the season, a very pleasant day out.