Nick & Geraldine - My Walks (Volume 1)

This is a description of walks I have taken recently complete with reference to the book from which the walk was taken, comments and, where appropriate, photographs.

This page covers walks from 11 July 2006 - 26 April 2008

Hathersage - Shatton - Offerton Moor - Leadmill Bridge - Hathersage

Book - Short Walks in the Peak Park - William & Vera Parker Published by Derbyshire Countryside Ltd

Start Point - Hathersage (George Hotel)

Page 54

Difficulty - Moderate (One longish climb from Shatton on to Offerton Moor)

Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield Area

Length - 7 Miles

One of the best walks. Glorious walk along the Derwent. The views from Offerton Moor are outstanding. The footpath along the Derwent from the stepping stones to Leadmill Bridge is badly eroded so you need to watch your footing at the expense of wildlife on the river.

The Poulter Basin
Book - 60 Nottinghamshire Walks - Compiled by Ramblers Association, Nottingham Area - Published by Cordee - Leicester		Start Point - Elkesley Village Hall
Page 55		Easy - Mainly flat walking, Route finding easy
Landranger Map 120 - Mansfield and Worksop		Length - 5 Miles

Very nice walk through rural Nottinghamshire. Scenery good and route finding easy. Start point a little difficult to access. The only way inti Elkesley is from A1. We seemed to miss the "beautiful village of Crookford" and instead came across a large factory and a few scaterred houses.

Kinder Scout and Jacob's Ladder
Book - The Peak District - Compliled by Kevin Borman - Published by Jarrold Short Walks		Start Point - Barber Booth car park
Page 72		Hard - It is an ascent of Kinder Scout
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield and Huddersfield Area		Length - 5.5 Miles

A superb walk onto and the acreoss Kinder Scout. Final part of ascent of Crowden Clough is almost vertical. Walk is well worth the effort and descent of Jacob's ladder relatively easy. .

Tibshelf and the Summit of Nottinghamshire
Book - 60 Nottinghamshire Walks - Compiled by Ramblers Association, Nottingham Area - Published by Cordee - Leicester		Start Point - B6206 West of Huthwaite
Page 84		Walking relatively flat but see comments
Landranger Map 120 - Mansfield and Worksop		Length - 6 Miles

Route finding very difficult (instructions contained several errors as well as ambiguities). Several footpaths blocked near end meaning an extended diversion by road through Huthwaite. Views were quite good throughout but enjoyment of them lessened by not being sure you were in the right place for about half the time. Foreground was often decidedly average.

Around Compton Verney House
Country Walking Magazine - December 2005 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Near Lighthorne, Warwickshire
Page 77		Easy
Landranger Map 151 - Stratford on Avon		Length - 5.5 Miles

A lovely gentle walk around Compton Verney Mansion. Views always good and varied. Care needed to find start point and there is no signage on the first few bridle ways. Thereafter route finding and signage excellent.

Edale - Upper Booth - Barber Booth - Edale
Book - Short Walks in the Peak Park - William & Vera Parker Published by Derbyshire Countryside Ltd		Start Point - Edale
Page 28		Difficulty - Easy
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield Area		Length - 4 Miles

A very pleasant walk in the Edale valley with great views of Kinder Scout and the Great Ridge for those too lazy or otherwise disinclined to climb one or the other.

Longshaw Country Park
Book - Peak District Walks - Compliled by Brian Conduit & Kevin Borman - Published by Jarrold Publishing		Start Point - Longshaw Country Park
Page 20		Easy
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield and Huddersfield Area		Length - 4.5 Miles

A superb walk. Views of the Peak District are the best available Walk down to Padley Gorge is rough in places. By the end of the walk, we felt as if it was more than 4.5 miles. Hardest part of navigation was finding the start. Do not go to the visitor centre. Turn left at the sign saying visitor centre right.

Strines Moor and Derwent Edges
Country Walking Magazine - July 2006 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point Parking Area just beyond Strines Inn
Page 11		Moderate
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield and Huddersfield		Length - 8.25 Miles

Superb walk. Climb up to Derwent Edges from an unusual direction, along the Derwend edges and back via Strines Reservoir. Route finding and walking easy, although stiff climb at start. There is a car park referred to in section 1 that is a better place to park than Strines Inn car park.

The Banks of the Nene
Book - 50 Walks in Cambridgeshire and East Midlands - Written by Andrew McCloy - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - Oundle
Page 95		Easy
Landranger Map 141 - Kettering & Corby		Length - 6.75 Miles

Very flat walk on the banks of the Nene. Finding the start point in Oundle was difficult. We went to the wrong long stay car park. The first part of the riverside walk was overgrown with stinging nettles. Thereafter the walk was pleasant but unvaried. To the extent that we abandoned it about 2/3 of the way. Too much walking beside a river through fields of cows.

Miller's Dale, Chee dale, Chelmorton and Taddington
Book - Exploring the Peak District		Start Point - Miller's Dale
Page 118		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 7.6 Miles

Very nice walk with outstanding views througout. Highlights ar high level views of Chee Dale and Millers Dale. If one was to be picky, there is a little too much walking on tarmac and route finding on the last section was surprisingly difficult. Part of this might be that my copy of the book is 10 years old.

Bradfield and the Dale Dyke Reservoir
Book - Pub Walks and Cycle Rides - The Peak District - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - Bradfield
Page 148		Easy
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield		Length - 5.5 Miles

The start of this walk is a wholly unnecessary climb up a tarmac road to where a reasonable walk round a reservoir can be had from a convenient lay by. Some of the early instructions are difficult to follow. They seem to have been taken from a map rather than on the ground. The walk round the reservoir is ok although not outstanding.

Yorkshire Bridge and Win Hill
Book - Short Walks in the Peak Park - William & Vera Parker Published by Derbyshire Countryside Ltd		Start Point - Yorkshire Bridge Inn
Page 10		Moderate
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield		Length - 4 Miles

Interesting walk. I see no advantage in getting that near to the top of Win Hill without going to the summit. I did this walk on a beautiful clear day. Initially, I thought that the long road from Yorkshire Bridge to Thornhill was too much tarmac. However, it was quite pleasant and gave a relatively gentle assent of Win Hill. I advise that when reaching the firwood on instruction 8, initially turn left signed Win Hill rather that right signed Yorkshire Bridge. In less that 20 minutes walking uo hill you will be in the summit of Win Hill, with beautiful panoranic views. An ideal spot for lunch, although the local sheep were interested in sharing with those who, unlike me, had a healthy salad. Then retrace your path to the junction and continue as instructed. Instruction 8 emphasises "very steeply". It is not joking. Although signed as a footpath, I imagine after heavy rainfall it is a series of waterfalls. Do not expect a quick and relaxing descent. It is very close to scrambling.

Rye Harbour
Book - 1000 Walks in Britain - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - Rye Harbour
Page 226		Easy
Landranger Map 189 - Ashford and Romney Marsh		Length - 4.5 Miles

Lovely walk throug new shoreline on the Kent/Sussex border. Runs between the shore an a nature reserve. The return route alongside a lake was ok but it was a shame that we could not see more of the lake. It might be worth trying this walk in reverse.

Market Bosworth, Battle of Bosworth and Ashby Canal
Book - Short Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest - John N Merrill -Trail Crest Publications Ltd.		Start Point - Market Bosworth
Page 42		Easy
Landranger Map 140 - Leicester & Coventry		Length - 8.5 Miles

Very pleasant and varied walk taking in Bosworth battlefield and the Ashby canal. Route finding was difficult early on as the landscape bore little relation to the instructions. Having said this, I was, fortuitously, always on the route. The last mile is on roads, mostly uphill, through Market Bosworth. This could be first if you park the car near Bosworth Wharf Bridge.

Middleton Top, Via Gellia, Limestone Way & High Peak Trail
Country Walking Magazine - April 2006 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Middleton Top
Page 70		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 8.5 Miles

A walk that was quite hard work. It took me through parts of the peak district with which I was not familiar, including crossing Via Gellia valley. I did this walk on a misty day in October and probably lost some of the value of the views. I started from Middleton Top in thick fog, and visibility had not improved much by the time I returned. Route finding was sometimes difficult because of poor waymarking , particularly early in the walk. Instructions were in fact quite good. Overall it was a good walk, but it was through quarrying country and many of the views that I did get were of huge man-made scars.

Bakewell, Ashford in the Water & the Monsal Trail
40 Short Circular Walks in the Peak District - John N Merrill - Published by Footprint Press Ltd		Start Point - Bakewell (although we stared at Ashford to complete the climb early)
Page 27		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 5 Miles

Lovely walk with outstanding views over Ashford in the Water. Monsal Trail, as is the way with disused railways, was a bit restricted in outlook. The walk up from Ashford was steep but manageable and worth it for the superb views.

Sherwood Forest
Country Walking Magazine - November 2006 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Edwinstowe
Page 5		Easy
Landranger Map 120 - Mansfield and Worksop		Length - 8 Miles

Very nice walk through Sherwood Forest. Route finding very easy and paths good throughout. Very quickly get away from the crowds and passed through parts of Sherwood Forest that I had not seen before despite being a frequent visitor

Around Hardwick Hall
Book - 60 Nottinghamshire Walks - Compiled by Ramblers Association, Nottingham Area - Published by Cordee - Leicester		Start Point - Rowthorne
Page 79		Moderate
Landranger Map 120 - Mansfield and Worksop		Length - 9.5 Miles

A lovely varied walk with the Hardwick Hall estate the highlight. Route finding was straightforward until Hardwick but the author tended to go for literature after this rather than tell the reader the route. I had to consult "Landranger" on several occasions, although I was always in the right place

The Roaches an Lud's Church
Book - Peak District Walks - Compiled by Brian Conduit & Kevin Borman - Published by Jarrold Publishing		Start Point - The Roaches
Page 81		Hard
Landranger Map 118 - Stoke on Trent & Macclesfield		Length - 9 Miles

After several false starts, finally completed a walk on The Roaches and Lud's church with Kate. It fully lived up to expectation despite being a windy November day. We ran into light problems and therefore came back over The Roaches rather than the longer route recommended. This gives a good reason for going back and doing it again some time in the summer.

Bakewell and Chatsworth
Book - Peak District Walks - Compiled by Brian Conduit & Kevin Borman - Published by Jarrold Publishing		Start Point - Bakewell
Page 67		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 8 Miles

A good and varied walk through at times familiar territory at Chatsworth. It extended our view of Chatsworth to places we have not been before. For a low level walk, it was surprisingly hard work. It rained quite hard during part of the walk and overall was muddy underfoot. But it was November! I look forward to repeating the walk in summer.

Twyford and the Gaddesby Brook
Country Walking Magazine - November 2006 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Twyford
Page 13		Moderate
Landranger Map 129 - Nottingham and Loughborough		Length - 7 Miles

A very nice walk around a posh part of Leicestershire along very well waymarked field footpaths. These paths had surprisingle little mud for a river vallet in November. The views on the latter part of the walk were superb. The moderate rating on the walk seems severe - I propose to take Geraldine on this walk during next summer

Woodhouse Eaves, Broombriggs, Beacon Hill
32 Short Circular Walks Based on the Leicestershire Round - Devised by the Leicestershire Footpath Association - Published by Cordee - Leicester		Start Point - Woodhouse Eaves
Page 18		Moderate
Landranger Map 129 - Nottingham and Loughborough		Length - 5 Miles

An excellent walk. I know Beacon Hill well but the added superb views from Broombriggs Hill wasa a bonus. Being Leicestershire, the paths were clear and well marked.

Cuckney
Country Walking Magazine - August 2005 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Cuckney
Page 64		Moderate
Landranger Map 120 -Mansfield & Worksop		Length - 7.5 Miles

A relatively easy walk in Nottinghamshire. There was a lot of road walking at the start but the road was not busy. The scenery was varied and the ground underfoot was reasonable for a mid-winter walk in a wet spell.

Clayworth and the Chesterfield Canal
Book - 60 Nottinghamshire Walks - Compiled by Ramblers Association, Nottingham Area - Published by Cordee - Leicester		Start Point - Clayworth
Page 1		Easy
Landranger Map 112 - Scunthorpe & Gainsborough		Length - 7 Miles

A very nice walk, somewhat muddy in January. I saw 3 kingfishers on the long canal stretch, which made the day memorable. One of the few advantages of walking into a very strong wind is that my movement noise probably did not carry forward. The views of the Trent valley from Gringley on the Hill were outstanding, although impossible to capture in a photograph. Route finding was easy. There is some doubt about the distance: the book says 7 miles; GPS said I did 8.68 (and I never deviated from the route), Memory map says 10.2!

Stanton Moor
Book - Peak District Walks - Compiled by Brian Conduit & Kevin Borman - Published by Jarrold Publishing		Start Point - Birchover
Page 16		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 3.5 Miles

Did this walk on a crisp clear day in January. The descent to Birchover and back to the car seems wholly unnecessary. Stanton Moor itself is outstanding. If ypu want a short undemanding walk with all that the Peak District has to offer, this is the place.

Bradgate Park and Cropston Reservoir
Country Walking Magazine - November 2006 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Woodhouse Eaves
Page 7		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 9 Miles

Lovely walk round Bradgate Country Park and Cropstone Reservoir. It was muddy in places, which is not unexpected in January.

Ladybower Reservoir

Book - 1000 Walks in Britain - Published by AA Publishing

Start Point - Ladybower Reservoir

Page 722

Moderate

Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield

Length - 6 Miles

A lovely walk from Ladybower up onto the Derwent Edges and very shortly down again. The Derwent Edges are amongst my fovourite places in the Peak District with the gorgeous views over the lakes. This walk starts at the car park on the far side if the Ashpton Viaduct. For those of us fortunate enough to be able to walk during the week, there is plenty of space on the east side of the viaduct, which shortens the walk by a mile or so, which is unexcitingly beside the main A57.

Manifold Valley
Book - Peak District Walking on the Level - Norman Buckley - Published by Sigma Leisure		Start Point - Grindon
Page 102		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 3.75 Miles

This is a very plesant stroll along the Manifold Valley. It is entirely on a metalled surface so there is no real need for walking gear. The only downside, having done this walk on a glorious day in early February, was that the tea shop an toiletes at Wetton Mill were not open

Eyam and Foolow
Book - Peak District Walking on the Level - Norman Buckley - Published by Sigma Leisure		Start Point - Foolow
Page 26		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 5 Miles

Lovely short walk. Views always good and wayfinding easy. Villages of Eyam and Foolow both worth a visit. We did this walk on a clear frosty day, which ensured that views were maximised and problems with mud mimimised.GPS distance was3.86 miles

Alport Towers
Book - 1000 Walks in Britain - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - Fairholms Car Park, Derwent Valley
Page 727		Moderate
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield and Huddersfield		Length - 8 Miles

A lovely walk above the Snake Pass and the Alport and Ashop valleys. Alport castles and the valley are memorable. I did the walk in February and there was only one short area with serious mud (Near Alport Castles Farm). The walk was strenuous for one described as moderate. There were three significant climbs: one at the start, one just after crossing the A57 and one long one at the end from the crossing of the Ashop.

Saltfleet Dunes
Book - 50 Walks in Cambridgeshire and East Midlands - Written by Andrew McCloy - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - Rimac Nature Reserve Car Park,
Page 20		Easy
Landranger Map 113 - Grimsby		Length - 4.75Miles

A very easy walk out along the dunes and shoreline of the Saltfleetby National Nature Reserve and back a little inland across fields and by drainage dykes. Route finding is easy. The scenery on the nature reserve is saltmarsh. I love it, although it is, perhaps, a personal taste. Saltfleet Haven and beyond is much more varied and provides something for all tastes.

Creswell Crags
Book - 60 Nottinghamshire Walks - Compiled by Ramblers Association, Nottingham Area - Published by Cordee - Leicester		Start Point - Creswell Crags Visitor Centre,
Page 45		Moderate
Landranger Map 120 - Mansfield & Worksop		Length - 8.5 Miles

Not the greatest of walks. The Welbeck Estate was pleasant enough but the loop round to Whitwell was uninteresting and the way from Whitwell back to Creswell was round a quarry. I did this walk in late February when it was seriously muddy. Route finding after leaving Whitwell was difficult - I saw nothing that resembled the landscape described in the instructions. Instruction 8 also is incorrect. Fortunately the footpath here is signed and if you follow the footpath signs you reach the A60 in the correct place. Having said all that, however, the wildlife was excellent. I was escorted in large parts of the walk by a number of grey squirrels and oine of several flocks of finches. I had the pleasant rare experience of a close encounter with a bullfinch and, as a harbinger of spring, I saw two flocks of Lapwing a long way from their winter feeding grounds.

Caistor
Book - 1000 Walks in Britain - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - Caistor,
Page 618		Hard
Landranger Map 113 - Grimsby		Length - 6.75 Miles

A descent walk on the Lincolnshire Wolds. In February, there were places with serious mud. There is a steady climb through open country followed by a walk back along a (very) minor road along the scarp with magnificent views (except when it was raining).

Dovedale & Milldale
Probably in many books but I do not have a reference		Start Point - Milldale,
		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 6 Miles

One of the classic easy Peak District walks along the river Dove, joining the picturesque hamlet of Milldale to the honeypot beauty of Dovedale by the stepping stones.

Shuttlingsloe
Book - Peak District Walks - Compiled by Brian Conduit & Kevin Borman - Published by Jarrold Publishing		Start Point - Wildboarclough,
Page 74		Hard
Landranger Map 118 - Stoke on Trent and Macclesfield		Length - 8.5 Miles

Super walk around the high ground beneath the Cat & Fiddle culminating in an ascent of Shutlingsloe. Route finding was generally easy, except from the reservoir crossing to Shutingsloe. The route that we took bore very little resemblance to the instructions, although was well signpost Shutlingsloe. The views from the top made it well worth the ascent. The initial descent could be a bit scary if it were slippery.

Youlgreave & The River Lathkill
Book - The Peak District - Jarrold Short Walks - Compiled by Kevin Borman - Published by Jarrold Publishing		Start Point - Youlgreave,
Page 45		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 4.5 Miles

Lovely walk through Bradford and Lathkill dales. Outstanding scenery, easy route finding and relatively easy walking (with one long and initially steep climb where the walk leaves Lathkill Dale). The book recommends street parking in Youlgreave. This seems silly as the streets are very narrow and there is a perfectly good car park at the top of the village.

Snowdon - Ascent Pyg Track, Descent Miner's Track
I did not get this from a book although I am sure it is in many.		Start Point - Pen Y Pass,
		Hard
Landranger Map 115 - Snowdon		Length - 7 Miles

One of the easier mountain climbs in the country but none the less attractive for this. It has the advantage of different routes up and down the mountain, both working from the same car park. I would never recommend doint the ascent by the Miner's track, the climb would be too long at the end. When we did this walk in March it was very nice walking up in the lee of the ridge, but when we topped the ridge it was bitterly cold and windy. By the time we had achieved the summit and reurned to shelter, we had ice on our hair and eyebrows. Never underestimate the weather!

Miller's Dale
Country Walking Magazine - March 2006 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Miller's Dale,
Page 69		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 7.5 Miles

A walk with outstanding views over and around Monsal dale followed by some of the best riverside walking in Derbyshire through Water-come-Jolly Dale and Millers Dale. One of the best low level walks.

Uppingham
Country Walking Magazine - June 2005 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Uppingham,
Page 73		Moderate
Landranger Map 141 - Kettering and Corby		Length - 9 Miles

Nice walk through rolling hills of Rutland, with good views of Eyebrook Reservoir. Lyddington is a beautiful village, reminiscent of the Cotswolds. Personally, I dislike strting walks in town car parks, where you feel conspicuous preparing. Here there was a much preferable start point in a car park on Eyebrook reservoir below Stoke Dry. It gives the added advantage that the longest uphill stretch is at the start of the walk.

Hope Valley
Book - Peak District Walking on the Level - Norman Buckley - Published by Sigma Leisure		Start Point - Hope,
Page 18		Easy
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield		Length - 4 Miles

Very pleasant short stroll with oustanding views throughout, including Peverill Castle, Mam Tor, The great ridge and Win Hill.

Little Longstone
Book - Peak District Walking on the Level - Norman Buckley - Published by Sigma Leisure		Start Point - Little Longstone
Page 53		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 4.25 Miles

Pleasant walk from mansal head across fields and through attractive villages, returning on the Monsal Trail

Dovedale, Ilam and Thorpe
Book - Short Walks in the Peak Park - William & Vera Parker Published by Derbyshire Countryside Ltd		Start Point - Dovedale,
Page 52		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 4.5 Miles

Nice walk around the confluence of the Dove and Manifold. It is a long way from flat, but route finding is easy and views were superb all round.

Rockingham Forest
Book - 1000 Walks in Britain - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - King's Cliffe,
Page 591		Moderate
Landranger Map 141 - Kettering & Corby		Length - 6.5 Miles

Not a great walk. Most of the first part is around fairly scruffy woodland. The views improve later on but there must be a lot better walks in Northamptonshire. Howerver, the day was more than redeemed by views of Red Kites. We saw one above the car park. Then, on the closing stages of the walk we saw p to five at a time, one of which provided a spectacular display close to, to enable some excellent photographs.

Rushup Edge
Included Walk with Memory Map "Britain's National Parks"		Start Point - Edale,
Reference 2070		Moderate
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield		Length - 7.5 Miles

Gentle climb up on to the Great Ridge at Hollins Cross and on up to Mam Tor. Walking the ridge is always a pleasure accompanied by great views. Moving on to Rushup Edge and round to Edale gives more great views. Highly recommended

Shackerstone & The Asby De La Zouch Canal
Book - Short Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest - John N Merrill -Trail Crest Publications Ltd.		Start Point - Shackerstone,
Page 41		Easy
Landranger Map 140 - Leicester & Coventry		Length - 5.5 Miles

Very nice walk around Leicestershire with good views on the way out and all of the attractions of the Ashby canal on the way back. It is not necessary to park in shackerstone. There is plenty of room by the canal bridge near the start.

Miller's Dale to Cressbrook and Beyond
Not taken from a specific Book		Start Point - Miller's Dale,
		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 7 Miles

Walked the River Wye from Miller's Dale railway station to Cressbrook Mill and beyond half way down Monsal Dale. It was a superb walk through some of the best riverside scenery in the Peak District. Most of this walk was through a nature reserve and the breeding waterfowl make spring a good time to do the walk.

Horsey Mere

Book - 1000 Walks in Britain - Published by AA Publishing

Start Point - Horsey Wind Pump,

Page 679

Easy

Landranger Map 134 - Norwich & The Broads

Length - 3.5 Miles

Not the greatest walk of all time. Horsey mere and windmill are well worth a visit but the early part of this walk is through high reeds with limited views unless you are well over six feet tall. It does give a flavour of Norfolk, but this is probably better done elsewhere.

Blakeney
Book - 1000 Walks in Britain - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - Blakeney,
Page 693		Easy
Landranger Map 133 - North East Norfolk		Length - 4.5 Miles

A superb walk through excellent birding country on Norfolk's beautiful north coast. There is a temptation to retrace your steps along the sea wall from Cley rather than return inland, but the return route is actually reasonably interesting. The highlight is undoubtedly Blakeney and its coast walk.

Baslow Edge
Book - Short Walks in the Peak Park - William & Vera Parker Published by Derbyshire Countryside Ltd		Start Point - Baslow,
Page 14		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 5 Miles

Walk from Baslow along the Dewent to Calver. Followed by a stiff climb up onto Baslow Edge. This is mostly on a minor road and therefore good underfoot, with frequent seats to get your breath back. Having achieved Baslow Edge, there is a superb walk back with fabulous views. This makes the effort of the climb worthwhile and you feel somehow superior to the "there and back" walkers who have driven up the hill and parked at Curbar Gap

Kinder Scout by Jagger's Clough
Book - Northern Peak - Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications		Start Point - Edale
Page 66		Hard
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield		Length - 7 Miles

Did most of this walk. Had to cut it short because we had guests coming to dinner and it took longer than I anticipated. The walk to Jaggers clough was easy and had good views. The "easily missed" path is just that. It is an unsigned and unclear left turn, althogh there are signs further up the hill confirming the path. The walk up Jaggers clough is part walk and part scramble, part path and part river and not for the feint hearted. At the top, there are two paths to be ignored before the recommended one, not one as per instructions - although it makes little difference - the lower path joins the upper before ringing roger. The views from the top are superb and it is realatively easy to identify the relevant landmarks.I dropped down shortly after Ringing Roger on a clear path to Edale. Distances on this walk are interesting. The walk said 7 miles, Memory Map said 8.28. I cut it short and, by GPS, did 7.13 miles. This is the first walk I have done from this book - it is interesting to see if distances are so badly measured throughout!

Hayton
Book - Pub Walks in Nottinghamshire - Peter Fooks - Published by Countryside Books, Newbury, Berkshire		Start Point - Hayton
Page 20		Easy
Landranger Map 120 - Mansfield & Worksop		Length - 4 Miles

We actually started this walk from The Gate Inn at Clarborough so that we could visit the featured pub The Boat Inn on the route. I would recommend this start point for anybody who wishes to follow the walk. The first half from the canal into the hills was at best uninspired. It was along enclosed rutted lanes that appear to be used heavily bu off-roaders. Then we reached the viewpoint, which delivered the promised superb views. From here on things were much better. The walk back into Hayton was on a much better track with good views. The Boat was worth a visit, the food and the beer were good, although it is a shame that they did not make better use of the canal frontage - it is fenced off and out of sight,. The final mile along the Chesterfield Canal was good - as all of that canal seems to be. There are no photographs of this walk because I forgot my camera.

Butterton & The Manifold Valley
Book - 1000 Walks in Britain - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - Wetton Mill
Page 539		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 5.5 Miles

Lovely walk above the Manifold valley. Once the climb to Butterton has been completed, there are always great views. However, the description easy could be misleading. We had to consult map and GPS on several occasions and had to help somebody else lost above Warslow on the same paths. GPS also disputes height climbed - it suggested 1150 feet - that is quite a big difference. Finally, we did this walk after two or three weeks with little rain and it was very muddy in quite a few places. Nevertheless, as I said earlier, we enjoyed it greatly.

Chatsworth & Beeley Moor

Book - Peak District Walking on the Level - Norman Buckley - Published by Sigma Leisure

Start Point - Chatsworth House

Page 49

Easy

Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock

Length - 4 Miles

A very pleasant walk around Chatsworth House, on to Beeley Moor and back along the Derwent. It is not exactly "on the level" but the climb was relatively gentle.

Dane Valley
Book - Western Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Danebridge
Page 48		Easy
Landranger Map 118 - Stoke on Trent & Macclesfield		Length - 4.75 Miles

Very nice walk through green countryside around the River Dane. The walk was much greener than we expected for the location close to the moors around Shuttlingsloe. Nevertheless, it was a very nice walk, concluding with outstanding wide views from Shuttlingsloe to the Roaches and beyond.

White Edge Moor

Book - Eastern Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire

Start Point - Longshaws

Page 20

Easy

Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock

Length - 4.5 Miles

A superb walk across White Edge Moor and back above Grindleford. It took us to a lot of areas that we have not previously explored and the views from White Edge Moor both across to the geat ridge and Kinder Scout one way and across the wild moorland the other were outstanding. Highly recommended.

Birchen Edge
Book - Eastern Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Robin Hood
Page 83		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 4 Miles

Lovely walk with superb views throughout. There were three ascents but all were relatively gentle. There was a little scrambling incolved to get to the top of Birchen Edge and again to get off of the top. Otherwise both walking and navigation were relatively easy.

Hathersage & Stanage Edge

Country Walking Magazine - May 2006 - Published by Emap Magazines

Start Point - Hathersage

Page 4

Moderate

Landranger Map 110 -- Sheffield & Huddersfield

Length - 7 Miles

Super walk from Hathersage taking in Stannage Edge, Higger Tor and Carl Wark. From the moment you arrive at High Neb on Stannage Edge until you drop down to Hathersage Church and Little John's grave, the views are outstanding. Beware the navigation trap as you descend to Mitchels Field - Bear right at a wall corner no the obvious path left, otherwise you return to Carl Wark..

Pilsbury Castle
Book - Southern Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Hartington
Page 32		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 6 Miles

Lovely walk either side of the northern Dove valley through open countryside, with lovely views throughout. There are two significant climbs - one at the start out of Hartington and the other half way after viewing Pilsbury castle and crossing the Dove.

Longendale Valley & Lad's Leap
Included Walk with Memory Map "Britain's National Parks"		Start Point - Crowden
Page 1592		Moderate
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield		Length - 7.5 Miles

Great walk round two of the Longendale Valley reservoirs and then up into the hills above Crowden. I did this walk in glorious weather and would recommend it to aanybody. Crossing the moor at instruction 3 is completely pathless. I was grateful for the GPS. This walk is described as moderate, but given the difficulty in navigating and the good height gained, I would classify it as hard. But don't let that put you off doing it!

Langsett Reservoir & Midhope Moors

Book - Eastern Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire

Start Point - Langsett Barns

Page 33

Easy

Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield

Length - 5 Miles

Lovely walk over area of Peak District that I have not walked before. Walk round Langsett Reservoir would be ok but, in my case, not worth 90 minutes drive. Add on the stretch over Midhope Moor and the walk becomes outstanding - if you do the walk, do the whole walk. And, if you take lunch, hang on to it until you reach the turning point at Cut Gate. The views are outstanding and there is the nicest picnic spot in the whole of the Peak District to sit and enjoy the view. The path from Brook House Bridge to the car park has been redone and is now a rather ugly straight scar through the woods - justified by the fact that it gives a wheelchair friendly walk along the reservoir.

Redmires Reservoirs & Lud Hill

Book - Peak District Walking on the Level - Norman Buckley - Published by Sigma Leisure

Start Point - Ringinglow

Page 4

Easy

Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield

Length - 4.25 Miles

Very nice walk across moorland and finally through woodland near Redmires reservoirs. The narrow footpath, apparently signed, at the start of the walk could not be found. I had to walk to the fence and then search for a ladder stile. Having found this, route finding was easy, although none of the moorland paths appear on Landranger, presumably because they are permissive rather than rights of way. We did this walk at the end of a very dry October. It was seriously muddy in places. Do not consider it without walking boots or after significant rainfall. Otherwise it is very worthwhile and far more interesting than the basic dog walk artound the reservoirs.

South Thoresby
Pub Walks in Lincolnshire - Tony Whittaker - Published by Sigma Leisure		Start Point - South Thoresby
Page 126		Easy
Landranger Map 122 - Skegness & Horncastle		Length - 4 Miles

Nice gentle wak in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Much varied with a sudden pleasing surprise in the valley when you leave Swaby. The route descriptions in the first half of the walk bear only a passing resemblance to reality and the local farmers insist on overplanting footpaths in several places. A map and GPS were surprisingly useful for such a simple walk. The final bit is "sometimes muddy". We did this walk after a dry October and the last part of the walk was a marsh. Don't let this put you off but make sure you wear walking boots!

Tideswell Dale
Book - Central Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Tideswell Dale
Page 44		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 5 Miles

Very nice walk through Tideswell Dale and Millers Dale and back to Tideswell over higher ground above Monk's Dale. Very interesting and varied walk, which we did on a splendid sunny November day. The instructions are poor. We left Monsal Trail too early at a cross paths that matched the instruction exactly. It did not much matter, we continued to Miller's Dale on the Littton Mill road, which is quiet and quite pleasing along the rover. Again, after the junction of tracks above Monk's Dale, ignore the first prominent stile and guide post on the right and take the second. Again, erring is not fatal, with judicious use of the map, you are able to rejoin the approved route after half a mile or so. Nevertheless, two ambiguous instructions on one walk is careless by the author in the extreme.

Longstone Edge & Foolow
Book - Central Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Eyam
Page 69		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 8.75 Miles

Mixed walk from Eyam.Walk down to Stoney Middleton and on through Coombs Dale was pleasant enough and new territory for me. Route finding was difficult climbing out of Coombs Dale and I was reduced to GPS to get back on track. When this was achieved it was the track between Deep Rake and High Rake, two huge open cast mines causing an irredemable scar on the countryside. There were nice views from Longstone Edge but….. From then on, crossing Longstone Moor and open fields with fine views to reach Foolow was great and again new territory for me. The last stretch from Foolow to Eyam was a pleasant enough repeat of an earlier walk.

Longnor and the Dove & Manifold
Book - Southern Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Longnor
Page 35		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 4.75 Miles

Walk with great views through Manifold & Dove valleys. We did it in November and mud was an issue in some places. Route finding was difficult, not for the first time in Paul Hannon's books. Several features crucial to the description were not there. We truncated the walk at Crowdicotte and returned by road to Longnor because Geraldine's back was hurting.

Carsington Water
Book - 1000 Walks in Britain - Published by AA Publishing		Start Point - Carsington Water
Page 741		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 5.5 Miles

Did this with Kate. Quite an enjoyable walk on the edge of the Peak District. Good views over Carsington Water and Brassington. There was some mud and some of the paths were very difficult to find. Please note - we parked by the visitor centre and our total walk was over 10 miles. There was a compensation in that we had a close encounter with some barnacle geese with photo opportunity on the extension that we would otherwise have missed. The correct place to start is the Sheepwash car park by the bird watching hides.

Milldale
Book - Southern Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Alsop en le Dale
Page 21		Moderate
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 5.5 Miles

Lovely walk through Nabs Dale to the Dove, over Shining Tor to Lode Mill, further along the Dove and then climbing to the Tissington trail. I did this in a wet December. This meant that the Dove was in spate but also that it had overflowed in places and I was glad to have waterproof boots. I would strongly advise that anybody take "the more demanding" walk to Lode Mill over Shining Tor. This is the highlight of the walk. When descending from here, you come across the guide post "pointing down the road advising Lode Mill avoiding road". In fact it points to a path beside the road that does exactly what it says: it goes to Lode Mill without going on the road..

Peak Forest
40 Short Circular Walks in the Peak District - John N Merrill - Published by Footprint Press Ltd		Start Point - Old Dam
Page 15		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 3.5 Miles

Very nice easy walk along mainly tracks. Ideal for a wet period. The only place that could be muddy is just after leaving Old Moor to descend to Old Dam. The ground was frozen when we did it so this was not clear. There are good views going up accross towards Tideswell & Buxton and from the top towards Rushup Edge & Kinder Scout.

Ratcliffe on the Wreake
Country Walking Magazine - August 2007- Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Ratcliffe on the Wreake
Page 12		Easy
Landranger Map 129 - Nottingham & Loughbrough		Length - 7.5 Miles

Nice walk through rural Leicestershire along the River Wreake, which was previously unknown to me. There was relatively little mud for a walk done in December. The first stretch was wildlife friendly; I put up a couple of herons and the highlight of a lot of birds was a charm of goldfinches. The villages of Ratcliffe and Cossington were well worth a visit. The stretch of lane from Cossington to Ratcliffe college was a bit of a drag, although the views descending back to Ratcliffe were great. Parking was difficult in Ratcliffe. The walk could better start in Cossington, where there was a good car park. This would have the added advantage that the uninteresting up hill stretch came first.

Sutton on Trent
Newark & Sherwood Rambles - Malcolm Mckenzie - Published by Sigma Leisure		Start Point - Sutton on Trent
Page 23		Easy
Landranger Map 121 - Lincoln		Length - 5 Miles

Pleasant easy riverside walk in north Nottinghamshire. Easy parking is available by the church at Sutton. Route finding was easy once you start - the way initially is through the pub car park. Good for a winter walk. Despite being beside the Trent, there was very little mud even in January.

Lost Lad & Derwent Edges

Book - Peak District Walks - Compiled by Brian Conduit & Kevin Borman - Published by Jarrold Publishing

Start Point - Faiholmes car park

Page 61

Moderate

Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield

Length - 7 Miles

Superb walk up onto Derwent Edges from Fairholmes, peaking at Lost Lad and Black tor. Although I had been on Derwent edges several times before, I had never been to these superb viewpoints. We did this in early January and there was a light coating of snow, which added to the scenic effects, although made walking slower, particularly on the paved areas. The heavy rain of the previous night and the melting snow also made for wet progress. Nevertheless, it is a walk that I would like to repeat in better weather.

Froggatt & Curbar Edges
Book - Eastern Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point -Calver
Page 36		Easy
Landranger Map 119 - Buxton & Matlock		Length - 5 Miles

Lovely walk along the Derwent valley and the along Curbar & Baslow edges. I'm not sure in which sense of the word the walk up to Frogatt edge is easy. It is steep and rewarding but one gets jolly hot even in the middle of January. The walk along the edges is easy and the views remain outstanding however often you do it. The whole walk was less muddy than feared after a January monsoon.

Win Hill from Hope
Book - Exploring the Peak District - Tom Lawton - Published by BCA in Association with Ward Lock of London		Start Point -Hope
Page 70		Easy
Landranger Map - 110 Sheffield & Huddersfield		Length - 8.5 Miles

Lovely walk with initial ascent of Win Hill (probably the best spot in the peak district with its magnificent 360 degree views) followed by a rare descent where you really get the benefits of walking gently down without having the make efforts to keep under control. The later steeper part of the descent was muddy, but it was January. There is then a stetch along the shores of Ladybower before returning to Hope over the gentle flank of Win Hill. The only black spot of the day was inconsiderate dog owners. I do nort like dogs. As I was descending Win Hill, a dog large enough to ride came bounding up to me and jumped probably above my head. The reassurances of the owner that it would not hurt me were somehow inadequate. Unbelievably, I met the same people on the return flank of Win Hill. There followed a slow motion replay with the same reassurances. This time I felt compelled to express my disgust. As I walked away, the dog repeated the trick for the third time. I don't care that it wont hurt me. As a dog hater, I want my right to walk the hills in peace respected. Inconsiderate dog owners please take note.

Stanton Moor from Rowsley
Book - Eastern Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Rowsley
Page 51		Hard
Landranger Map -119 Buxton & Matlock		Length - 6.5 Miles

Pleasant walk with good views. Spoiled to an extent because there was an extended hippy camp all the way onto the moor from the last road crossing. The good scenery was dominated by scruffy caravans & tents and the tracks were messed up getting them there. It is a shame that one group of people using an ancient site are sufficiently intrusive that they spoil it for everybody else. The descent from Stanton was outstanding with views over Haddon hall & Bakewell.

White Edge & Curbar Edge

Book - Peak District Walking on the Level - Norman Buckley - Published by Sigma Leisure

Start Point - Curbar Gap

Page 41

Easy

Landranger Map -119 Buxton & Matlock

Length - 6 Miles

Probably one of the most trod walks in the Peak District. I am surprised that I have not come across it in my previous14 years walking in the area. This was a superb easy walk out along White Edge and back along Fragatt & Curbar edges. Views are always superb; you can see at least 10 miles at all times. Picnic opportunities are almost infinite. All you need is a fine day (we did it on a sunny day in February) and you can'd go wrong. There might be a problem parrking at Curbar gap; it was full in February. However, there are several car parks at the other end of the walk near the Grouse public house. Highly recommended.

Tetford
Country Walking Magazine - April 2007- Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Tetford
Page 8		Moderate
Landranger Map -122 - Skegness & Horncastle		Length - 8 Miles

Pleasant enough walk in the Lincolnshire wolds. Route finding easy, as expected from Country Walking magazine, and views generally good, although not outstanding. Very good underfoot except for the last stretch along the old Roman road. I found nowhere that was suitable for a picnic.

Tissington, Thorpe & Dovedale
Book - Southern Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Tissington
Page 16		Moderate
Landranger Map -119 Buxton & Matlock		Length - 6.5 Miles

I did this walk missing out the ascent of Thorpe Cloud. This was because the Dove valley was foggy & Thorpe Cloud was invisible. This was unfortunate as Tissington & surrounds were in bright sunshine both at the start and finish of the walk. I hope to do the full walk on a clear day some time soon. Overall it was a good walk, although not easy - a lot of significant uphill stretches. It covers one of the most beautiful parts of Derbyshire, and quite possibly runs into the disadvantage of a glut of trippers. This did not happen in February with temperatures around zero!

Dovedale

Country Walking Magazine - Spring 2008 - Published by Emap Magazines

Start Point - Dovedale

Page 13

Moderate

Landranger Map -119 Buxton & Matlock

Length - 5.25 Miles

Lovely walk through Dovedale, exiting through a path on the other side of the river. The walk back includes superb views of Thorpe Cloud and Ilam. It must be noted that the instructions refer to a steep climb out of Dovedale. Think seriously steep. It was not quite vertical but getting on that way. There was a need to use hands as well as feet to scramble up this climb, which was probably 600 feet. Route finding was, as ever, good with Country Walking magazine.

Hathersage & Eyam Moor
Book - Central Peak - by Paul Hannon - Published by Hillside Publications, Keighley, West Yorkshire		Start Point - Hathersage
Page 13		Moderate
Landranger Map -119 Buxton & Matlock		Length - 7 Miles

Terrific walk climbing up on to Eyam moor with great views all around. Then back and forth across the high ground of Eyam Moor before a scenic descent back to Hathersage. This is a wild part of the Peak District relatively unwalked. The only drawback was a fierce hailstorm whilst on the moor, but I suppose that this is not a permenant feature.

Stanedge Pole
Book - Great Walks in the Peak District - By John & Anne Nutall - Published by Ward Lock Ltd, London		Start Point - Stanage Edge
Page 39		Easy
Landranger Map -110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield		Length - 4.5 Miles

Yet another nice walk on Stanage Edge. The great part of the climb is done by car and the climb on to the edge is reasonable. The diversion to Stanedge pole is superb, the views from there are well worth the little extra effort. The book says that the route back to the edge from here may be boggy. It is in fact about 3/4 mile of continual bog. There is an alternative path for the less adventurous which goes off of the main track about half way back. We alse did a different descent. The book suggests walking back along the road. There is a good track down that leads directly to the car park, which keeps you on higher ground for longer, avoids the road and is actually a bit shorter.

Linby, Papplewick & Newstead
Country Walking Magazine - Spring 2008 - Published by Emap Magazines		Start Point - Thieves Wood
Page 11		Moderate
Landranger Map -120 - Mansfield & Worksop		Length - 8 Miles

Hathersage - Shatton - Offerton Moor - Leadmill Bridge - Hathersage
Book - Short Walks in the Peak Park - William & Vera Parker Published by Derbyshire Countryside Ltd		Start Point - Hathersage (George Hotel)
Page 54		Difficulty - Moderate (One longish climb from Shatton on to Offerton Moor)
Landranger Map 110 - Sheffield & Huddersfield Area		Length - 7 Miles

One of the best walks. Glorious walk along the Derwent. The views from Offerton Moor are outstanding. The footpath along the Derwent from the stepping stones to Leadmill Bridge is badly eroded so you need to watch your footing at the expense of wildlife on the river.