Yesterday I had my first foray in to the world of Peak Park Ranger work. I was teamed up with two Rangers who were to give a guided walk around the dams. Three members of the public turned up for the walk. I hadn't realised that the ranger service conducted guided walks and whats more they are free. This is a great way of introducing people to the beauty of the Peak Park.
We set off from the Fairholmes, walking below Derwent dam wall and then followed the dam road right until a path appeared that climbed, via a resting stop at a barn halfway up, to Derwent Edge high above the dams. The walk followed the ridge reaching Back Tor trig point. The land owners were burning heather in the valley below and we some how managed to walk all round the smoke, without being engulfed. The smell was wonderful and added to the autumnal feel of the day. Droppoing down via Abbey Bank we regained the dam road and then back to the visitor centre.
During the walk the rangers explained the industrial history of the area and also the construction of the dams. I like this kind of thing. I am very interested in the industrial and human history of areas, as well as the fauna and flora. It may be something I start to delve more into as time permits.
The total length of the walk was 12 km and the total time including lunch 4 hrs. Next weekend another day with the rangers beckons, of which I am looking forward.
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