Northern Lad

Spring is afoot

2010-03-12T23:10:00.000-08:00

The weather here in the Peak District is starting to show signs of spring. Last weekend I spent the days out at Millers Dale and Parsley Hay ranger training. Had two great days out with some good training from the rangers I was attached too.

Navigation training on saturday around Ecton Hill was wonderful, with a little micro navigation and map reading. Sunday was a patrol and talking about countryside safety which was very useful.

Dogs are starting to become more of a focus now in the National Parks as we get nearer to lambing time. I never realised that its not just the lambs but also ground nesting birds that we have to watch out for. Personally we always keep Tilly on a lead so its not a problem.

Activity at Wapentac is well underway now for The Outdoors Show. With lost of new products on show like the Snowdon and Ben Nevis Wapenmap and the framed Wapenbox themed Wapenmap there will be lots to see. you can see more at www.wapentac.com

I've just started my first twitter account, you can find me at findonnorth. I have no idea where this will lead so its exciting.

Tomorrow is my last ranger training day before the first residential training weekend. I had to get 10 in before then, which was tough, but a good thing I guess as it shows committment. I have enjoyed all the training days and the rangers have been great looking after me. Tomorrow I am on a guided walk from Fairholmes Ranger Station. The walk goes along the Derwent Valley and talks about Tintown, the temporary town built to house the construction workers who built the dams. I may try and take some photos if the weather is fine. I like to take photos, but haven't felt it was right whilst training with other rangers. Its one of the reasons I am looking forward to passing my training and being able to go out on my own.

Deep snow at Stanage Edge

2010-02-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

Had a great walk this weekend starting from the ranger centre below Stanage edge. We climbed to the top of the ridge and walked along until we reached Burbage Bridge, then across to Higger Tor and back round below the edge to the centre. There were quite a few people out depsite the mist and limited visibility. There were some mountain bikers crashing through the fog along the top of the edge, which is a footpath only. This is really irritating for some walkers and gives the responsible bikers a bad name. Shame but like any portion of society there are always those who dont think that the rules, or laws apply to them. Same with the car parking. There are two large car parks along the bottom road, yet some still park on the grass verge. It onlyy costs £3.50 for the day and all that money goes back in to providing amenities for the public. Anyway, none of this spoilt a good day walking. There were some climbers out on the ridge and I am always impressed by the youth of today who get involved in the great outdoors. Walking up to the top of the ridge we had to cut steps in the snow which was still 6ft deep in places. The area reminds me a little of Scotland, with the ridge and pine tree plantations.

We are starting to get ready for the Outdoor Show in which we have a trade stand. If you are going come and see us. You can find details at www.wapentac.com or http://www.outdoorsshowextra.co.uk/the_show_2010/Outdoorshomepage/

A Monochrome Day in the Peak District

2010-01-04T11:10:00.001-08:00

The first foray out this year brought me in to contact with crisp snow in the Hope Valley in the Peak District.

I had decided to take a walk along the Longshaw Estate towards Hathersage, doubling back along the line of the Sheffield to Manchester Rail Line.

First though I stoked up on a full breakfast at the Grindleford Cafe, still in full spirit after the untimely death of its famous owner. I can remember Philip when he had a small shed on the Snake Pass, before he bought the station. Its sad to see him not there, but he lives on through the signs he put up around the place, especially the one about not asking for mushrooms, and his sons work.

Brunts Barn is the local Ranger centre and sits at the side of Padley Chapel, the remnants of a 14th century Manor House. Two priests were caught here in Henrys day and suffered the consequences.

I followed the track down towards Hathersage, at one point doing a very good impression of a tortoise on his back, as I lay felled by the ice and snow. There were plenty of people around so the humiliation was total which brought a smile to most, including me.

The track passes Greenhow Farm, a well looked after farmstead that looks down the Hope and Grindleford valleys. I could not belive that gorse that was still clinging on to some yellow buds in the snow. A welcome splash of colour in a very monochromatic world.

All in all a good day out. The weather changed just as I reached the car and within minutes Fox House and the road to Sheffield was almost impassable. I only just made it through. There were some idiots overtaking and pulling out, causing traffic to skid to a halt and then become stuck in the snow. Amazingly once Dore Pub was reached the snow disappeared and Sheffield was in dryness.

It was good to get out and about, as this last few weeks has meant looking after ill relatives, which effectively put walking on a hold.

I have been officially accepted on to the Peak District Ranger training course, which begins immediatley. So this will keep me out of trouble for a little while.

The Wapentac website had a good Christmas with excellent sales, the Wapenmaps catching the imagination of many people. Alison has been updating the site and started a new competition, FIND TILLEY. Have a look, you never know you might win a Wapenmap. Alison is also getting ready for the Outdoorshow at the NEC between March 26th - 28th which Wapentac have a stand. Wapentac has also started a Facebook site, we have no idea where it will go, so it will be interesting to see how it develops. So its all systems go, now that Christmas is over.

The inventor of Wapnemap

2009-12-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.thestar.co.uk/features/Art-of-capturing-the-contours.5905194.jp

The above link features my wife Alison Counsell the inventor of Wapenmap. I am so proud of her and would be pleased if you paid her a visit. You can visit her website from the link at the bottom of the article.

Many thanks

New York New York

2009-12-04T21:58:00.000-08:00

We,ve been away in New York this past few weeks and then on getting back got caught up in life so its been awhile since the last blog.

New York was wonderful. My wife Alison, took me there for my 50th birthday. We walked a lot, which is what I like to do in cities. I love the worlds top class cities almost as much as I like the countryside. We also visited some of the museums and galleries. And we kept just missing celebrities as we walked around, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Douglas. But we did walk straight in to Barry Humphries, Dame Edna.

I love the buildings of New York, my favourite being the Seagram building by Mies van der Rohe. It has such perfect lines and proportion and sits so well in its surroundings. Even the furniture is to die for.

Seagram Building

I wanted to find a walking gear shop and see how the Americans do it. But try as we might there were no outdoor shops at all in the whole of Manhattan. Something that surprised me. In the bookshops, there was no section for walking books, no guides, nothing it was really odd.

Flatiron Building

We,ve been busy on our return. I've finished my job and start a new contract next week for a short time at Youngs the seafood people. Then its off to work for the government next year.

Manhattan

Alison took part in the Sheffield Galvanized exhibition with her Wapentac stand and she sold lots of Wapenmap and also received a great deal of interest. Coupled with this Wapentac and the Wapenmap has just been featured in the gift section of the January issue of Trail magazine, and orders are starting to come in from this. So it looks as though December is going to be a busy month all round.

Nwe York

Millers Dale Ranger Training

2009-11-08T10:57:00.001-08:00

Another Sunday and another Ranger Station for training. This time it was Millers Dale, a real Will Hay production, with station platform and waiting rooms. It has occurred to me that the young ones, Peter et al, may not know who Will Hay, those of you that do will have to admit to age so be careful.

Anyway here is the great Will Hay

Today we walked around Sir William Hill, that doyen of the betting world. WE also walked around Abney and lots of villages I had never been in before. This was somewhat of a shock to me, having spent my years since 14 year old, when I started to follow Mark Richards walking guides, walking around the area. It was only when we reached the top of Abney Moor that I realised why. I stopped for a breather and looking back saw the Millstone Edge, Hathersage, Ladybower in the distance, Froggat over to the right. It was a wonderful scene, the sun breaking through the clouds, illuminated the moorland and edges, giving a warm autumnal brown hue. It was then I realised why I had never been in the area. I had always walked on the edges above Hathersage. I had never seen the views down the valley. Except from Surprise View or Millstone Edge. It always amazes me the different perspective we gain. It’s the same with linear walks. Mine always used to be circular. But recently I have done a few linear walks, turning around at the end and returning from whence I came. I get a completely different set of views. It may have taken me a long time to realise this, but it’s a real bonus to me.

Anyway the walk took in some nice villages and idyllic settings. The only blot, to my mind on the landscape is the new apartments blocks to the rear of David Mellors factory at Hathersage. It’s only my opinion but they are a real eyesore, and do not fit in with the landscape at all. I’m not a believer in keeping the Park I aspic, but I do think that there is a need for balancing future developments with the surrounding country side.

That’s the end of my pre visit training days. I have to go for what they call a rigorous interview next to see if I fit in.

The next post I’m going to do is about camera gear. People have been sending me their thoughts on the subject and I want to have a detailed look at it, from the perspective of gear for walking and taking good photos. So if you have any further thoughts then let me know.

Take care and have a good week.

Langsett Walk

2009-11-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

A tough day yesterday. My third pre visit training day for the rangers and what a difference from the other two. Yesterday I visited Lansett Ranger station. I had been watching the weather all week and for once the weather men seemed to have got it right. As I arrived it was torrential rain and the ranger station closed as I was early. So it was across the road to the cafe for a bacon butty and a cup of tea. Back to the station to meet the rangers. Gordon the head ranger is in the mold of all other rangers I have met. Horizontal in aspect, nice manner and with a sense of humour. It seems this particular ranger station is more akin to a Will hay comedy than the others, all though they are pretty close behind. Don't get me wrong, they are nothing but dedicated. They just have this slightly anarchic air about them when it comes to authority, yet they are supremely professional and helpful.

The ranger I spent the day with was great fun, full of chat and stories, tested me on my navigation and questioned me on my reasons for becoming a ranger. We got on great.

We left the station and walked down by Langsett dam following the path up onto Thurlstone Moor, then dropped down on to the Trans Pennine Trail.. The first time I have ever been on this trail, even though it virtually passes my house. The rain was hammering it down, so we lunched in the bus shelter at Dunford Bridge and lo and behold the rain stopped. Unfortunately the wind then picked up to 60 mph + gust down the road we were walking up. It was back breaking work to reach the summit. We turned left then and crossed the moor to reach South Nab Trig Point.
Across the busy A628 and Langsett and Harden Moor. Take care whenever you are up here. In the war this was a favourite target practice area and there is loads of ordnance around. Only this year a ranger found 300 cartridges, some live just lying by a path. They have a black museum in the ranger centre of large mortar and rocket shells, although they are not too sure which ones are live !!!

Anyway, if you have survived follow the grouse butts to Barmings and pick up the 4x4 lane that takes you through two fords, well swollen with all the heavy rain, and follow the Little River Don back to the Langsett car park. The rivers were so swollen on Sunday that they looked like a raging torrent. The Moors for the future project has started with a view to allowing the moors to soak up more of the rain and protect the likes of Sheffield and Oldham. Hopefully this will work, without destroying the country side. You can find out more about the project here..http://www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk/mftf/main/Home.htm

All told a good walk on a very very windy day. A good soak in the tub put the world to rights and my back as I lay there wondering if any of those shells I had my head against were live !!

Howden and Derwent Dams

2009-10-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Ranger Training

2009-10-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

I'm all excited as I have my first pre-visit training for the ranger service this sunday coming. Ranger service is something I have always wanted to do and now that I have time to devote to it I thought I would apply. Much to my amazement I was accepted as a possible candidate.

There is a little trepidation, as although the ranger service provides a huge amount of information I don't quite know what to expect. I will be spending the day with one of the rangers who will be assessing my suitability.

So fingers crossed.

No Ships and No Castle !!!

2009-10-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

After missing out on my first OFC walk yesterday, due to having to visit a smoke salmon factory in Scotland during the week, I was itching to get out and about. I also wanted to visit somewhere I have not been before and secrete a cache for people to find. Caching is not every ones idea of fun I know and it is anorak time. So it's perfect for me. Computers, walking, GPS, maps, treasure, what more could a man want.

I decided on a route above the Derwent Valley. Starting from Fairholmes visitor centre. Just before I set off I remembered that whilst I had made and packed my lunch, I had forgotten to eat breakfast. Can you imagine that. What could I possibly do?? Well, fortunately, the visitor centre has a caff which, surprise, surprise, sells ,tea and more importantly Bacon Sarnies. Of course it would be remiss of me to pass the opportunity up, so I sat for a while looking at the map and comforting myself.

9.30am and still not out of the car park. Won't do at all, so it's off we go.

Leaving the car park, immediately across the road is a path that rises through the tree plantations. I don't know what it is about plantations, but I like walking through them. Care has to be taken at present, as they are carrying out logging operations. The track does not always follow OS, but it does bring you out at the right point. A stile between the woods and a field. I was beaten to the stile by a couple of marauding kids, who then proceeded to count through the other 19 of their mates making 22 in all, plus 4 adults. The young lad, give him credit, stood there counting with a self satisfied grin which he kept aiming at me and my waiting. Once through and calmed down I rose to a further gate and turned left to walk past Lockerbrook Farm. Obviously where the kids had come from. A planning sign notified the passerby of intention to fit a steel chimney for a wood burning stove. So, the little darlings may have been very cold last night. See there is a God!!

Follow the track along until you come to the junction of 4 tracks. Walk back a bit as you have just missed your turning to the right, via the access land sign, that takes you on to Alport Castle, the ultimate destination. Follow this path along the ridge. The weather here was foul, driving rain and wind. I muttered several thoughts about weather forecasters, only to remember this is what they HAD forecast. Eventually after reaching a wall, you reach a paved track along the top of the ridge. Follow this until The Tower comes in to view. A footpath leads down to the Tower. It is well worth a visit, but take care the stones are very slippery.

Alport Castles is a strange and slightly spooky place. Up on the moors, miles from anywhere, it just should not be there. Apparently, this is Englands biggest landslip and you can see why. It is an eerie place, very quiet, with looming rock formations. In the mist it was even more enigmatic.

Tracing the path back up you return whence you came for 5 yards and then take a path off the ridge to your right and follow this down to Alport Farm at the bottom. The views down the valley are breathtaking here, especially with the sun giving a light show through scudding clouds.

Woodlands Valley

On reaching the farm, follow the track along to eventually reach the A 57 Snake Road. Be careful on exiting the stile as you are straight on to the road. Cross here and follow the path around to gain a ford, walk across, it isn't deep and follow the route of the water course down the valley.

You will turn a corner and suddenly be faced with the most unexpected site. A football field complete with goal posts. Heaven knows why or better still who plays here, but it must be one of the most unusual fixtures on a Saturday. Continue on until you reach Rowley Bridge and cross back over the Snake here. Climb past Hagg Farm centre and regain the point where four paths meet. Once here, it is a simple matter of retracing you steps until you reach Fairholmes again and a cup of well earned tea.

This is a lovely walk through some wonderful parts of the high peak estate. Rugged and beautiful, it epitomises all that the National Park should be. If people want details of the walk then let me know and I will send the file through. The total length is 9.5 miles and a good 3.5 hours should see it off.

If you want to know more about the treasure or indeed take part in the hunt then visit the competition page on the wapentac website for more details.

Saturday 3rd October Burbage Edge

2009-10-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

A blustery October weekend brought not only the first real taste of the autumnal cold but also a favourite walk along estate tracks and gritstone edges. The walk starts and finishes in front of Longshaw Lodge on the National Trust Longshaw Estate. With easy access for public transport and parking, this is one of the most popular areas for walking in the peak district national park.

The Longshaw estate has an interesting history, once a shooting lodge, frequented by royalty; it now serves as a focal point for the natural history of the area, with talks and guided tours being carried out throughout the year.

The walk starts by taking you into the depths of the estate by following a well designated path to be found to the left of the lodge and along a ha-ha. This is not a laugh, but a centuries old device for keeping livestock away from the house, whilst maintaining the illusion of a continuous sward of grass. The pasture land in front of you is where the annual Longshaw Sheepdog Trials take place. Continuing on through a gate you cross moor land to reach a road. Turn right and then re-enter the estate taking a path down through marsh land a woods to reach a lane via the back of a house. Walk down this lane and cross the busy Grindleford road at Nether Padley to reach the railway station at Grindleford. The cafe at Grindleford station is somewhat of an institution particularly for its notices telling you what you may or more frequently may not do. Do not be discouraged, the food is cheerful and plentiful and a pint mug of tea is just the order on a blustery day. You can drink your tea whilst watching trains arrive through the Totley Tunnel and why not, you have just spent the last hour or so walking all over it.

Having being refreshed you walk across the road bridge to enter Padley Gorge, first stopping to admire the small chapel, all that remains from a manor house of the 14th century The area more recently was testament to the days when this area was thronging with people working in the local quarries producing the distinctive gritstone grinding wheels for the cutlers in Sheffield. A steep climb up a well made lane brings you into the wooded gorge and what a treat this is. Numerous waterfalls of Burbage Brook tumble down the gorge from your starting point. The area is on of Special Scientific Interest for its flora and fauna so take care where you put your feet. A clear path over rocks and stones leads the way to the top where a small bridge takes you back to the Longshaw. However, we turn left through a deep gully to reach the Sheffield to Hathersage road at Owler Tor.

Whilst here a small detour to the left is rewarded with a breathtaking and unexpected view down the Hope Valley to Castleton. It is no coincidence that this is called Surprise View and certainly seems to be for many speeding motorists.Turn immediately right at Owler Tor and walk across heath land on undefined paths. You may have to pick your way through, but you will also release the smell of heather, which in autumn is wonderful. You are aiming for a well trodden path that takes you up to the iron age fort of Carl Wark, to be seen on the horizon for miles around. A brief climb brings you into the fort and you can spend time wondering what it must have been like back then when this was occupied. If it was anything like today, very windy indeed. Looking up you will see what appears to be another fort on the horizon. This is Higger Tor a natural feature and your next waypoint. Follow the clear path between the two to attain the summit.

Once at the road, ignore footpaths to the right and go straight ahead across the road, more moor land and reaching another road; follow this down until you reach a car park. From the car park walk along the valley bottom until you reach another road, where a footpath to your right takes you through woodland and up a stiff climb to bring you out on Stanage Edge.On reaching the top spend a moment to take in the panorama that is before you, in the distance you can see Mam Tor and beyond the Kinder plateau. Behind the Don and Dearne Valleys of industrial South Yorkshire. To your left, Burbage Edge, Higger Tor, Froggatt and Curbar Edge and in the far distance the Chatsworth Estate.

Stanage Edge Climbers

Turn right heading back towards the Longshaw Estate, soon you will come to the Stanage Pole, a little off the path to your left. It is worth a small detour if only for a sit down and a photo opportunity. Stanage Pole is a marker for the ancient driver’s road that went from Cheshire to Sheffield. Back on to the path this is a simple ridge walk past some beautiful scenery and giving stunning views. You will be joined in the area by a plethora of climbers. This has been a breeding ground for some of the best climbers in the world and continues to be so, although it is strange to see so many walking to the rocks with mattresses on their back!! Keep walking until you pass a trig point and come to a road. Before you is Burbage Edge and below that is the wooded valley that separates the edge from Higger Tor and Carl Wark. To your left is an ice cream van, which is much more important on a hot day, hopefully the van will be selling 99's with a flake.

Take up the trail again along Burbage Edge and follow this until you see the main Sheffield to Hathersage road again. On the way, notice the small but perfectly built stone bridge over Burbage Brook in the valley below, beneath Carl Wark. Now cross the road and regain the Longshaw Estate, taking the rising path through the pasture and arriving back at Longshaw Lodge and the National Trust visitor centre and cafe. If you have timed the walk well, you will be able to sit at the outside tables, drink tea and eat scones and cream, ice cream van permitting!!, whilst gazing out to Higger Tor and Carl Wark.

This is a wonderful walk and can be broken in to several circular routes that would be ideal for families especially those with small children.

On a fine day you will have experienced moor land, heath land, rocks, gorges, waterfalls, ancient history not to mention ice cream, egg and chips and large mugs of tea.

Have a good week all of you.

Walking the Limestone Way

2009-09-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I decided on a whim to walk the Limestone Way, north - south, on my own.

I planned to complete the walk in 4 days which would be an average of 11.5 miles per day. As I have never walked for more than a day before this was quite a challenge for me. I was unsure whether I would be able to maintain the pace, stand the loneliness or even get an evening meal.

I contacted the Matlock tourist information office who kindly sent me the guide book, even though it costs 80p, the lady asked me to drop the money in next time I was in the area. How is that for trust and decency might I add.

The Limestone way runs from Castleton, starting beneath Peveril castle, the castle of Ivanhoe fame, and finishes in Rocester in Staffordshire. I can understand why the walk starts in Castleton, after all this is the heart of limestone country, but for the life of me I cannot see why the walk finishes in Rocester. And, let me say, finishes in a location as remote from limestone as it is from the countryside, but more of that later.

Day 1

Castleton - Flagg

Castleton Market Square

The guide book says this is 12.2 miles in distance but I covered 18.75 due to my own detours to see places of interest, well interest to me anyway!!

Set off from the cross in the market square in Castleton as this has a nice symmetry for the end. After taking the photos and searching out mars bars and a packet of crisps from the shop back on the main road I ventured to the start. This is to be found at the entrance of Cave Dale. The dale itself was quiet mid week, but the usual flotsam and jetsam was evidence of the previous weekends day trippers. The dale itself is an easy stroll up to the top with only very tame or confident sheep for company. Stopping at the top gave wonderful views of Peveril castle and the Hope Valley behind. Across some old mine workings, something which was to become a feature of the walk, and bagging the trig point, you cross a road and head towards Peak Forest. There is no forest here so don't go looking for one, but there is a lot of heavy traffic so be careful crossing the busy A623, then along a metalled road until you reach a track on the right that takes you down to the beautiful Hay Dale. A nature reserve, full of wild flowers, even at this time of year, the dale is quiet and has a gift of solitude. Sit for a while and enjoy what nature has to offer. Another detour to bag another trig at Whetton then onto Peter Dale. Almost immediately you are aware that this dale is a completely different proposition to Hay Dale. In wet weather, this dale must be pure hell. The ground having been mashed by the cattle that inhabit the dale, their feet producing deep cylindrical depressions, just like a pie mold and in to this pie mold they have deposited what cows are famous for. Desperate Dan would be at home here, but not your boots. If you have gaiters, put them on, you will need them. Care and persistence are the watch words and with patience, you can traverse this quagmire. Two thirds of the way down you come out into an open area and look back with relief at the land you have just conquered. But you are too hasty. Along the dale you will have noticed sheep high on the cliff side, watching you, tracking your every movement. They are spies, for the cattle. As soon as some poor naive sap thinks he is free, he turns a corner and there they are. All the cattle have congregated in front of the exit stile and as you approach individual cows emit a torrent of green...... Well, you get the picture. The only way to deal with them is to shout and wave your walking stick, wildly above your head. This produces a parting of the way and the exit is clear for a brief moment.

Two new found friends who helped me eat my lunch.

Be on guard walking through the farmyard towards the bottom of the footpath that leads you to the A6. The collie dog is not for sharing his space and makes it very clear you are to move on and fast.

You exit on to the road and walk up hill to reach a lane that takes you to Millers Dale. Be careful here, because the path brings you out onto the A6, a dangerous road at anytime. You have to walk several hundred yards to your right along the A6 to reach a lane on your left that takes you up and away from the dale. Take extreme care on the A6, the road is fast and winding and has heavy traffic. The aim is to get to Flagg, not the hospital.

Over fields and stiles the trail eventually brings you to Flagg. I stayed at the farm right beside the trail just outside Flagg. I was greeted with a cup of tea and chocolate cake, a nice shower and clean bed, what more could I want. Evening meal perhaps, but no such luck, unless you want to walk in to Monyash, which I didn't. I met a couple, at the B&B who were members of the Disabled Ramblers Club. I never knew such a thing existed, but the lady had the most remarkable all terrain wheel chair with which she could practically go anywhere. The group was to be aided on a walk by the local PD Rangers who arrange walks all over the UK for the group.

Day 2

Flagg - Bonsall

This is 13.1 miles of varied walking over field mainly, pleasant enough, with some fine views.

Bradford Dale

After what can only be described as one of the best breakfasts I have ever had, I set of for Monyash. A pretty village with a nice pub and cafe. The mornings walk leads over fields to eventually drop to Bradford Dale. This is pure England. The England of trout streams and clear water and stone bridges and the sense of being in the past. Take your time walking through the dale, it is worth it. Sit and watch trout maneuver to catch the food passing by, watch the dragonflies skim across the water and the dippers zipping here and there. It is beautiful.

The trail eventually brings you out at the bottom of the dale and you cross the road to start to climb up to the brow you can see on the horizon. Take care here as the signposts are sparse, so use map and compass to ensure you are on the right path. It is an interesting section, with stone circles, hermits caves and strange rock formations. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, it will soon end!!! The section between Elton and Bonsall, is a slog. over rubble strewn land, stiles and rutted paths. Eventually it brings you to Bonsall, but most people will carry on for a night out on the town in Matlock. I did and it was a night of two halves. The trail ejects right in to the middle of the town, near to the park and an Ice cream van. Have a 99, with flake and sit in the park and enjoy the flowers. Whilst there, take a look in the tourist information centre, lovely people, now 80p the better off. The least said about the accommodation the better, suffice to say, avoid anything with the word, "school", in the title. Ditto for the breakfast.

Day 3

Bonsall - Thorpe

This is a lovely days walk of 11.5 miles over pasture, past rock escarpments and through some of the loveliest villages in the White Peak.

The stretch from Bonsall to Parwich takes you through isolated villages often medieval in origin and full of interesting things to see. Including the 12 apostles, 12 water troughs side by side, the last on having a lid for human consumption. A medieval farmstead, still working with the best stone pig styes I have ever seen and to the left a grotto to the mother Mary and Christ. Strange things indeed to see in a farmyard, but isn't that one of the reasons we walk.

Continue on towards Parwich and stop for lunch at the pub. This also has a shop which is pretty unique and a good idea. The church is well worth a visit especially the inside.

Tissington Church

Carry one across fields and the Tissington Trail to reach the village of Tissington itself. The trail brings you through the church yard of Tissington Church. Spend sometime looking inside if only to cool off in the midday sun. It is a short walk then over fields to Thorpe where the more adventurous or healthy or stupid, depending upon your point of view can climb the conical hill at the foot of the dale. I didn't. But I did continue on to Ilam and then on up the manifold Valley to Throwley Hall. It is sometime since I have visited this part of the world, but I was blessed by the great walker himself and rewarded with a walk up a lonely valley in the evening sun, all reds and yellows and warmth. Walking really is worth it. Throwley Hall put on tea and scones a big bedroom and a bathroom. How about that a bath to lay in and not a shower to hurry out of, pure luxury.

Day 4

Thorpe to Rocester

Length of walk 9.2 miles.

The early part of the morning is spent walking by the river Dove and then up and over the hills to pasture land. It is a pleasant walk, again meeting a busy road, the A52, so care has to be taken. You have left Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park and are now guests of Staffordshire County Council and the local land owners. It shows. Stiles are covered in holly bushes, broken or in such a state of dis-repair they are dangerous to mount, one actually collapsed as I climbed over it. Way marks and posts are either none existent, hidden in hedgerows or have been removed. The use of map and compass is paramount here. There are numerous signs telling the walker to take alternative routes, all hand written and giving directions to none existing field exits. In short you feel unwanted and unloved here. After walking through fields you eventually pick up the river Dove again and will probably see fly fisherman in the river, if you stop and talk they will most likely ask if you want to have a go, they did me. How lucky can a man get?

Eventually the giant JCB plant comes into view and a new ring road system. The trail avoids this and leads you through fields to bring you to the end of you quest in a council estate on the outskirts of this small town. A church yard a little way along, brings a natural end to this trail.

Rocester Church

So there you have it my first Long Distance Footpath. What have I learned. Well, pack well and lightly. What you think you need is not necessarily what you are going to use. Clothes are invaluable, but other things could be left behind. Stick to the route. I eventually walked 62 miles because I went off the route to look at other things. This is OK if you have the time, but on a schedule can add unnecessary pressures. Plan the route well and always take the maps, compass and GPS. Also plan well in advance so that accommodation can be booked in the places nearest the stops. I walked at least 10 miles extra because I had left it late to book B&B and so had to search out far away places. Take your time, add days to the walk rather than miles. Much better to walk 10 miles and enjoy what is around you than walk 18 miles and have to scoot along. Baths are good, better than showers. Walking for me meant food was not such an issue, I don't know why this is, but a good breakfast set me up for the day, then snacks and plenty of water kept me going.

As for the Limestone Way, it is a beautiful walk through some of the finest Peak District scenery, but it could be made much better. The road sections, particularly the A6 could and should be removed and replaced with a new route. These are not attractive parts, but more importantly they are dangerous and extreme care has to be taken.

The route also misses out some wonderful villages and I cannot for the life of me work out why this is. Winster, Youlgreave, Taddington are all bypassed and Ilam is never reached. This removes a very important aspect of the area and denies the trail walkers the experience of these archetypal villages.

The most important failings of the trail in my mind is the finish point. The start is in Castleton, in a limestone gorge, under a Norman castle deep in Limestone country. The very essence of the Limestone Way. The end finishes in a council estate bordering an industrial complex in an area that clearly does not cater for walkers. The better end would be Ilam country park. A beautiful national trust property, with a youth hostel, picture postcard village and the birthplace of angling on the river dove. This is without doubt where the Limestone Way should end.

Having said all of the above, I did enjoy my time and will make further forays into the Long Distance Footpath world. The trail showed me parts of the Peak district I have never seen and will re-visit. As a first LDFP it is a good introduction and a newcomer, like me, can get the feel of walking unaided for consecutive days alone.

For me I prefer to walk these walks alone, I then have only me to worry about and cater for. All in all I had a good time and if anyone wants the GPS file they are quite welcome to it.

If you have got this far I am impressed and have to thank you for your patience and kindness.

Take care.