Again we opt for a familiar parking spot which is quite busy, although it is the school holidays and looking like it is going to be a good day.
With the sun shining we set off down the main road; a bit of a trial with only a narrow path at the side of the A57 to keep us out of the path of the hurtling traffic, but we soon make it to the crossing place at Cutthroat Bridge.
We go through the gate at the side of the bridge and the first thing we notice is the amount of rubbish dumped next to Ladybower Brook. Plastic boxes, bags, all sorts. Some people don't deserve to come into the countryside.
We go up the rocky path then drop down to the so-called ford over the fast flowing water of Highshaw Clough. Mollie leaps back and forth a few times before we find some stones to cross over dry-shod, then we climb up the short slope and onto the path that runs parallel with the main road.
There is an old waymarker stone on this path (mentioned on a previous post), just after the rather high ladder stile, that indicates that this was once the main route from Sheffield.
Now there are just fields and sheep, and a few walkers like ourselves and the couple behind us with their two dogs. The sheep are not impressed.
Before the path meets Moscar House we turn left (fortunately through the gate, the stone stile looks a bit too intimidating) and start the long but fairly gentle climb up onto the moor and the access land.
There are wonderful far-reaching views here, and we are making such good time that we decide to find a boulder and stop for a coffee. And a nip from the secret flask. Today's treat: vanilla vodka.
We debate staying around for lunch, we are in a lovely spot with the sun shining down on us, but we decide to move on and lunch later.
It's a steady walk up the hill and there are quite a few people about though, fortunately, not too many. There are grouse aplenty though, clearly the shooters haven't had them all. The grouse butts are fenced off which is a shame, in poor weather they do provide a handy refuge for walkers.
We reach the top south of the Wheel Stones where there is a signpost and a choice of routes. Instead we step forward a little way to enjoy the splendid views of the Derwent Valley and Ladybower.
Even as we walk along the ridge the views are still superb, although the weather is starting to close in a little.
Lunch beckons so we take a narrow track off towards the Hurkling Stones. There's quite a brisk breeze blowing now and it will be good to eat out of the wind.
We settle down with sandwiches, coffee and today's bun: apple and cinnamon muffins. They are very big and one of my favourites, but I bought them yesterday and they are better fresh. But they still go down well, and Mollie enjoys finishing off the crumbs.
By the time we have finished it is starting to look a bit grim and we suspect the odd flake of snow to be blowing on the wind. We descend down to Whinstone Lee Tor and take the left hand path back along the moor.
This always tends to get muddy, especially down nearer its bottom reaches, and today is no exception. We meet a small group who make a great fuss of Mollie, which she loves, then we are off again, glad not to be just setting out as they are.
We retrace our steps down to Cutthroat Bridge and across the road as the clouds gather. By the time we get to the cars there is a very fine drizzle falling, not enough to soak you through but enough to make it unpleasant, especially when coupled with the wind. So we are feeling pretty smug that we have missed it and enjoyed a largely clear and sunny walk.
We have been terribly remiss lately and this, early in February, is our first walk of the year. Family and weather have been against us whenever we have hoped to get out so despite the murkiness of the day we are quite determined.
The fog is blanketing a huge area today and both of us find the driving conditions quite a challenge. Eventually we manage to find each other and park at the side of the A57 next to Ladybower. Because of the weather we are realistic enough to rule out anything more adventurous than a stroll around the reservoir, but it is still good to be out.
The walk is too familiar and too well documented on our blog to make it necessary to record it in detail, but suffice to say that the path on the side of the reservoir is still under snow and ice which makes walking quite tricky in places. The fog makes the landscape seem very Arthurian and you could half imagine a hand grasping Excalibur sinking beneath the water.
Such imaginings keep us amused, along with an almost constant dialogue as so much has been happening since we last saw each other.
It is a relief to reach Fairholmes where the ducks cluster around the café and the ground isn't frozen sheets of ice. We decide not to stop here for lunch (although we are tempted) but carry on around the reservoir. By now the fog is clearing and on the other 'sunny' side of the water it is hard to believe that the morning has been so murky.
We see the first snowdrops pushing their way up to the light, and a number of Canada geese. There are a few walkers, but not many.
Eventually we find a bench to sit on, much further than we had intended, and prepare for a late lunch accompanied by two hopeful ducks. We have a nip of Ramblers to warm us up, then some spiced vanilla coffee before our sandwiches. The female duck takes exception to our not feeding her and actually flies up to try to grab food as we eat. She is shooed off but returns and keeps eyeing us hopefully.
Bun today is the wonderful spice apple fresh cream muffins. They are a winter speciality so it makes sense to have them while they are available. Suitably fed we drink a second coffee and linger, despite the chill, as we don't have far to go now.
At last, though, it becomes too cold to sit for much longer so we set off for the last stretch to the cars. It is surprising how clear the skies are now, although there are some darker clouds hovering on the horizon and we still have time to have a chat in our cars before heading home.
