THE RESERVOIRS AND ALPORT CASTLES

A bit of a trek this week because the road beyond Fairholmes is closed (with a big enough sign to see) so we can't do a 2 car walk (cuts out a good 2 or 3 miles of road walking) but we are psyched up for Alport Castles and nothing will stop us.

What is surprising - no, shocking - is the level of the reservoirs. We cannot recall ever seeing them so low with the Derwent branch of Ladybower reduced to a small meandering river. The muddy reservoir bottom is green with new growth. Worrying.

It's a lovely day so there are a lot of people about, but once we get past the dam we start to lose people. Soon it is, more or less, just us and a few lumber lorries.

Despite it being a bit of trudge along the road it is still lovely to be out, enjoying the views and catching up.

We are closing in to the western tip of Howden reservoir when a couple walking towards us announce that we can't carry on because the road is closed! Yes, we know, but we're going over the top we tell them. The couple carry on back along the road towards Fairholmes, clearly not interested in an alternative.

We check the lumber maps fastened to the gate just to make sure we will be away from the logging operations, then set off again off-road. The path up to Alport Castles starts off pretty steeply - time to remove a jacket or two.

We come out on the moors and the views are superb, and get better as we climb. We (or rather I) spend a bit of time getting overenthusiastic with the geology, but PC is hungry so we head on uphill. We don't like stopping to eat until the climb is over - it always seems harder walking uphill after lunch!

Then we make it, the superb views of the Castles in front of us. We settle down where the ground has conveniently slipped and made us a 'bench' and we enjoy lunch and coffee and wonderful chocolate cream scones (yes, sound awful, taste scrumptious) and an amazing view. A couple more walkers are about, but not enough to disturb the peace.

We spend a while here, it is worth staying as long as possible, then we set off again over the gently undulating hill top and heading back towards the reservoirs.

It is a long walk, but an easy one, and once we reach the Hollowford track we know we don't have far to go. 

Oft trod ground under our feet we take the familiar route alongside the woods then down the bridleway that brings us out next to the cattlegrid. Only a short amble at the side of the much diminished reservoir and we are back at the cars. A lot of others have gone but it is still a beautiful late afternoon, and the last before the clocks change. We are so pleased to have made the most of day.

GRINDSBROOK HORSESHOE IN REVERSE

We have always said we would never climb up Grindslow from Edale because it is so steep. We have always gone the other way which never seemed to be quite so intimidating.

But this time we decided to go for it, despite not having walked for ages. If we collapse en route we have only ourselves to blame.

 

Yes, steep and rocky, but what a revelation. Not only is it good to see the views that are usually behind us, but we did the ascent without any drama or problems whatsoever. Perhaps we are a lot fitter than we give ourselves credit for.

On the top it was blowing a hooley so we kept away from the edge as we skirted to the top of Grindsbrook. Our intention was to find somewhere for lunch, preferably out of the wind. A tall order.

Circuiting around the head of  Grindsbrook and looking down the valley is spectacular, and we managed to find a picnic spot for lunch, coffee and homemade apple cake. Does everyone have an absolute glut of apples this year?

Then it was the long but pleasant amble around the eastern side of the horseshoe.

The downward part always seems the worst wherever we are and this rubbly section needed care, but once past it was easy on the way after. Why did we think that going up the other way would be so difficult, it is certainly steeper than this bit but shorter so it is over and done with quicker.

We have taken our time, allowing ourselves to enjoy the views and catch-up on much gossip. But we have timed it perfectly, the clear day breaks into rain just as we are on the final stretch to the car park. A brilliant day out after too long away from the hills.

LOCKERBROOK

What started out as a gentle wander along the upper part of Derwent turned into an ascent to Lockerbrook and again, another post with sparse writing but some fantastic photos.

Summer has taken its toll and the reservoir is pretty low.

Mollie feeling the heat.

A split in the path where we helped to redirect a rather confused cyclist relying on his phone's GPS. All that scrolling - no thanks, proper maps for us.

The final descent with good views across to Derwent Edge.

LATE HOT-CROSS BUNS IN LATHKILLDALE

We had planned to draw a line under these walks and not post them, due to my being unable to get the writing done, but the photos are so nice that I decided to do a very abridged commentary and let the pictures speak for themselves.

Verdant scenes with a lot of lush green growth.

Plenty of water and the perfect spot for an early lunch.

With scrummy bun.

Wonderful views of the rocks before we decided to make a circuit of it which vastly increased the length of the walk, and the speed at which we went! Perhaps allow a little more time next time.

ELEPHANTS' FEET ON DERWENT EDGE

As you will see from the photos, this walk was some time ago. Events have conspired against me so although PC put up the pictures, I haven't been able to post the words. So, all in all, this is going to be more of a slide show than anything else.

Although we often return to Derwent we hadn't walked there for a while and this seemed to be a hard walk on a hot day. Whether it was the weather, or our lack of fitness has not been determined.

We went up onto the Edge from the bridge, and the daffodils were blooming lovely.

And the views spectacular, though a little hazy in the bright sun.

New lambs being carefully watched.

The Edge looking dry.

And the buns looking (and tasting) wonderful.

And Mollie looking as tired as we felt.

TO BAKEWELL AND BACK AGAIN

Very late in posting details of our last couple of walks. Too much has been going on, PC managed to get the photos up in good time but I have been remiss - so apologies.

As you can see from the photos it was a while ago, with the trees yet to burst into leaf and no sign of the sun.

We parked up in Bakewell Station car park which gives easy access onto the Monsal Trail. And for starters we had a quick sample of Moonshine (I know, I know - but this is a pre-birthday walk) then, suitably warmed, we head onto the trail.

Quite busy today, it is an easy stretch to reach, and a few dogs about, but Mollie is happy to be able to go off the lead for a while.

It's snowdrop time and there are many clumps and clusters along the sides of the old railway.

Once we pass Hassop Station where a lot of people park up to ride their bikes, and there's a nice cafe, we look for the uphill footpath on our left.

Through the gate and start climbing, and we leave everyone behind. This is a good path to circuit back towards Bakewell but it doesn't seem to be too popular.

It rises, then levels, then starts to go downhill (where we do see a group of walkers) but we find ourselves a sheltered spot (next to a sinkhole) for lunch.

A glass of fizz, sandwiches and fresh cream strawberry tarts. Perfect. 

And since this isn't a particularly rush day, or long day, or long walk, we linger and chatter rather than getting a move on.

But it is a bit chilly, so eventually we get going.

The path crosses a grassy field, goes through a copse and comes out almost opposite a smaller, less famous Bakewell Bridge. And the sun almost shines too.

But our route isn't over the bridge, rather along the side of the River Wye across the old flood plains, then up lane back to the station and our cars.

TUNNELS IN THE RAIN

Thwarted by the weather again! We had a walk planned, but the weather forecast was so dire that we opted for a quick change of plan that might - hopefully - keep us a little drier.

We meet up on the road at Monsal Head. It's a familiar enough spot for us, and today it isn't too busy. Hardly surprising. There is a river running down the edge of the road with more rain to come.

Because of the weather we have decided to do the Monsal Trail (yes, again) with the expectation that we will at least be sheltered in the tunnels and can seek refuge there if it gets particularly bad.

We drop down from Monsal Head, pause to admire the crinoid fossils in the limestone 'steps', then reach the level trail and set off, plenty to talk about means that we are well and truly occupied, and the easy going underfoot means we aren't having to be on our guard.

There aren't many others out today. A few random cyclists, joggers and dog walkers. The tunnels are, as expected, cold, dank and dark. Quite eerie in an echoing, hollow way, with the far end rarely in sight as we enter.

At the Litton Mill railway cutting we notice an information board on our left. To our great interest it explains the formation of the Pillow Lava in the face in front. Pillow Lava isn't that common in the UK and this is a good place to see it. For anyone interested in the geology, below is more information with the Litton details are on page 11 of the pdf and a good photo on page 12. http://geology.malvernu3a.org.uk/walks/2016/Cecs%20geological%20excursions/PILLOW%20LAVAS.pdf

The rain starts to come down heavier now, and we are getting ready for something to eat, but we aren't to far away from the Millers Dale Station, so decide to press on in the hope of somewhere dry to sit.

As we reach the bridge over the road we notice, on our left, large lime kilns. However, lunch is a more tantalising prospect than exploration, so we cross the bridge and approach the station where there are toilets, benches to sit on but, alas, no shelter.

However, the rain seems to be coming in fits and starts, so we find a bench next to the station wall and settle down to eat. Coffee is essential, and we are soon warmed through. Sandwiches/salad are quickly eaten but the buns are worth savouring and are magnificent. PC has done us proud. Tarts filled with tangy lemon 'custard' and topped with fresh raspberries. They lift the gloomy day into something special.

Once the buns are devoured, and the coffee finished, it is time to head back. Alternative routes are awash with rain and mud so it is just a case of retracing our steps. And as is so often the case, the journey back seems to be shorter and take less time than the journey out. Even the steep climb from the trail to the head doesn't take us long. 

The rain hasn't been quite as bad as we had been led to believe (so much for hour  by hour forecasts!) so we have been able to enjoy the walk, and make new discoveries along the way.