My Walking Journeys

Exploring Robin Hood Country Along the River Trent | Walking Blog

Jul 3rd, 2024

Hello and Welcome back to my blog 😊.

Yesterday I met up with Mick and Chris and we did a 9.5 mile Three Amigo walk in Robin Hood country. We met close to the bridge at Gunthorpe, near Nottingham. Chris was last arrival again, despite a good effort 😊. Better luck next time Chris!

Gunthorpe bridge over the river Trent

Robin Hood country

Our circular route would take us along the banks of the river Trent then we headed past the gravel pits near Hoveringham, through the village of Caythorpe and back to Gunthorpe.

I was pleased that I was feeling no ill-effects following my 27.5 mile walk on Saturday. Myself and Mick had done this walk before but it was new for Chris. We had avoided it all year because the rain had flooded the river and the banks for a good part of the year.

We set off passing the impressive lock at Gunthorpe along The Trent Valley Way.

Gunthorpe Lock

Heading along the grassed bank by the river it was a cloudy morning and we did get the odd spot of rain but it never amounted to much.

We passed friendly young cows and a cute lamb posed for a photo.

The cute lamb

Heading along the riverbank

We stopped for a cuppa at memorials for the crew of a couple of crashed Lancaster bombers. RAF Syerston is quite close. They crashed on 12th Jan 1945 and 29th Jan 1945- so close to the end of the war. Chris later did some research and found this information https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/155608

There were plenty of native geese on the river which was nice to see.

Geese on the river

A very quiet barge slipped past us gliding down the river – it must have been powered by battery we thought.

Quite unexpectedly we passed some lovely roses in a garden on the river bank which looked in much better shape than mine!

A nice show of roses

The Three Amigos were chatting about Robin Hood – did he exist in reality and what was his story. Follow the link to find out more. https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Robin-Hood/

Another topic of conversation on the day was 70’s comedians ( remember the tv program ‘The wheel tappers and shunters club’? Classic British comedy🤣).

After leaving the river side we passed across fields and arrived at a lovely old mill building by a ford – Hoveringham Mill.

Crossing the ford

Hoveringham Mill

Walking past a couple of goats, that took no notice of us, we continued along pleased to find that a long path diversion that had been in place the last time we walked this route was now lifted.

We continued along the banks of a dyke taking us into the village of Caythorpe. The clouds were looking ominous.

Caythorpe is a quaint little village. I enjoyed looking at the nice cottages.

Soon we were heading across more fields bringing back into Gunthorpe and the end of our walk. It had been a nice walk and thankfully the rain held off.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Grantham Canal Sponsored Walk: 27.5 Miles Challenge and Restoration Fundraiser

Jun 30th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Yesterday was the sponsored walk along the Grantham Canal from Tollerton Lane Bridge to Woolsthorpe Depot 27.5 miles. It was a cracking day out.

The day began at 05:00 with an early breakfast and final check of my walking kit. Angela then drove us to Woolsthorpe Depot where we picked up fellow walker Anthony and headed, via the back roads, to our meeting point at Tollerton Bridge. (Our planned route via the A52 was unavailable due to a helpful road closure in place).

At 07:00 at Tollerton Lane Bridge we met the other walkers – from Greenfields Countryside Ltd. The Company had organised the walk to raise funds for the Grantham Canal restoration.

The walkers at the start of the walk

The sun was shining but there was a chill in the air as we set off along the canal. The walk had two planned stops ( 8 mile and 17 mile) where we would meet the Grantham Canal Society caravan and cold drinks, cakes, teas would be dispensed 😊.

Just leaving Tollerton Lane bridge

The youngsters in the group set off at a fast pace, 3.2 mph – I wondered whether we would have a case of the hare and the tortoise. The towpath was built of solid material and it was easy walking at this stage.

The group headed for Cropwell Bishop Country Park

As we approached Cropwell Bishop Country Park a couple of Rangers from The Grantham Canal Society were stationed to warn us of approaching traffic from a blind bend on the road. After crossing they cheered us onwards.

Skinners Lock keepers cottage Cropwell Bishop Country Park

It felt like a surprisingly short time before we arrived at our first planned stop.

Arriving at our first stop

After cold drinks, a butty and delicious cake I set off for leg 2- our next stop would be after further 9 miles near Dove Cottage, Harby.

Soon we were passing through the dry section of canal.

Oldblokewalking by a dry section of the canal

I was lucky walking with Anthony who has been a volunteer on the canal for almost a decade. He has a wealth of knowledge to impart and was proud to point out areas / projects where he had worked.

We came across a fallen tree which we had to limbo under.

Arriving at Hickling Basin the sun was strong but we were doing great.

Leaving Hickling basin on good towpath

Oldblokewalking at Clarkes Bridge

We had a short stop just past Bridge 37 and waited for everyone to re-group.

As I met people along the route I stopped to chat to them and explain why we were walking along the canal. I enjoyed these chats but unfortunately it did mean that I had to work hard to catch up with the group!

I was ready for a cold drink by the time we arrived at our stop near Dove Cottage . We were surprised when The Red Arrows flew past – always impressive to see.

Screenshot

Planned Stop 2

Planned Stop 2 near Dove Cottage

At this stage we knew the hard bit was to come. The towpath was grassed and overgrown which would make the walking harder.

Leaving our second stop

I was bitten by a horse fly which seemed abundant in this final section. One of the walkers dropped out due to a very bad blister. Other walkers were feeling the strain. Thankfully, I was doing ok

I saw a walker coming towards us that looked familiar – it was Angela 😊and a sight for sore eyes. A boost to keep us going on the final few miles.

I witnessed people digging deep to finish even though they were suffering. I received phone calls from folk checking on our progress – all was good. This final section was a tough one.

As we walked the the last half mile towards the depot at Woolsthorpe (our destination) we heard cheering and clapping from the canal side – Those younger hares had beaten the tortoises on this occasion but they were cheering us on – they knew how tough it had been.

The tortoises arrive at the depot

Walking down the lane into the depot we received more rapturous applause – I found it very moving.

A BBQ awaited us and a cold drink. I noticed that quite a few of the young walkers were limping around and had their boots off. Yes, I thought, it HAD been a tough walk.

The group celebrates at the end of the walk with support crew

It had been an amazing day out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and helped towards raising £1500 for the restoration of the canal.

Happy Walking! 🚶‍♂️😊
Beautiful 8-Mile Circular Walk from Barnby in The Willows, Nottinghamshire.

Jun 26th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today’s walk by the Three Amigos was an 8-mile circular walk from the Nottinghamshire village, with the wonderful name of Barnby in the Willows.

Our walk would take us across the county border into Lincolnshire passing Fenton, Stubton and Claypole.

It was a misty start to the day that had been forecast to be the hottest of the year so far – it didn’t take long before the temperature started to rise. We had all come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen.

I took great delight in pointing out to Chris that he was last to the meeting point again. Its the simple pleasures in life that give satisfaction 😊.

We began our walk from All Saints church passing through the cemetery and crossing a bridge over the river Witham into open farmland.

All Saints Church in Barnby in The Willows

Crossing the River Witham

Mick and Chris following a well mowed path with cloudy sky overhead

It was a cloudy start to our walk as we followed a recently mowed path that took us to Fenton Village. After a friendly quick chat to one of the locals, who was interested in our walk, we headed towards Stubton.

Chris and Mick On the way to Stubton

Our walk would take us across many fields, most of which had good pathways across.

Nicely drilled crop

We passed by a large bird box- maybe for Owls?

Our conversation at this point was covering why the England football teams performance consistently disappoints, the lack of credible choice in our impending General Election and why our water pollution is out of control while water companies pay shareholders large dividends. All frustratingly annoying issues but good for a natter 😊. The miles slipped easily past.

Walking along a road towards Stubton we wondered what the spheres attached to overhead power lines were for – turns out they are for the safety of low flying aircraft!

Spheres on overhead power lines

We passed Stubton Hall just before the village- a very impressive looking hotel, and then took a footpath across numerous fields towards Claypole.

Stubton Hall

Some of the grass fields had just been mowed and it was surprisingly difficult walking through them. They reminded me of earlier in the week when I was volunteering by the Grantham Canal and making mini haystacks by lock 18.

Me hard at work!

mini haystacks by lock 18

We were looking for somewhere to take a break as we were 6 miles into our walk and it was getting close to midday. Crossing the East Coast mainline railway line we found a nice sheltered spot to sit and take a breather. The expression ‘Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun’ sprung to mind.

East Coast mainline train

A nice shady spot for a break

After our break we took a circuitous route passing Claypole community park which looked a great facility, and crossed the railway line again at a different point to head on a bridleway towards Barnby in The Willows.

Nice Blue Sky

The bridleway disappeared after a while and we were then crossing bean fields. I think we were all loving the walk and in particular the beautiful weather – its been a long wait for it to arrive! A memory to store away for those long cold winter days ahead.

We arrived at the river Witham and followed that back to the bridge that led to the church yard that we had left from.

Walking along the bank of the river Witham

It had been a wonderful walk, in beautiful weather, with great company – what more could you want?

I am really looking forward to the 26 mile sponsored walk that I am taking part in this Saturday to raise funds to help restore The Grantham Canal. It will be a challenge but I suspect it will be immensely enjoyable. Look out for that blog!

Happy Walking 😊🚶‍♂️
Exploring Grantham Canal and Denton Reservoir: A Summer Walking Adventure

Jun 23rd, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Summer has finally arrived and I was looking forward to going out walking early this morning on a familiar 8-mile circular route taking in The Grantham Canal, Denton Reservoir and the old Ironstone Railway track.

Lock 17

I parked on the road next to The Dirty Duck pub at Woolsthorpe by Belvoir and set off following the towpath past locks 17 & 18. The Grantham Canal Society ‘Three Shires’ cruise boat was moored close to lock 18.

Lock 18

The Three Shires Cruise boat

The sun was warm on my face and the towpath was clear – wonderful!

I was soon passing under Longmoor bridge which is a fine example of a skew bridge – the bridge does not sit at 90 degrees to the canal and the brick courses under the arch are skewed which gives the bridge greater strength. There are also slots in the roof to allow bats to roost.

Longmoor bridge – a skewed bridge.

Next up was my favourite bridge along the canal- the Casthorpe bridle bridge. I think I like it because it reminds me of the Mathematical Bridge at Cambridge.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_Bridge

Casthorpe bridle bridge

The Mathematical Bridge, Queens college Cambridge

As I walked further along I spotted a ‘weed-berg’ floating on the surface of the canal – these could get wrapped around the prop of a canal boat and are best avoided.

A ‘weed-berg’ in the canal

I passed four groups of Duke of Edinburgh award students navigating their way along the canal.

As I neared Harlaxton the vegetation along the towpath was crowding in and the sense of openness I had felt earlier on the walk disappeared.

I left the canal at Harlaxton bridge, peering into the murky waters of the canal as I crossed.

The canal at Harlaxton

A nice walk across fields (I remember the same fields in spring being sodden with mud) brought me to the open expanse of Denton Reservoir – built to supply water (it has a capacity of 60 million gallons) to the canal.

Denton Reservoir

I sat for a break taking in the quiet and the view. Anglers could be seen dotted around the outside of the reservoir.

An angler reeling in his catch

Leaving the reservoir I passed through the village of Denton and headed up the road to pick up the dismantled track of the former Ironstone railway by a bridge.

My access from the road to the old railway track

It was a nice walk along the track, partially in the shade and no one to be seen.

The old Ironstone railway track

Passing through the support pillars of a dismantled railway bridge I picked up the Viking Way which brought me back to the canal.

A short walk along the canal brought me back to the car and the end of todays walk.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Discovering Grantham Canal: A 12-Mile Solo Walk

Jun 14th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

My solo walk today was 12 miles along the Grantham Canal (currently being restored by The Grantham Canal Society). I parked my car near the canal at Dove Cottage and planned to walk towards Hickling. As you will see, things didn’t go as planned.

It was a fine June morning, but on the chilly side, as I set off along the canal just after 08:00.

View along the canal from the road bridge at Dove Cottage

Last week I had walked east from Dove Cottage so today I was walking west. This section of the canal is full of weeds and reeds. So much so, that you cannot see the water.

There was a breeze and, as I was walking, I could hear the reeds moving with the wind – this, I find quite relaxing. The wildfowl living in the reeds were quite vocal as I passed – no doubt signalling to others that there is an intruder in their area.

I saw a field where the grass had been cut and bailed up already. That’s early I thought to myself.

I passed a quaint little pedestrian bridge spanning the banks across the canal. I do like a nice bridge! There are 69 bridges along the length of the 33-mile Grantham to Nottingham canal.

The grass on the towpath was definitely in need of a trim – hopefully soon!

Towpath in need of a trim

Continuing along the towpath I passed old Harby Mill warehouse- still standing proudly beside the canal.

Harby Mill

Just pass the old warehouse I spotted Azolla on the surface of the canal. Azolla is a rapid growing water fern that can reduce light and oxygen levels in the canal harming fish and other wildlife.

Azolla on the canal

More Azolla

Canal and River Trust can combat the Azolla by adding weevils to the canal. The weevils breed to produce large populations which feed on the Azolla https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/weevils-help-in-battle-against-water-weed

I continued along the towpath and saw a pair of swans, complete with their large new family, directly in my path.

I slowed down admiring the little cygnets. The male Swan started to hiss at me and fluff up his wings. Naturally he was protecting his family. I had a decision to make – do I press on and upset the Swans or about turn and finish my walk going in the opposite direction?

I decided to leave the Swans in peace and turned around 😊. I wondered whether they were on the towpath because the surface of the canal was coated with Azolla.

Metal mile markers on the towpath marked the distance from the river Trent.

I passed under an old disused railway bridge that is being reclaimed by nature.

The bridge was from the former Bingham to Melton Mowbray line as this writing on the bridge testified.

I enjoyed the remainder of my walk. I hardly met a soul along the way today.

The 29th June, when I am taking part in a 26-mile sponsored walk along the canal, is zooming up quickly. I have my fingers crossed that it will not be raining on the day. It should be a memorable walk. Hopefully it will be the subject of a future blog.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Scenic Lincoln Circular Walk: Cathedral, River Witham, and Common Views

Jun 11th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning myself and Chris met up in Bracebridge Heath, near Lincoln and we enjoyed a 9 mile circular walk that gave fine views of Lincoln followed by a scenic perambulation along the river Witham. Amigo Mick was not on this walk so it was a ‘Two Amigo’ walk today. Chris was keen as mustard for the walk because, for the first time ever, he was first to the meeting point!!

Leaving the car park we walked through a housing estate to reach a field where we started to get fine views.

View over Lincoln

Following our route we found that a landslip had taken away our path so we checked our maps and found a detour. Crossing the A607 we entered a field containing beans and followed that around until we could drop down on to our intended path. My legs got very wet from the long grass on this path.

The path by the bean field

We had arrived on a path above South Common and were rewarded with lovely views of the Common and Lincoln Cathedral sat majestically on the hill. https://lincolncathedral.com/

South Common

Lincoln Cathedral

The cathedral is very impressive and well worth a visit. Lincoln is a historic and beautiful city. We could see the Keep of Lincoln castle situated close to the cathedral.

We passed the International Bomber Command Centre. We didn’t visit today, but I had visited earlier in the month – hence the photos below. https://internationalbcc.co.uk/.

The IBCC – the sculpture represents the food drops that were carried out in post war Germany .

Memorial spire and wall of names

View from the base of the Spire looking upwards.

After passing IBCC we headed downhill towards South Common.

Chris on South Common

Looking back we could see the Spire on top of the escarpment.

Chris informed me that the height of the Spire was the same as the wing span of a Lancaster bomber!

Horses were grazing on the common which is a lovely open space.

Horses grazing on the Common

South Common

We passed across a bridge over the site of an old railway line – I said to Chris that it was the Melton Mowbray line (most old railway lines seem to me to pass through Melton Mowbray) but Chris did some research and found that it was, in fact, the Lincoln to Honington line!

We saw a handy bench and stopped for a cuppa. Refreshed we found our way to a drainage dyke that led us to the river Witham.

Chris viewing the drainage dyke

At the weekend myself and Angela had visited Easton Walled gardens which is about 5 miles from the source of the river Witham. The river runs through the gardens under a lovely ornamental bridge. It was coincidental that I was by the Witham again today.

The river Witham in Easton Walled gardens- 5 miles from its source

Easton Walled Gardens

After a short walk by the dyke we met the river Witham and followed the path for about 2.5 miles.

river Witham

Chris walking on the river bank

We passed a factory and a passer-by informed us that it is a Walkers crisps factory (that makes Quavers apparently).

Walkers Crisps factory

We stopped for another break at this bridge

River Witham in the background

As we were walking along the river we were deep in conversation about the SAS when I suddenly realised that there was no longer a river – we had missed our turning and were following a drain! Oops. We back tracked to pick up the river – I don’t think we would make the navigation grade for the SAS! It was a funny moment.

Crossing another bridge, further on past the sewage works, we walked through an urban area to pick up a path that led back up the escarpment.

Our path back to the escarpment

As we neared the hilly section Chris set off like a rat up a drainpipe and whizzed up the hill.

Reaching the top it was a flat walk along the escarpment back to the cars enjoying the distant views along the way.

It was a good and enjoyable walk today.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Conditioning for 26-mile Sponsored Walk along the Grantham Canal

Jun 7th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

It was sunny but on the chilly side this morning as I set off on an 18 mile walk along The Grantham Canal. I would be doing a ‘there and back’ starting in Woolsthorpe- by- Belvoir and going to Dove Cottage Tea rooms near Harby.

A canal view today

Why did I walk 18 miles? -you might well ask. Well, on the 29th June I am taking part in a 26 mile sponsored walk along the canal, from Gamston to the Grantham Canal Society depot at Woolsthorpe, in order to raise funds for the Society. http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/granthamcanalsociety

The Grantham Canal runs 33 miles from Grantham to the river Trent in Nottingham. With the coming of the railways, sadly, the canal fell into disuse. The canal is gradually being restored by The Grantham Canal Society but there is still a long way to go.

Today I wanted to do a longer than usual walk to condition myself to the longer distance.

It was a perfect walking day – not too hot and a gentle breeze, as I set off from the depot.

The canal society depot at Woolsthorpe

I walked past a series of locks that have been restored by the Society.

Lock 16

When I reached lock 13 there was a detour off of the towpath because this is the lock that is currently at the early stages of restoration.

Exposed side walls on Lock 13

One thing that I did notice is how much the grass and weeds on the towpath has grown in the last few weeks, not to mention the weed in parts of the canal. The wet and warm weather has certainly allowed nature to flourish.

I passed a couple of swans with their three Cygnets – lovely to see!

As I walked along the canal I realised how much I was enjoying it because navigation was simple and there were no worries from traffic. I had nice chats with a number of people who I met along the towpath who were also enjoying a walk.

The highlight of the walk was hearing cuckoos in the distance, its not often you hear a cuckoo and there were a plenty along my walk today.

I passed another Lancaster bomber crash site memorial – so sad.

Along the way I stopped for a break a couple of times. I definitely needed to take on board fluids. Finishing the walk I was pleased that I was feeling strong so that gives me confidence to tackle the 26 miles on the 29th June. I wonder what the weather will be like on that day?

I had enjoyed the walk and achieved my objective for today 😊.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Charming 11-Mile Circular Walk from Waltham on the Wolds

Jun 5th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning the Three Amigos met up in Waltham on the Wolds and did an 11 mile circular walk taking in Branston, Eaton and Goadby Marwood. It would be an undulating walk and difficult in sections where nature had reclaimed the footpaths. We would have lovely views. I had done the walk last year with Angela but it was a new walk for Mick and Chris.

Our starting point by the church

It was a cool summer morning when we began, but the sun soon made an appearance warming us up.

We headed out of Walton passing a NATS (National Air Traffic Services) radio station and just when we were looking at the station The Red Arrows flew past in formation – fantastic!

NATS radio tower

We followed a grassed trail past the old Croxton Race Course to Bescaby where we passed a fine looking house with a picturesque lake.

The Old Croxton Race Course

Geese on the lake

It was nice to see the crops growing in the adjacent fields. We would cross many fields on this walk.

Following Mary Lane on the way to Croxton Kerrial we turned east and headed past Old Wood and then up Windmill Hill – a steep hill with very nice views.

Nearly at the top of Windmill Hill

Having reached the top we followed a trail downhill towards Branston, stopping for refreshments on the way. The fields were carpeted with yellow buttercups – they were very colourful.

Heading into Branston

In Branston we walked through the pub courtyard to follow the footpath to Eaton.

The pub courtyard

We saw hares, a red kite and a buzzard. Crossing the river Devon we took another break on a handy bench before walking through the village to find our path out towards Goadby Marwood.

Eaton Village

The next section of the walk was the tricky one with overgrown paths but we battled through.

An overgrown path

We came across a memorial to the crew of a Lancaster bomber who had crashed nearby. Chris did some research and came up with a link that tells the story of the search for the crash site http://www.goadby-marwood-history.co.uk/lancaster-r5694-em-f

It was particularly poignant coming across the memorial because its the 80th anniversary of the D-day landings tomorrow. As always, the crew were very young which makes it all the more tragic.

Continuing on we crossed a field containing cows. It was interesting to see the cows run away from us. Usually, being curious animals, they make their way towards you.

The cows ran away from us

crossing another field

We entered Goadby Marwood passing Goadby Hall and walked through the village.

Flowers growing in the wall

Goadby Marwood

We found our path out of Goadby Marwood crossing a number of stiles through fields containing friendly horses.

Stiles continued to be enclosed in nettles and weeds.

Nettles galore!

In places no path was visible and after reaching the sewage works we decided to take to the road for the short section back into Waltham on the Wolds.

Arriving into our destination.

This was a walk of two parts I think, with the latter being a bit troublesome due to the terrain. Still, we had enjoyed some fine views and had a good chat along the way.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
An Edgy Peak District Walk

May 31st, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Todays 9.5 mile walk began in Baslow. As per usual, myself and Angela did an early start to avoid the crowds but we were delayed by being stuck behind a refuse lorry collecting bins on the busy A6🤣 .

Arriving in the car park at Baslow I had lost all signal on my phone and guess what, it was not a cash payment car park but a pay by phone – very handy when its in an area with poor mobile reception. We parked on the road instead!

Our walk today would visit the southern gritstone edges of Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt then climb to the overlying escarpment of White Edge before heading back to Baslow.

Climbing out of Baslow we got some lovely views.

In the distance we could see Chatsworth House which is where myself and Angela went on our first date many years ago 😊. https://www.chatsworth.org/

On another hillside we could see ‘E : R’ clearly marked in the bushes.

It was quite breezy and it was a cool 12 deg C. We would have liked it a little warmer but at least there was no rain!

Heading towards Curbar Edge

The start of Curbar Edge

We kept on meeting small groups of youngsters who were doing Duke of Edinburgh Award walks – I think this is a good thing and its nice to see them out enjoying the outdoors. We followed the stony path across Curbar Edge and then on to Froggatt Edge where we saw that it was a popular rock climbing spot.

Exploring Curbar Edge

View from Curbar Edge

At Frogatt Edge we stopped for a cuppa and a butty enjoying the panorama views.

Angela enjoying the scenery

Some rocks on Frogatt Edge

Leaving Frogatt Edge we headed down to Hay Wood passing many climbers, complete with ropes, walking in the opposite direction to climb from the top. After the woods we crossed fields passing the Grouse Inn and headed up towards White Edge.

Angela heading up to White Edge

The escarpment of White Edge on the left

Reaching the top of White Edge we followed the rocky path enjoying the views and the quiet. A few hardy runners passed us.

On White Edge

It was a long walk along the escarpment and towards the end we saw a Trig Point and decided we must visit it – are we becoming trig Point baggers ? I wonder 😊

Making our way back to Baslow Edge we visited a monument to the Duke of Wellington – its a celebration of his victory at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. Built by a local man who felt it necessary to counterbalance the memorial dedicated to Admiral Nelson on nearby Birchen Edge.

Duke of Wellington Monument

It was an easy downhill walk back into Baslow and the car. We had enjoyed our walk – it had splendid views.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Fairholmes to Alport Castles Circular Walk: Scenic Hike in Peak District

May 27th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

It was an early start this morning as myself and Angela headed to The Peak District to enjoy a 9.6 mile circular walk from Fairholmes car park (by the Derwent Dam) to Alport Castles (a remarkable landslip feature).

On the way the rain was tippling down, and driving through Snake Pass, visibility was reduced because the clag was in. We both looked at each other wondering what we had let ourselves in for. Angela put the car fog lamps on!

Having parked, and paid £6 for a parking ticket, we set off walking beside Ladybower Reservoir.

Beside Ladybower reservoir

Ladybower reservoir

Because it was early there were very few people about. Leaving the reservoir we followed an ancient bridleway that led up through forest to high, open pastures on a broad ridge.

We could hear, and then see, a curlew calling with its distinctive song as he flew around us. We could see the distinctive Mam Tor ridge in the distance and later Hope valley with the cement factory chimney billowing steam.

The Great ridge and Mam Tor in the distance – mist rising from the forest.

Hope valley in the distance

The rain had stopped and we were getting glimpses of blue sky. Things were looking up but there was a cool stiff breeze on top so we were not feeling warm – Angela put on her gloves.

After climbing we crossed wet bog-land. Large stone slabs had been laid across the bog and quite a few had sunk – not unexpected!

Walking across the bog

Before long we reached a lovely viewpoint above the quarry-like, craggy landscape of the landslip known as Alport Castles. Some of the topological features within this landslip bear some resemblance to castle ruins.

Alport castles

Alport castles

Great view at Alport castles

It was very blustery at Alport castles as Angela’s hair can testify!

From this airy spot above the deep, narrow valley of Alport we descended steeply passing Duke of Edinburgh student’s doing their gold award.

We passed a lone tree that just begged for a photo to be taken. We were headed to Alport farm.

Alport farm in the distance.

Just before the farm we crossed a solid wooden bridge over a stream.

It was nice in the valley, the sun was generating heat and there was little wind. We walked along the valley bottom on a good path and crossed over the river Ashop at Rowlee Bridge.

Crossing the river Ashop

Our path now took us across the A57 and along a short section of Roman road before re-crossing the river and road ( this was to avoid walking on the very busy A57).

On the Roman road.

The route then led us uphill to Lockerbrook and then downhill through the forest along a muddy path (in places) to Fairholmes car park.

Arriving into the car park it was full with cars circling like vultures above prey, looking for cars that are leaving. Car parking in the Peak District is an issue because once the car parks are full people have a tendency to park anywhere and stupidly.

We had enjoyed the walk. It was new territory. Driving back to Manchester the heavens opened and the roads were awash with water. We both felt very lucky to have had dry few hours for the majority of our walk.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️