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Guided Walks |
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I can tailor-make the
walk to your requirements and take into consideration the distance,
location and speed at which you walk. I cannot offer a one-to-one service,
but groups will be generally restricted to no more than 10 persons unless
a group booking of more numbers is specifically requested.
I also offer special seasonal walks to include mince pies and Christmas cake, or hot cross buns at Easter for example. Perhaps you would like to arrange a special occasion or birthday walk where the route stops part-way at a picnic site and appropriate refreshments will be laid on. Children’s parties can include a treasure hunt or educational questionnaire. Well behaved dogs are welcome free of charge, but must be kept on leads or under control at all times. No liability can be accepted for their safety or any responsibility for their actions. I would also recommend only one dog per walker. If you do not like dogs, my canine friend Alfie can stay at home during our walk, but he might be unhappy about it!
AROUND EYAM AND DOWN INTO BRETTON CLOUGH APPROXIMATELY 7 MILES This walk most definitely has the WOW factor! We start in the village of Eyam which is steeped in history and oozes character and charm having pretty little cottages surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful countryside. Eyam is world famous for its history surrounding the days of the great plague back in the 17th century when the village and its residents isolated themselves from their neighbours. Several of the buildings and cottages survived the centuries and now have little plaques outside to record the names of those that perished within. The church and museum are packed with interesting facts and artefacts and our walk could incorporate a visit to these if preferred. From Eyam we walk up onto Sir William Hill and over heather-covered moors before descending into the deep and sheltered valley of Bretton Clough, itself steeped in history. After following a grassy track which winds its way back up the side of the Clough, we pass the Barrel Inn at Bretton which must have the most idyllic setting of any public house in the country. The views from this oak beam and copper kettle inn are amazing (weather permitting of course) and you may wish to drink in the vista as you down a pint! The route back to Eyam follows a
quiet road along the ridge top with far reaching views in every
direction, before dropping down an old track to the village.
LADYBOWER RESERVOIR AND WIN HILL - APPROXIMATELY
9 MILES
This walk is dependent on the weather as Win Hill is
high moorland with fantastic views but can be draped in mist. The
ascent to the summit is a strenuous climb so it is disappointing to
reach the top and not be able to admire the wondrous views of the
Hope Valley and spectacular Dark Peak landscape.
Starting by the side of Ladybower Reservoir this
walk is scenically breathtaking and follows miles of paths, tracks
and trails to take you far away from the hustle and bustle of the
Peak District roads. There is no way to avoid a climb if you want to
reach the summit of Win Hill, but there is a choice of a gradual
winding track through the woods or a short, sharp (get it over
quick) ascent up Parkin Clough. Personally I prefer the latter
route which takes you swiftly to the base of a recently laid series
of gritstone steps which lead like a stairway to heaven and the
summit.
After resting for a while on the mound of huge
gritstone boulders and trig point which mark the top of Win Hill, we
begin the steep descent to the pretty little village of Hope lying
down in the valley, before heading through fields and stiles to Brough
and the old Roman fort of Navio (now just an indentation in the
ground).
There then follows a fabulous path along an ancient
holloway to Shatton which is an exclusive little residential
hamlet down by the banks of the little River Noe.
To return to Ladybower, we follow part of the Derwent
Valley Heritage Way along a trail which was the former railway line
used to transport stone from nearby Grindleford to construct
the walls of Ladybower and Howden dams. As we wander along the
wooded hillside we can look across to see Bamford and Yorkshire
Bridge on the other side of the river, lying beneath the craggy
escarpment of Bamford Edge.
There are several different walks which can
incorporate Win Hill, but none are less than 6 miles in length, and
all incorporate some rather strenuous uphill walking.
A WALK AROUND THE ROACHES - 4-10 miles
The Roaches is a high gritstone escarpment on the western
flank of the Peak District which provides far reaching views over the
Cheshire plains towards North Wales - it is said that on a clear day you
can see the summit of Snowdon on the horizon!
Built into the rocks is Rock Cottage which is worthy of a
visit, whilst to the north is Lud Church which was at one time a secret
place of worship in a rocky ravine.
Hen Cloud is another bastion of gritstone boulders with a
path to the summit that you may wish to include in your walk. I
would certainly recommend a visit to The Roaches Cafe tea rooms where
there are superb views down towards Tittesworth Reservoir to enjoy with
your afternoon tea.
I can offer a guided walk of between 4 and 10 miles which
could include a path along The Roaches and some nearby places of
interest, curiosities and features together with an informative
narrative.
WALKING PAST THE SLEEPING DRAGON - 5-10miles
Chrome Hill is one of the strange-shaped reef knolls
which dominate the area around Longnor. It is affectionately known as
The Sleeping Dragon, and from my picture it is easy to see why.
There are some lovely walks in the area beside the infant River Dove,
through the sleepy little hamlet of Hollinsclough or along ancient
tracks and paths to Washgate Bridge - a cobbled packhorse bridge steeped
in history.
Your walk could even start at the unusually named Quiet
Woman Inn at Earl Sterndale which is located on a limestone ridge deep
in the heart of the White Peak countryside. Walks
in this area incorporate far reaching views of a dramatic landscape - be
sure to bring your camera to capture them!
ASHFORD & THE SHEEPWASH BRIDGE – 6 ½ miles This
walks passes three of the oldest and most spectacular bridges that span
the river Wye. We start in Bakewell where we see the 13th
century 5-arched bridge which has carried traffic over the river for 700
years, followed by the quaint packhorse bridge at Lumford. There then
follows a lovely path up and over Cracknowl from where there are lovely
views of the valley, before heading up to Churchdale Hall - this walk also
passes some of the most select and expensive private houses to grace the
area! We eventually arrive at the quaint village of Ashford-in-the-water
whose sheepwash bridge has featured on many a magazine cover and tourist
photograph. After gently climbing up an old track, from where there are
superb aerial views of the valley below, we head along a quiet lane and
then fields and stiles to return to Bakewell.
TREASURES OF THE GOYT VALLEY - 8 Miles
This walk is an ornithological overdose as
you will see all kinds of birds including song birds, water fowl, game
birds and possibly birds of prey. The long walk is along moorland
paths and tracks into the heart of the Goyt Valley, crossing cloughs and
tumbling streams by footbridges and a 16th century packhorse bridge.
After a climb up through pine woods and a moorland path to Stake Side
from where the views are wondrous and far reaching, we descend to the
remains of Errwood Hall with its fascinating history, then climb once
again on a pilgrimage to a little pepperpot shrine isolated in the trees
on the edge of the moor. The walk ends by a downhill path beside the old
Roman Road to Errwood Reservoir in the bottom of the beautiful Goyt
Valley.
Lathkill Dale is a
Nature Reserve managed by English Nature and is packed with interesting
flora and fauna. The River Lathkill is said to have the clearest water in
the country and you can normally see dippers bobbing about and singing
from one of a succession of weirs. A woodland path gives access to
the remains of lead mining, with the chance to climb down a short ladder
to see a secret shaft (not dangerous). OVER THE HILLS TO CHATSWORTH – from 6 ½ miles – 10 miles Chatsworth is the jewel
in the Peak District crown and is probably the finest stately home in the
country. There are many paths around the wonderful estate, but none
compare with the walk from Bakewell which climbs slowly up from the Wye
valley, passes through woods then emerges onto Carlton Pasture with far
reaching views toward fairytale Russian Cottage and the medieval Hunting
Tower with a backdrop of ‘Edges’ for which the Peak District is famed.
We then descend a track to see Chatsworth suddenly appear – a golden
palace nestling beside the Derwent. After a walk around the glorious
estate and an optional visit to The House or Edensor Tea Room, the walk
back to Bakewell follows an ancient track and quiet country road over Ball
Cross which is steeped in history and has panoramic views of the
Derbyshire countrywide. A DIP INTO MONSAL DALE – 3 ½ miles
Monsal Head is a
beauty spot of worldwide fame, with breathtaking views down over the
Monsal Dale. When the many arched viaduct over the River Wye was
constructed, it was considered to be an eyesore by the famous Victorian
writer John Ruskin, but has become so accepted and loved since the closure
of the railway line in 1968 that it now has a ‘listed’ status. This
walk follows a steep path down from Monsal Head and across the viaduct
before gradually climbing up an ancient track to Brushfield
on the opposite hillside. We then walk down a path and return to the floor
of the valley before following a fabulous riverside path and gentle walk
back up the hill to Monsal Head where there are tea rooms and a
restaurant. Alternatively, you may wish to include one of my sister
Jackie’s luxury picnics en route. MAGICAL MINNINGLOW & THE HIGH PEAK TRAIL – FROM 2 – 8 miles Derbyshire is famed for
its ‘lows’ which are ancient burial grounds that were positioned on
hilltops as close to the heavens as possible by early man, the most famous
being Arbor Low which is a miniature Stone Henge.
However, Minninglow is far more attractive as it can be seen from far and
wide due to its cluster of trees set inside a protective circular hedge. MAM TOR & CASTLETON – from 5 – 7 miles Castleton is probably the most visited village in the whole of the Peak District and is famed for its mines, minerals, caverns and caves. It sits at the top of the Hope Valley beneath the Shivering Mountain (Mam Tor) and is protected by high hilltops at the approach to the Dark Peak . There are numerous walks available which can take in a brief tour of Castleton and also a walk either onto the crest of Mam Tor and Hollins Cross or a shorter and more sheltered route beneath its summit. Perhaps you would like to climb Winnats Pass with its notorious fame or pop up to see Peveril Castle , perched on the cliff edge overlooking Castleton. Your walk could also pass through the interesting remains of Odin Mine which dates back to Roman times and are now an area designated as being an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). A walk onto Mam Tor would be subject to suitable weather conditions. You may wish to include one of my sister Jackie’s luxury picnics either en route or at the start/end of your walk.
OVER THE EDGES! – 6 miles Running down the eastern
flank of the Peak District are a series of ‘Edges’ which were created
through glacial action some 20,000 years ago. Many take the name of the
village which they tower over and protect such as Curbar Edge and Froggatt
Edge.High on the moors is White Edge from where there are fantastic views
over the rooftops of the Peak with the Kinder
plateau and Bleaklow in the far distance. This walk takes you from Curbar
Gap, which is located on an ancient track leading through the Edges, and
follows paths onto
Access
Land
taking you to White Edge. After dropping down to pass by the isolated
Grouse Inn, the return to Curbar Gap is along the Froggatt and Curbar
Edges. This walk would be subject to suitable weather conditions. THE WHITE PEAK WONDERLAND – 6 ½ MILES The
White
Peak
is named after the area of Derbyshire which is meticulously divided up
into rich pasture encompassed by dry stone walls, created from the
limestone beneath. Rich in fossils, the limestone was formed millions of
years ago when this area of
England
was hidden beneath the waves. The
White
Peak
is stunningly beautiful with deep Dales and limestone bluffs.
THE HIGHS & HALLS OF DOVE DALE – 7 ½ miles Dove Dale is the most
popular of the Peak District Dales and lies on the
Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Known for its curious rock features and
claim to fame through the writing of Charles Cotton and Izaak
Walton, it attracts a multitude of visitors. This walk dips into one of
the most fascinating stretches of Dove Dale, but also treks over the
hilltops to pass a selection of the grand and stately Halls which were
constructed here centuries ago, including Stanshope,
Castern and Ilam and with views across the
valley to the ruins of Throwley Old Hall. The
walk progresses along paths and tracks, through fields and stiles and a
section of riverside known as Paradise Walk, but the end of the walk is
rather strenuous as you must ascend Bunster
Hill to visit Air Cottage which has the best setting in the whole of
Derbyshire! From here you can gaze upon Dove Dale and cast your eye way
down the valley to see Thorpe Cloud (a bastion of limestone) standing
guard like some ancient pyramid. We then drop down through the woods on a
steep but well defined path into the heart of the Dale before returning to
Milldale and crossing the famous Viators
Bridge
which has been deemed an ancient monument. This walk is quite strenuous
and probably not suitable for young children. MAGICAL MILLERS DALE & THE CATHEDRAL OF THE PEAK – 7 miles Upstream from Monsal Head, Millers Dale lies deep beside the waters of the river Wye. In spring this is a wild flower wonderland dotted with orchids and some ‘not so common’ plants. Running through the heart of the valley once ran the main Derby to Manchester railway line, but since its closure in 1968 it has been transformed into the wonderful Monsal Trail which provides easy access to an otherwise inaccessible area. This walk follows a section of the trail to Litton Mill, which may now be converted into luxury apartments, but centuries ago had a terrible reputation for the slave labour of children. We now walk up Tideswell Dale which runs up to the large Derbyshire village which contains the ‘Cathedral of the Peak’, being the church of St John the Baptist, which may be open for you to inspect. There is also a lovely Tea Room in Tideswell (subject to opening hours) The walk back to Millers Dale is across fields and stiles, typical of the White Peak countryside, with a section of track forming part of the Limestone Way , and with views down to the deep dark gorge of Monks Dale. You may wish to include one of my sister Jackie’s luxury picnics at the start/end of your walk.
A WALK AROUND MATLOCK – 3 miles Having spent my childhood years in Matlock I know many of its secrets and would love to show them to you. This then is a guided tour of the town starting in Hall Leys Park and heading for Old Matlock Town where the Parish Church contains rare ‘virgin crants’. Wheatsheaf House nearby is a fascinating old building and featured in several episodes of ‘Peak Practice’. We then walk through a mill complex towards Lumsdale, which has been newly transformed into luxury houses and apartments, but still retains its old mill ponds and fishing pools. A short sharp climb up a cobbled path takes us to the ‘wishing stone’ which you must go around three times to make your dream come true! A walk across the top of Matlock Bank takes you past what was the heart of the Hydros which a century ago dominated the town, providing employment for its residents and drawing visitors by the droves. A half-mile long tramline carried visitors in Victorian and Edwardian times up the 1 in 5 incline. Until its closure in 1927, Matlock was the San Francisco of Derbyshire! Our walk finishes with a stroll down the steep hill and back to Matlock Bridge which has been a crossing of the river Derwent for centuries.
HIKING AROUND HARTINGTON – FROM 3 -10 miles Hartington is based at the top end of the most interesting stretches of Dove Dale. It is a chocolate box pretty little village, packed with tea rooms and still retains its working cheese factory which produces the unsurpassable Hartington Stilton. Famed as being the retirement home of Hilda Ogden, who fictitiously moved here to open a tea room, Hartington is popular with hikers, bikers and coach loads of tourists. Away from the hubbub of the village there are paths and tracks which criss-cross the countryside hereabouts. I have a selection of walks available dependent on your walking abilities.
THE SECRETS OF MANIFOLD VALLEY & ECTON COPPER MINES – 8 miles Manifold
Valley
is a truly spectacular haven, lying hidden beside Ecton Hill on the
western edge of the Peak District, and just over the border into
Staffordshire. Exploited for its minerals, the area has a fascinating
geological story to tell. In the early
1900’s a narrow gauge railway was laid to transport provisions and gain
access into the heart of this scenic little valley for travellers who rode
in primrose coloured carriages. However, it was not
profitable and closed in the 1930’s. The route of the railway
line has now been transformed into the
Manifold Way
and provides easy and accessible walking, in part passing through a long
section of lighted tunnel. This walk follows the
Manifold Way
as far as the tunnel, but then continues to Wetton Mill along a gated
riverside track, on the flank of Ecton Hill. At Wetton Mill there is a
fabulous tea room (subject to opening hours) or you may wish to include
one of my sister Jackie’s luxury picnics by the side of the river.
PADLEY & HATHERSAGE - 6 miles
This is a very easy going walk along tracks
and paths beneath Millstone Edge and beside the river Derwent. The walk
starts at Grindleford Station and progresses to Padley, passing Padley
Chapel with its fascinating but tragic history, then follows a track
along the flank of the hill through Dark Peak countryside dotted with
abandoned millstones and decorated with numerous wild flowers. We follow
a wonderful hollowed out path down to Hathersage where there are
numerous shops, tea rooms and places to visit, including the final
resting place of 'Little John', friend of Robin Hood.
After walking across fields and passing
through stiles to Leadmill Bridge, we then go along a quiet lane beside
the river, before following a fabulous woodland path carpeted with
bluebells in the spring or boasting a golden display in autumn.
There are no steep climbs on this walk,
just gentle gradients up and down the woods. There are also some
fabulous views of the Hope Valley with Kinder in the distance to the
north and the Derbyshire Dales to the south.
CHEE DALE - 7 miles
This is an ankle-twisting adventure into the
nearest that Derbyshire comes to a rain forest jungle! Chee Dale is a
deep dark ravine which becomes impassable when the river is high. The
path actually follows a long line of stepping stones laid in the river
bed beneath overhanging rocks where ice cold drips aim straight for your
neck! Part of the walk is along a wonderful trail which was the former
railway line from Bakewell to Buxton. In the dale there are fabulous
wild flowers in the spring and summer and many interesting birds and
features. On reaching the old station building at Millers Dale our walk
leaves the Wye Valley and ascends up a lovely track which forms part of
the Limestone Way, amid lush green fields and far reaching views. We
then walk through the little hamlet of Blackwell before crossing fields
and stiles and descending a steep path strewn with wild flowers to
descend back into the dale before following the riverside path once
again to the car park.
This walk is spectacular and exciting, but
only suitable for the foot-sure and experience walker, and would be
subject to satisfactory weather conditions.
 A ROLLERCOASTER WALK IN THE DARK PEAK – 12 miles The Dark Peak offers dramatic scenery and some of the most enjoyable walks to be found. However, this is an area of high moorland and wild exposed paths that should be treated with respect and caution. My walk is virtually all on ancient tracks which makes it far more accessible and only a moderate risk, but it still involves lots of wonderful scenery, breathtaking views and requires lots of energy! The walk starts at
Barber Booth at the top end of Edale which is the base camp for climbing
up to Kinder Scout. To do this we have Jacob’s Ladder to assist us – a
long series of steps established some 200 years ago by Jacob Marshall who
was a jagger or packhorseman. We continue along the path passing the
ancient marker of Edale Cross before descending a long path down to the
bottom of the valley. The climb up to Mount
Famine has fabulous views across towards Kinder, with a peep at the famous
Kinder Downfall on a clear day. Now we have a wonderful walk along a
further ancient pathway which has been adopted in recent years as the
route for the Pennine Bridleway and takes us to the rear of the sugarloaf
hill known as South Head before dropping down to Roych Clough – one of
my favourite idyllic spots in the whole of the Peak District.  |
