An epic Derbyshire walk - the Kinder Edges

Date of walk -12th May 2012.  Distance - 17.5 miles.  Start - Edale, Grindsbrook Booth.

This walk had been planned in advance, only to be undertaken on a good clear day since it was to be my first visit to the Kinder plateau.  By the standards of England and the south, this is a remote and challenging area, with a considerable reputation.  Having now walked the edges, I would be confident to revisit any section of the walk in more adverse conditions.  There are two or three key points (path junctions) to bear in mind, and just three or four short sections where the path is difficult to follow on the ground.  The edges themselves and the generally good paths make the route finding really quite straightforward, although things could quickly become more difficult if straying onto the plateau by mistake.  Anyway, it is definitely worth choosing a good day for a first visit to get an overall impression of the wonders of Kinder and its surroundings.

The day was memorable from start to finish.  There were only three downsides all day, and the first was almost forgiven and forgotten - the expensive car parking.  The second was the constant passage of aeroplanes which rather spoiled the sense of being in the wild.  The third was getting more complaints from my knees when descending than I have previously experienced.  Otherwise, apart from being able to see Manchester at one stage, everything was fine.  (I suppose Manchester does at least get the benefit in return of views of Kinder and the southern Pennines from the urban sprawl).

The sky was a cloudless blue when setting out at 8.30 from the car park.  Ahead of me were more early walkers who had just left a train at the station and were also heading for the hills.  It was very pleasant strolling through the village, passing the church and the start of the Pennine Way.  I continued ahead along the lane which soon becomes a track.

Grindsbrook Booth

The track soon becomes a private drive, with the path leaving right across the stream.  Even in the village, the hills loom to the north, and the valley is scenic from the start.  Not that I remained at valley level for long. Very soon a path leaves the valley floor heading up the steep slopes of the The Nab in a series of zig zags.  It is a very well engineered and graded climb, providing a most enjoyable way of gaining height towards the tops.  The views up Grindsbrook Clough are grand, as are views that open out over Edale.

View to Grindsbrook Clough

The path arrives at a great viewpoint on the ridge of The Nab, but turns to continue the climb up the hillside. Eventually Ringing Roger with its line of rocks along the crest appears, still a fair bit higher.  I had decided to take an anti-clockwise route, and I really enjoyed the way that the route unfolded through the day and would not hesitate to recommend it.  No doubt the other way round would also be good, and there are other options to use as starting points.  By now the green of the valley was left behind, and even by this stage in May there was little green up on the tops apart from patches where bilberry was dominant.  The bracken was yet to emerge, and heather rarely gives a really green looking cover.

Below Ringing Roger

Already fair weather clouds were beginning to appear, and the skies were never to be quite as blue again as they had been at the start.  However it remained an ideal day for walking throughout, with good visibility and bright or sunny periods.  There was a light to moderate, coolish breeze (April and May this year have been cool after the unseasonal warmth of March).  A path rises gently across the moorland below the rocks, leaving the visible path just beyond the knoll on the right in the foreground, reaching the skyline beyond the right hand edge of the picture above.  Already, the only steep climb of the day was behind, only the distance to be covered remained the challenge.  I personally would not be keen to tackle a complete round on a short winter day.  It would turn into more of an ordeal to finish before dark rather than being able to savour the journey.  The plateau is almost gained by the time the headwaters of Oller Brook are crossed, where the first of the fine downward views can be seen.

Looking down Oller Brook

I took the lower of the two paths shown on the 1:25,000 map, and it certainly provides good views throughout, but keeps just below the level of the plateau which remains something of a mystery for a while yet.  If the plateau beckons, take the upper path.  The two people seen here were the only walkers I met between leaving Grindsbrook Booth and reaching the area of Seal Stones quite a bit later on.  It would be possible to shorten the round by heading north across the plateau by the trig point, thereby cutting off quite a corner, but I was determined to do a "proper" round of the edges.  The next section is some of the easiest walking of the day, with an easygoing moorland footpath.  The plateau here generally just merges into the hillside without the defined edge most of the way round, but there are a few rocky outcrops in places.

Rocky outcrop, Rowland Cote Moor

 Lady Booth Brook is crossed next, with the path crossing moorland into the distance.

Moorland footpath - easy walking

A definite corner is reached, but we are still not furthest east.  The headwaters of Jaggers Clough dominate the next section.  "Jagger" comes from a local word for a pedlar or traveller, indicating the valley was used as a route for trades people or for moving animals.  All the streams crossed have a similar basic pattern, with steep sided valleys, rocky floors with little stepped waterfalls and peaty coloured water.  Yet each one has its own individual character, and the view down Jaggers Clough is certainly grand.

Jaggers Clough

Once again the view ahead is along a path heading relentlessly ENE.  But this time there really is the sense of reaching a turning point, as the route is now making for Crookstone Knoll.  The presence of a wall is a rare sight on this open moorland.

Heading towards Crookstone Knoll

On reaching the brow in the distance on the picture above, I saw some of the few sheep of the day.

Sheep, Crookstone Knoll

Just beyond the end of the wall, it is necessary to keep slightly left maintaining altitude rather than taking any path that descends ahead.  The arrival at the rocks on the northern edge of Crookstone Knoll is a grand moment, with news views opening out to the north, and one of the most significant turning points of the day finally reached.  To me, it is definitely worth including Crookstone Knoll in a circuit of the edges.  It is a grand spot in its own right, and certainly marks the eastern point of the plateau.  The sudden drama of having an onward and downward view to the north is captivating.

Downward view from Crookstone Knoll

Gradually the eyes look turn to take in the views to the west and the northwest.  The scene is grand, but also challenging as far as the prospects for the day are concerned.  I looked at a distant prow of northward thrusting moorland and realised it was Fairbrook Naze, and that I was expecting to go all that way and beyond on the westward trek across the north facing edges of the plateau.  The scale of the landscape starts to really hit home at this point.  Today, at least, I was glad to be up to the challenge, and tried not not take any notice of feeling daunted by the long miles to go.

Crookstone Knoll with Fairbrook Naze in the distance

 Apart from the rock in the foreground, the nearer moorland is rounded with little sense of the character of the majority of the route lying ahead.  The next section is little frequented, route finding may well prove a bit tricky, and the landscape less inspiring than much of the route, so it is unlikely to be regarded as a highlight of the day by many.  There are some grouse butts showing that it is at least an area appreciated by those from the sporting fraternity.  The northward bulge in the path shown on the maps is one of the trickiest bits of the route to follow on the ground, but its worth rounding the slopes rather than heading on to the plateau if in doubt.  The important thing is to find the path heading to Blackden Edge.

The next stretch of the walk builds slowly.  The gentle moorland gradually becomes the plateau with the sharply defined edge that is so distinctive of Kinder.  Rocky outcrops begin to reappear, so that, after some distance, this is the sort of view that is the reward.

Blackden Edge view

It was grand on such a clear day with the mix of sun and cloud.  It becomes increasingly difficult to make a selection of pictures, and to describe the route ahead - they are poor substitutes for being out on the ground and doing the walk.  However, armchair travel is a great pleasure for many, myself included, so I will persevere in the attempt to provide a taste of the experience on the day I was able to do the journey.  The circuit of the head of the Blackden valley develops into one of the real highlights of the walk.

Above Blackden Brook

Path at the head of Blacden Brook

The path crosses the top of steep sweeping slopes a little below the rim of the plateau, providing a fine sense of being in the landscape.  For me it was among the airiest and and most enjoyable sections of the whole day.  The above picture hardly does justice to the scale or the steepness of the slope.  The walking itself remains easy going, and there are few route finding problems all the way between here and Kinder Low.  The open, sweeping, grassy slopes give way to more intimate views as the succession of small streams is crossed which drain the nearby section of the plateau.  Each has its own little rocky valley, and they all drop steeply down the hillside.

Headwaters of the Blackden valley

View down Blackden Brook

Stream heading off the plateau

A short climb leads to the first of the two great northward thrusts of the plateau edge, onto Blackden Moor and the Seal Stones.  The map does not help in identifying exactly which specific rocky outcrop should bear the name, or whether it is a more general name.  There is a rocky rim almost all the way, and scatterings of rock out into the plateau as well.  Once around the prow, Seal Edge is rather similar to Blackden Edge with sweeping slopes (not quite so steep) down to the right.  One of the few walkers seen before reaching Fair Brook helps to provide a sense of scale.

Seal Edge

The ground is covered quite quickly, and some sense of purpose does need to be maintained with a walk of this length.  Towards Fair Brook the rock formations become more striking, and the landscape in general becomes rockier.  Almost anywhere the millstone grit creates formations which can be likened to faces in profile.

Rock formation by the edge south of Fair Brook

The rock on the left seems to gazing out over the Woodlands valley.....  Even on a long day out, walkers should take some time to follow suit, the views are just grand and worth drinking in.  The circuit of Fair Brok, is, however, a considerable effort.  Walking this way, the path curves further and further left and becomes rockier, some of the most difficult conditions underfoot of the day with slightly awkward rocks with gaps and holes between.

Fair Brook below the plateau

Finally the path crosses the stream and turns sharply to gain the prow of Fairbrook Naze, another of the real highlights of the circuit.  This is the point that has been the target ever since Crookstone Knoll, which now seems a long time ago.  The corner is an airy spot, and the edge itself is the most sharply defined section of all with quite high drops down to the gentler slopes below.  Just near there corner there is a little rock chimney.

Fairbrook Naze

Indeed, the next section is known simply as The Edge, as though it was the only one worth the name for miles around......  Heading west, you gradually become aware that you are heading for the real watershed of the country.  Eventually parts of Manchester come into view, and I was very aware of the many aeroplanes passing over the moors en route to the airport.  The contrast seemed very dramatic, indicating how varied and compact the landscapes of these islands can be.  Apart from the traffic crossing the Woodhead Pass, the moors seemed quiet, but bustling cities are very close at hand.  For me, personally, the contrast feels a bit uncomfortable.  Some of the Yorkshire Pennine towns actually in the valleys and hills seem to find their place within the landscape and have a sense of belonging together, but Manchester, to me, just seems that bit detached, in an uneasy clash of different worlds.

Path by The Edge

The Edge has more than its share of rock formations, and would be a good objective for more leisurely exploration.  I would rather like to visit on one of those wild days when most other people stay off the hills.  It would seem appropriate to see and experience the landscape in those conditions - and Manchester would be out of sight and out of mind.  Apologies to loyal Mancunians, but I have probably already dug myself too far into a hole to make amends now......

Contrast - walking by The Edge, Manchester in the distance

The Edge gradually becomes less distinct, almost merging into the moorland.  However, some of the most most distinctive individual rock formations are further towards the west.  Many of them have names, The Boxing Glove seemed the most obvious to me on this rapid first visit.

Rock formation - a mountaineering pig?

Rock formation - "The Boxing Glove"

One of my favourite pictures of the day was looking back along The Edge on the approach to the northwestern corner of the plateau.

The Edge, from the west

It is easy to cut off a little bit of the acute corner - a gate in the fence is a handy guide.  Soon I was on the Pennine Way path with a whole new viewpoint, heading south, a definite "homeward bound" turning point for the walk, although well over half way round.  There were more people in evidence most of the way back.  It was good to see others enjoying and appreciating the area, but I was also glad to have enjoyed the quieter sections of walk earlier in the day.  The Kinder Reservoir is a lovely element in a fine view of hills and valleys extending away into the distance.  The mix of fields and woods in the landscape gives a different feel to the view than the rough open expanses of moorland seen from The Edge.  The view down the path to the reservoir looked an especially inviting walk for a future date.

Path down to the Kinder Reservoir

By now one of the most famous landmarks of the day was on my mind, if not yet in sight.  From this direction, Kinder Downfall only gradually unfolds into view ahead.  When the cleft does begin to come into view, it looks somehow insignificant and disappointing, but this is rather deceptive.  Eventually the truth becomes more apparent, and usually there are people around to help with the scale.

Kinder Downfall

At the head of Kinder Downfall

It is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the day, no doubt popular because it is on the route of the Pennine Way.  It is exposed to westerly winds, and the stream is famous for blowing water back out onto the plateau in wild conditions.  Even today, with just a light breeze, a gentle spray reached the path in one or two spots. Another place I would like to visit on one of those wild days that are not unheard of in the area.....

The route march continued, and it was necessary to leave the edge slightly to visit the top of Kinder Low.  It is not quite the highest point of the plateau, but close enough to the edge to be in easy reach on the circuit.  I ended up cutting a bit of a corner off the intended route.  But Kinder Low deserves a mention and a picture - it is one of the weirdest places I have visited.  It is nothing other than an odd mix of peat and rock.  Appropriately enough, the sun was behind cloud at this point of the walk, adding to the atmosphere.

Kinder Low

I vaguely wandered south then curving east to merge with the path near Noe Stool, an isolated rock formation that would not attract attention if it was near the downfall.  An easy going stretch led towards more rocky outcrops coming into view.

Noe Stool and beyond

The following section near the skyline and beyond is truly remarkable.  The 1:50,000 map names a couple of features like Pym Chair and Crowden Tower, but the 1:25,000 has the name "Wool Packs" amidst a scattering of rock symbols.  This is a section where it really would be easy to get lost when under thick cloud.  The path loses its identity as each visitor threads a route among a maze of rocks with peaty channels between.  It is almost eerie, even on a fine day.  The mix of peat and rock makes the going quite tricky underfoot.

Among the Wool Packs

Eventually the rocks give way to moorland walking - there is no distinct edge until arriving above Crowden Brook.  Here there is the first view back down into Edale, although a considerable journey along the edges remains in order to complete the circuit.  It would be possible to drop down to the valley here if time, tiredness or conditions made it necessary.

Above Crowden Brook, Edale beyond. 

Crowden Brook and Grindsbrook Clough are the two major features.  The variety and interest of the walk is maintained.  One important route finding point is not to continue straight ahead onto Grindslow Knoll but to take a left turn to the head of Grindbrook Clough.  In order to claim a proper circuit I ignored the descent and continued doggedly on.  An arm of Grindsbrook Clough makes quite a detour, but the scenery is grand.

View from above Grindsbrook Clough

The head of Grindsbrook Clough

The views down Grindsbrook Clough into Edale are some of the best of the day - this section is by no means an anticlimax after a long day.  The southward views from this side of the plateau are special because of the realisation that, apart from a couple of small areas of the Dartmoor tors, this is the southernmost area of land with a height of over 2,000 feet in England.  And there is a final individual take on a millstrone grit rock formation, just when you think every possibility must already have been seen several times over....

Rock formation, Upper Tor

View down Grindsbrook to Edale

After Upper Tor, the edge declines past Nether Tor, and finally the path on the Golden Clough side of Ringing Roger is reached, and the circuit closed below its summit.  Both my knees complained during the descent, but this was the longest and toughest walk for a year or more.  The views compensated, and the final picture shows a sunny prospect over Edale.

It was lovely descending and reaching valley level after the long circuit of the plateau.  "Tired, but happy" is the well used but appropriate description for the feeling on reaching the car park.

Prospect over Edale from the path below Ringing Roger

This walk deserves nothing less than a ringing recommendation.  It was a truly memorable day out, just the right length for a challenge without becoming a head down, route march type of expedition.  I would not want to tackle the whole route on short winter days, but longer days allow the landscape to be experienced properly en route.  I was very happy with the choice of starting point, the route, and the direction taken.  Top marks!

Local evening stroll, Carr Vale reserve

If I am not away elsewhere, I usually try to get out a bit and more often than not end up doing a round of one or both of the local reserves.  Carr Vale Flash nature reserve was established in a former mining area where a group of small lakes or flashes had formed due to the industrial workings.  They are located in the Doe Lea valley close to the Carr Vale area of town where we live.

These pictures give a flavour of what can be seen on just a short evening stroll in the spring.  Things change almost on a daily basis, and this April the weather changes virtually minute by minute.

Meadow Flash, Carr Vale - after April showers

Evening at Meadow Flash, Carr Vale reserve

 Meadow Flash is in open fields, the others are more secluded and enclosed.  A pair of Great Crested Grebes has taken to the other main lake this year.  Just one of them was out and about this evening.  I do not have the big lenses and equipment necessary for close ups of birds, but did manage to get a silhouette with the unmistakable outline of this elegant and striking bird.

Silhouette, Great Crested Grebe

The smaller middle lake between the other two sometimes comes up well for a picture.  The reeds are just coming to life, and I always like the patterns on water, whether reflections on still water, or abstracts caused by ripples or waves.  This evening the water was calm in this sheltered spot.

Reeds in the middle lake at Carr Vale

Many of the spring flowers are now in full force.  One of my favourites (although with a long flowering season not restricted to spring) is the White Dead Nettle.  To me it seems to be camera friendly, showing up lovely details.  A tiny bug of some sort also features in this evening's shot.

White Dead Nettle

One common flower that seems to have eluded me until this year is Ground Ivy.  I saw it the other day and got a nice picture, and managed to identify it successfully, realising I had somehow missed out on getting to know it before.  It is a lovely little plant, and enticed me into taking another picture of another good patch of what is obviously a widespread plant.

Ground Ivy

As noted in a recent piece, I am very intrigued by lichens but put off by their complexity.  This one, however, is common and quite recognisable, and I managed to identify it through visual comparison without too much trouble.  It's simply called Common Orange Lichen.

Common Orange Lichen

It always seems worthwhile getting out, and there's usually something fresh to see, even on a familiar little walk.  How pleased I am to have become interested in photography - it is literally an eye opener.  I was already interested in places and nature in general, but the combination with photography is focussing things much more for me.  Above all it directs my thoughts in wonder and awe before the Creator God, with evidence of the hand of a master designer at work on every hand.

Peak District walk (4) - Around Ashford in the Water and Taddington

Date of walk: Mar 13th, 2012.  Distance 14.75 miles.  Start: Ashford in the Water village. 

An illustrated account of the walk, click on any picture to enlarge, or to view as a slideshow. 

Ashford in the Water is an attractive Peak District village by the River Wye as it emerges from deep set valleys into a somewhat gentler landscape.  I started between the church and the old bridge which is now closed to traffic.  There are plenty of attractive stone built cottages, and thankfully the main A6 road stays just the other side of the river.

Fennel Street, Ashford in the Water

Just beyond a village crossroads, on Vicarage Lane, a path climbs left to cut a corner to the quaintly named Pennyunk Lane which climbs the gentle east facing slopes of Fin Cop.  It was dull and slightly misty, but very pleasant for walking.  Views gradually opened up behind.  The path soon reaches the lane which soon becomes a farm track between walls and later a footpath by the edge of open fields.

Pennyunk Lane near Ashford in the Water

The lane twists and turns even though the gradient is gentle.  It is an ideal start to a long walk, gaining height without too much effort being required.  The broad slopes are well tended and farmed, with a couple of restored dewponds which are important habitats for amphibians, including newts in this particular locality.  They were created on the quickly draining limestone grassland to provide water for livestock.  There are a couple of field barns as well.

Pennyunk Lane and the broad slopes of Fin Cop

The path stays below the skyline and turns north towards Monsal Head.  Unusually, I was hungry at a very early stage of the walk and stopped to break into the supplies, looking out over the fields towards Longstone.  The path finally does reach the crest and the contrast of the other side of the hill is suddenly revealed at the top of steep wooded slopes above Monsal Dale.  A couple of seats are provided close to the edge.  The path continues along the very rim and is quite impressive, with the viaduct eventually being glimpsed through the trees.

Path by the rim of Monsal Dale

Without the trees I am sure the path would feel quite exposed.  The edge drops slightly to the lane at Monsal Head, which is followed for a short distance when heading for the viaduct.  The viaduct takes a bit of the sting out a considerable descent early in the walk.  Following this, the rest of the walk basically only has one major climb and one long descent towards the end.  The viaduct provides airy views of the valley, and the tunnels which were closed for many years can now be followed along the Monsal Trail.  The climbing starts immediately on crossing the viaduct, by taking a rising path to the left, towards Putwell Hill and Brushfield.  The sun began to shine rather weakly and intermittently, but it was warm for the time of year.

Valley views from the track to Putwell Hill 

Eventually this track reaches the other rim of Monsal Dale, but the views were hazy and indistinct, and my pictures were no good, lacking any detail, or the atmospheric look that such conditions can bring.  It should still be noted as one of the highlights of the varied and interesting route that was unfolding.  In this part of the Peak District the name of the area seems particularly inappropriate, as all the drama is confined to the valleys, with wide open uplands beyond and nothing remotely like a peak in sight.  The uplands provide easy country walking, however, and are an integral part of the variety in the landscape.  Brushfield Lodge is on a tongue of land which marks the transition between the two types of landscape, perched above the steep wooded sides of Monsal Dale and Taddington Dale.

Upland pasture near Brushfield Lodge

The landscape ahead begins to unfold with views towards Taddington, with the valley down to the left.  The track provides very easy walking, heading slightly downhill to the hamlet of Brushfield.  It is apparent from the various notices that the rough track is open for use by limited number of four wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles, with requests for respectful and courteous use.  All was quiet on that front today, with just one business van heading up to the lodge.  The approach to Brushfield is especially attractive, and I was very taken with the little cluster of farm buildings and cottages on the south facing slopes.

Brushfield from the east

The trees provide shelter from westerly winds.  The little lane beyond does a hairpin into the side valley of High dale before heading for the main road.  This too is a very pleasant walk, I think meriting the two pictures that follow without further comment.

Lane from Brushfield

Hairpin bend, High Dale, near Brishfield

I left the lane at the hairpin and headed a short distance up the valley, soon finding the path that turns sharply left slanting up the hillside to cut a corner towards Taddington, thus avoiding any walking along the main A6. One of the fields was densely packed with sheep which had a good supply of additional food scattered across the ground. the path also rewards with good views of the valleys around Taddington.  For the sake of the report it is difficult having to be selective in the pictures, but the following one gives the best overall impression of this section.

Valley views towards Taddington

The track down to the main road was delightful, typical limestone grassland with a hint of surface rock and scattered trees.  It comes out exactly opposite the turn for the lane to Taddington village, which is a bonus for walkers.  The lane uses the left hand valley in the above picture, leading gently up to the east end of the village.  The main street has plenty of character, although the sense on just passing through was that it has slightly more of a workaday atmosphere than some of the pretty spruced up villages not far away.  It is not one of the better known touristy villages, perhaps all the better and more authentic for that.  It is a relatively large village, but if there is a village shop I did not see it.  The church is lovely, and I had further refreshments by the churchyard gate near the war memorial with its poignant roll call of names.

Taddington church

Taddington Moor rises further to the southwest, sheltering the village, which itself is at over 1,000 feet above sea level.  Slipperlow Lane and the path above provide excellent views over the village, providing it with that special sense of a place deeply tied in to its location and landscape.

Overlooking Taddington

Over the brow of the hill a new world is entered with an expanse of the open moorland and rough grazing.  The ground is the highest for some distance around, culminating at Chelmorton Low to the east, but the gradients are generally very gentle, so once again there is nothing that could be called a peak.  Still, the walking is straightforward, and with larks singing it was quite grand.  The large number of stone walls to be negotiated by the stiles is the only obstacle to rapid progress.  The sun was out, but still hazy with distant views lacking.

On Taddington Moor

The main landmark is the upland farm at Fivewells Farms, which must be cold and windswept at times, but today was a fine, tranquil location.  A tractor was at work on the improved grassland, which was very well cultivated for such altitude.  In places the rough, uncultivated moorland grass provided a clear indication of the work required to produce such fine dining for the sheep.  Eventually the path reached the horizon in line with the wall trending slightly left, at the brow of the short descent to the village of Chelmorton.  The church and the pub are at the top end where the path enters the north end of the village. This has an even more of an upland feel than Taddington, and must be rather exposed to westerly winds.  Still, the houses generally have the sturdy stone, well-built look of the area, very suited to the surroundings.

Houses in Chelmorton

Much of the village lines along a single street, notable for an unusual stone built telephone box with green trim.  A path heads back regaining most of the little bit of lost height, but the village is well worth visiting.  I rather regretted missing the top of Chelmorton Low, but it was already a good long walk.  From the lane there was a good view back over the village with the strip fields either side.   It really has a sense of being off the beaten track, and again it had very much a character of its own.

Chelmorton village below Chelmorton Low

Strip fields above Chelmorton

The route ahead involved some road walking, although it could be extended somewhat by using a path towards the village of Flagg.  The lane is generally quiet and has good verges and is much better than most for walking.  It heads easily over the gentle plateau south of the higher parts of Taddington Moor, and keeps north of the rather isolated village of Flagg.

Country road near Flagg

Eventually, after passing the crossroads in the picture above, the next lane from Flagg on the right turns opposite a track which was taken away from the road.  It led past some modern farm buildings and trended right, across quiet moorland, or grassland which was somewhat rougher than the pastures around Fivewells Farms earlier.  It really is a place to sense the quietness and tranquility on a calm day.  The distant views were still refusing to clear, but I stopped briefly for the next round of light refreshments.  At about that point I got the following picture of a field barn with the hazy background.

Field barn below Taddington Moor

After passing some rougher ground which indicated a former mining area, a footpath crossroads saw the left turn cutting a corner on the way back towards Taddington village.  The path comes out at a lane junction just before the ground starts to trend down north towards the village.  The road was followed briefly to the first track leaving to the right which headed down towards the east end of the village.  It was a lovely walk skirting round the hill at the edge of the village.

Above Taddington

I kept above the dead end lane to Over Wheal, eventually joining it near Lodley View.  There was an especially fine view overlooking Coombs Farm to Monsal Dale and Fin Cop.  The open moorland I was on was slightly higher than the top of Fin Cop, which seems such a significant top when approaching from the east.

Coombs Farm, Monsal Dale and Fin Cop

There is an extensive range of farm buildings at Over Wheal, not necessarily as attractive as might be hoped for such a setting, but there is a sense of the hard work that must be required to farm the area viably, however lovely the surroundings.  Soon there are the first views of Deep Dale, the next objective on the walk.  After passing the farm, a grassy footpath soon leaves, trending left towards the rim of the valley.

A view of Deep Dale

To the left of the picture, Deep Dale Lodge is perched in a terrific location.  The valley is once again a nature reserve, maintained for the variety and profusion of the wild flowers that so thrive in these limestone areas.  A short steep descent led to the upper valley floor, and then it was simply a matter of following the valley floor gently down past the steep slopes.  The next picture gives an impression of being down in the valley.

In Deep Dale, Fin Cop rising beyond

Lower down, the western side becomes more wooded and the valley eventually becomes less well defined, although above the main valley floor of the river Wye.  The path trends right.  To avoid walking along the main A6, a path is signposted slightly right again for both Sheldon and Ashford in the Water.  It climbs increasingly steeply to woodland.  The Sheldon path continues up the very steep slopes, and the Ashford path dives into woodland, climbing just a little.  All of a sudden you realise you are on a very steep wooded hillside high above the A6.  The height, steepness and narrowness of the path were just with the toleration limits for my vertigo, but plenty of people might find it too much.  Of course mountaineers would consider it a mere stroll.  However it reminded me of the need and wish for a lot more proper hill walking to try and regain more of a head for heights.  With all the trees and the north facing shade it was impossible to get a real impression in a picture.

Path across steep hillside, Great Shacklow Wood

The path continues in this vein for a fair distance, and is certainly a major feature of the whole walk.  The slope finally eases and the path curves gently down to the valley floor.  There follows a delightful riverside stroll, adding yet another variation to the walk, thankfully opposite the busy traffic of the A6.  An old sawmill is passed by near a bridge, a weir and flood level measurement post.  One of my favourite pictures of the day was near the end, just focussing on a short stretch of the river and valley floor in the afternoon sunshine.

River Wye above Ashford in the Water

The path merges with the lane from Sheldon, and a very short stretch along the A6 (with a good pavement) leads to the historic bridge crossing mentioned at the start.  That famous spot I will omit from the pictures, as the light was not ideal, and I much preferred the results I obtained of the attractive church from the spot where I had parked the car and found it safely awaiting my return.  Truly a walk to savour and a route to recommend with enthusiasm, even considering the stretch of road walking after Chelmorton.

Church, Ashford in the Water