MY WALKING WORLD  David Preston

A summary of my walks with a few photos
On many of my walks although I have taken some photos and have had an enjoyable time I have not gone into detail for my walking log, If the walk was exceptional I have selected the best photos and put them on a separate page with a link to them. This has resulted in many walks being listed without a proper description. I have decided to create this page which will be my summary page with a brief description and a few photos if they were taken. A full photo page will be added wherever it is warranted.
21/02/09 The Roaches and Gun - 9 miles - Weather overcast with occasional showers - Map OL24 The Peak District - White Peak Area
The day was overcast with a forecast of light showers, I did not set out very early so I decided to do a local walk on the Roaches which is not far from my home. I arrived at the start near Hulme End grid Ref SK00610 61610 at around 11.15hrs. The plan was to visit the trig points on The Roaches and on nearby Gun which was on the hilltop on the opposite side of the valley, the walk was listed as 11 miles but I quickly realised that I had left my start to late so decided to shorten the walk by making up my own route across the valley. The Roaches are a well known for some excellent rock climbing on the dramatic rock faces that abound along the escarpment. I left car parking area which is along side of the narrow lane and climbed up the path through the bracken and heather which covers the hillside You are soon on the top and there is easy walking along the ridge towards the trig point  at the far end  of the ridge. On the way I passed Doxey Pool which is an interesting small pool almost on top of the ridge. It normally remains full throughout the year despite having a small catchment area. Once at the trig point I stopped for lunch despite only covering about 1½ miles. The Roaches Trig pointThere was  a bitter wind with occasional rain showers sweeping across from the south west, at the end of the ridge I descended Roach End and then followed a series of field paths and country lanes heading across the valley

 On the map was marked a small lake called Turners Pool and this sounded an intriguing place so I made my way towards it, the footpaths were not well marked and I had difficulty finding my way, particularly when I came across a small pool 20 or 30 yards across which I took to be Turners Pool. There was no other water marked on the map but due to the absence of footpaths around it I decided that this was not it. My GPS also confirmed that I was  not at the right place so I carried on across several pathless fields until I espied a sign pointing towards Turners Pool, after a few minutes I arrived at the pool and found it to be a popular fishing lake. I passed through the farmyard and climbed up the hillside for about a mile until I was finally up on the ridge, I then headed south arriving at the trig point to some excellent views all round. After quick brew I set of down the hillside following a series of paths and lanes and then finally up the valley side through a farmyard and back to the car. An excellent walk fairly close to my home

 
28/02/09      Tideswell circular walk via Millers Dale, Ashford in the Water, Monsal Head and Cressbook  with 40sWalkersNorth - 14 miles - Rain then clear - Map OL24 The Peak District - White Peak Area
Seven of us from the 40sWalkersNorth met up in Tideswell at 0930hrs for a circular walk starting from Tideswell. The weather was overcast with a fine drizzle as we set of over the fields towards Millers Dale, the field paths were muddy after the recent rain and gaiters were much appreciated, after a brief stop at Millers Dale we climbed up to the Monsal Trail and headed east until we came to a side path heading up to Brushfield, Off roaders not welcomeone of the local farmers clearly was not impressed with the offroading fraternity according to the sign although walkers were welcome.

 After many field paths and farm tracks we arrived at the White Lodge car park where their are toilet facilties. We ate our lunch using the picnic tables provided and then set of  up the hillside and followed to path through Great Shacklow Wood eventually arriving at Ashford in the Water. We then followed Pennyunk Lane which then became a series of field paths to Monsal Head. The weather had brightened considerably and we enjoyed a pint at the Stables Bar at Monsal Head in spring like sunshine. Our route led down to the Monsal Trail again which we followed until we reached Cressbrook. We followed the lane up the dale and then up through the wood and then across the fields Water Cum Jollyback to Tideswell where we arrived at 16.45hrs.

Ashford in the Water Church

 

 

 

 

 

 

An excellent day out with a very friendly walking group
08/03/09 - New Mills to Buxworth and walk return by canal towpath - 6 miles - Sunny periods and hail showers - Map The Peak District - Dark Peak Area OL1
Three of us set of from New Mills Station where there is some parking available in the surrounding streets. We followed the canal towpath for a short way before  before dropping down to the left and crossing over the River Goyt the field paths led  to Gowhole where we crossed the road and headed up over the fields and crossed under the rail line. The path then rises up again and over the fields before dropping down into the small village of Buxworth. This was an important area in the Industrial  age with a lot of evidence of the mining and quarrying activities from over the last 200 years.Bugsworth Basin the terminus of the canal was a busy area in years gone by and you can spend quite some time reading the many displays all around the canal basin. There are usually many colourful canal boats in the basin adding to the colourful scene.
We had lunch at the pub "The Navigation" and then followed the towpath towards Whaley Bridge and then turning north at the junction and following the canal back to where the car was parked at New Mills. The weather had been excellent during the day but when we were within 300 yards of the car we were hit by a a very heavy hailstorm which was one of the worst I have ever experienced, although we were so close to the car it was impossible to leave the shelter of the high  wall where we were crouched. I would have loved a photo but the camera had to stay dry in the rucksack. Within minutes the storm had passed leaving behind nearly an inch of hailstones. Most unexpected but really exciting.
15/03/09 - Cat and Fiddle Inn to Macclesfield - A linear walk via Wildboarclough, Shutlinslow and Langley -
Cat and Fiddle Inn Today was a walk with a difference. I left home at 1000hrs on foot and all kitted up with boots, rucksack and walking pole. It was just over a mile to the bus station in Macclesfield where I caught the 1030hrs bus to the Cat and Fiddle up on the moors halfway to Buxton. The 1030 bus actually goes all the way to Chatsworth via Buxton and Bakewell and it is feasible to spend about 4 hours then before returning on the last bus, however I got off at the Cat and Fiddle Inn and started my walk from there. The plan was to walk home via some of the outstanding countryside which is so  close to my home. I followed the moorland path southwards for about nearly a mile before branching off left and descending alongside Cumberland Brook to reach Clough House Farm in Wildboarclough.
 A quick brew and it was off up the hillside before climbing steadily up the side of Shutlinsloe 506m high with excellent views all round. I had lunch on the summit and then followed the good path down the side and across the moor to Macclesfield Forest. There are many excellent paths in the forest and I followed the main one down to the visitor centre where there are excellent views across the reservoir to the heronry on the far bank. The were busy nest building and seemed to be about a dozen of them. Well worth a visit if you haven't seen them before. I then followed the woodland path down to the road and past the Trentabank Reservoir passing close to Leather's Smithy an excellent place for a quick pint if you were thirsty. Shutlinsloe
River Bollin Then it was follow the lane down through the village of Langley and on the far side I took the footpath at the side of Langley Hall across the infant River Bollin and then it was up the hillside across the Hollins and down through the narrow streets of Macclesfield. I arrived home at 1600hrs. It was an excellent day out with good weather all day. It did not cost me a penny as I used my Bus Pass for the journey up to The Cat and Fiddle
Croker Hill
   

 
 
22/03/09 Mam Tor and Castleton circular- 5 miles - sunny weather
Today was a short day as I had some other jobs to do so it was a late start and then up to Castleton for one of my regular short walks. I usually park just below Mam Tor where there is ample parking near to the Blue John Mines, and then its a steep walk up to gain the summit of Mam Tor where there are outstanding views all around  towards Castleton and also down into the Edale valley and across to Kinder Scout. The wind today was very strong on the top and care was required although it was perfectly safe on the paved summit around the trig point. The walk then follows the ridge along as far as Hollins Cross and then down the hillside and into the lovely village of Castleton. There is a good selection of Pubs and Cafes together with a beautiful Church, after a lunch break I followed the path along the hillside to the Speedwell Cavern. then its across the Winnats Pass and up to the Treak Cliff Cavern and then higher up the hillside you come to the Blue John Mines and the car park. One of my favourite short walks that can be done safely in all weathers 
 
 
29/03/09 - Hartington, Manifold Valley, Wolfscote Dale and Biggin Dale with 40sWalkersNorth - Sunny periods - 14 miles
A good day out with the 40sWalkersNorth starting from Hartington, followed the field paths througfh the Manifold Valley and then along Wolfscote Dale and Biggin Dale bfore returning along the lanes and field paths to Hartington. A great walk with friends from the club
10/05/09 - Peak District - Mam Tor and Castleton circular 5 miles
Today was a late start so there was only time for this excellent short walk, After parking at the bottom of Mam Tor where there is free parking parking its a steep ascent up onto the summit where there are superb views all round, You can see why ancient man constructed a hill fort on the summit. The route then follows the ridge as far as Hollins Cross with great views down into the Vale of Edale and the well used rail line between Sheffield and Manchester. The trail leads down the hillside and into Castleton and then along the hillside past Speedweel Cavern
17/05/09 - Bakewell - Calton Lees, Chatsworth,and Edensor circular - Heavy showers - 10 miles
I parked my car near the old Bakewell Station where there is roadside parking, the route goes up the lane and then a path goes right and up through the wood crossing the golf course, eventually you emerge from the wood onto a large area of grassland. The path goes across this area and then down a lane to Calton Lees. refreshments are available at the Garden Centre if required.   I crossed the river and the turned left up the lane past Beeley Lodge. Up the steep lane  for nearly a mile  and left across  fields to the edge of the wood above Chatsworth.  The walk north through the woods follows excellent forest tracks and there were some beautiful areas covered in Bluebells. I sat having my lunch outside the Hunting Tower in a heavy shower. The rain stopped, the sun came out and the views across the Chatsworth Estate were magnificent.. I followed the lane north and then branched left down path and out on to grassland of the estate. It was then south towards the main house and across the bridge and over the road to Edensor, a lovely picturesque estate village. After leaving Edensor the path crosses the estate grounds and though a wood and out onto the Calton Pastures again. The path leads across and eventually arrives back at the wood above Bakewell. Down through the wood and you arrive back at Bakewell Station where my car was parked. An excellent day out despite the showers.
 23/05/09 - Yorkshire Dales - Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell circular with 40sWalkersNorth - 10 miles -  Overcast
14 members of the 40sWalkersNorth started out from The Thrang on the B6259, we followed the path along the hillside and then up The Nab and over the hillside to the summit cairn on Wild Boar Fell. There was low cloud on the summit and we not able to see the normally excellent views. We followed the ridge southwards over Swarth Fell Pike and then down the hillside and across the road and up to Hell Gill Bridge where the waterfall gave us a chance to get the cameras out. Then it was along the hillside and back to the cars. Refreshments were then taken in the excellent Moorcock Arms. A great day out.
25/05/09 - New Mills to Buxworth circular 6 miles - sunny periods
 Starting from New Mills near the Railway Station the walk goes along the canal towpath and then follows the Goyt Way and then across the fields to Buxworth. Lunch in the Navigation
04/06/09 - Loch Garten circular -10 miles Sunny periods
04/06/09 - We were staying at the Lazy Duck Hostel in Nethy Bridge, an excellent place to stay and we were able to walk straight from the hostel through the forest using lanes and tracks. The Caledonian Forest was quite stunning and unlike the pine forests that I have been used to. The wildlife and vegitation was amazing and we saw many diferent birds and animals including - Crested Tit, Capercaille, Osprey, Siskin, Redstart, Greater spotted Woodpecker, Red Squirels. and deer If you want a relaxing place to stay with very friendly owners try the Lazy Duck Hostel in the Cairngorms NationalPark - You are assured of a warm welcome
06/06/09 - Ben Macdui - Cairngorms - An attempt to climb Ben Macdui - 10 miles - Overcast and frequent showers
As today was our last day of our short break in the Cairngorms we were determined to try and climb Ben Macdui, the weather was dry when we set off but there were dark clouds massing and we were not optimistic. However sometimes you have just got to try for it. We left the car at the Cairngorm Funicular Station and set off with all our waterproofs on. We climbed steadily on the good path heading south but the high tops were covered in cloud. We eventually reached the snowline and found about 4 inches of snow higher up, we walked across the plateau for quite a while passing several tents of climbers with a good snow covering. Navigation was not easy with the poor visibility and although we were confident we could make the summit we decided to leave it for another day when hopefully there would be better conditions and visibility. We were disappointed to have to turn back but its always there for another day
 12/06/09 - Bakewell - Edensor - Chatsworth - Beeley - Rowsley circular -13 miles - Sunny all day
After parking near Bakewell Station I walked up through the woods and out onto Calton Pastures, then down through Edensor village and across the bridge into  the Chatsworth grounds, the route led up the hillside and through the woods past the Hunting Tower, the track led thought the woods and then down to Beeley. A short walk down the busy road and then onto the river bank before emerging into Rowsley. A welcome ice cream  from the Post Office store and the up the hillside through the woods and along the track where I joined the Monsal Trail which I followed back to the car. A great walk with some superb views
20/06/09 - Lake District - Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag from Buttermere - 8 miles - Overcast
This was a camping weekend in the Lake District with four friends, we travelled up to the Lakes on Friday afternoon and camped at Seathwaite. On Saturday 20/06/09 we drove to Buttermere and walked up to the summit of Red Pike, then along the ridge  to High Stile  and High Crag, we then followed the path down to Buttermere Lake and back along the shore path to the village.
21/06/09 - Lake District - Souther Fell and Blencathra via Sharp Edge - 10 miles - Sunny periods
After parking at Mungrisdale we ascended Souther Fell  and then followed the valley up to Scales Tarn, lunch was taken gazing up at Sharp Edge and the summit of Blencathra. We then scrambled along Sharp Edge and up onto the summit of Blencathra. After admiring the views we set of for Bannerdale Crags and then followed the valley back to Mungrisdale
15/07/09 - Switzerland - Sargans to Lauterbrunnen - 85 Miles
This was part of the Alpine Pass Route which starts in Sargans, Eastern Switzerland and finishes in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. We started in  Sargans and walked as far as Lauterbrunnen. For a full account see the Alpine Pass Route - Part 1
16/08/09 - Hope to Casleton - 6 miles- Sunny periods
This is a low level walk which is ideal if time is short - park in Hope and take the field paths below Lose Hill to Castleton, a bite to eat on the village green and then back along the track by the river to Hope
23/08/09 - Hartington, Biggindale and Wolfscotedale circular 7 miles - Sunny periods
A pleasant walk from Hartington up past the Youth Hostel and along the track to Biggin, then turn right and follow the Dale to Wolfscotedale, lunch on the river bank and then north along the river and back to Hartington
30/08/09 - New Mills to Buxworth and back - 6 miles - Sunny periods
A short walk to Buxworth and back
05/09/09 - Grassington and Conistone Dib and Grassington Moor circular - 10 miles - Rain most of the day
 This was an excellent walk organised by the 40sWalkersNorth and followed a circular route from Grassington across the fields and up Conistone Dib, we then turned south and after visiting Mossdale Scar we crossed Grassington Moor where there are many industrial remains of the lead mines from the 19th century. A really enjoyable walk despite the rain
12/09/09 - Barber Booth and Kinder Scout circular - 10 miles - Sunny all day
A lovely sunny day and I wanted to get up high and experience the Kinder plateau again, I parked near Barber Booth and climbed up Grindsbrook Clough  and onto the plateau, a wild and exciting place and visibility was excellent. I set off across the desolate peat bogs and practised my navigation to the summit of Kinder Scout, then it was across to Kinder Downfall and then back across Kinder Low and down Grindbrook Clough and back to the car. A great walk in good weather but requiring good navigation skills in poor conditions.

 
18/09/09 - Long weekend in Borrowdale with 40sWalkersNorth

An excellent weekend in Borrowdale started with a walk on the Friday from Buttermere and climbed up from Crummock Water past Scales Force and then along the ridge over Red Pike, High Stile and High crag and down Scarth Gap to Buttermere and then along the North West shore back to Buttermere village- Sunny periods - 9 miles

Saturday we walked from Rosthwaite to Seathwaite and up Sour Gill, up onto Base Brown over Green Gable to Great Gable, down to the Styhead Pass and over to Sprinkling Tarn and back down Grains Gill to Rosthwaite. Low cloud on the tops, clearing later- 12 miles

Sunday we walked from Rosthwaite and over Kings How and back to Rosthwaite. We spent an enjoyable afternoon at the the Borrowdale Show in Rosthwaite where we watched Fell Racing, Cumberland wrestling and all sorts of events. Definetley worth a visit next year. Sunny periods - 5 miles

Most of the group stayed at the Youth Hostel and we stayed at Thornythwaite Farm nearby - excellent.

03/10/09 - Adlington, Pott Shrigley and Lyme Park circular - 10 miles - Sunny periods and showers
A local walk not far from home, I parked at Whiteley Green and walked through the fields to Pott Shrigley and then along the Gritstone Trail, over Sponds Hill and into Lyme Park, after a lunch stop I walked  across the fields and back along the canal to my car, a great walk with varied scenery.
10/10/09- Staveley, Skeggles Water and Kentmere circular - 12 miles - Sunny periods
 This walk was organised by the 40sWalkersNorth and started in Staveley with tea and bacon butties in the local cafe, 14 of us then set off across the lower fells to Skeggles Water and then across to Kentmere. We the climbed up the hillside overlooking Kentmere and follwed the ridge southwards and back to Kentmere. A celebratory drink was the enjoyed in the Eagle and Child in Kentmere.
17/10/09- Dovestones Reservoir circular - 10 miles Sunny all day

A walk with 40sWalkersNorth starting from the Dovestones Reservoir just off the A635, we followed the track along the reservoir shore and then climbed up Birchen Clough, It was an interesting scramble up the waterfall and we eventually emerged onto the moor which gave us a great view across the valley and down onto the reservoirs. We had lunch on the rim in the warm sunshine and then followed the Edge  before eventually dropping down back into the valley and back to the car park. It was a superb walk with wonderful views all day.
 
24/10/09 - Llandudno - Circuit of the Great Orme - 5 miles, sunny periods
A walk around the Great Orme is always a delight, a pleasant stroll along the road looking down at the sea on your right, the cliffs on your left, wild birds and wild goats in abundance
07/11/09 - Kentmere - Part of the Kentmere Horshoe - 12 miles - Sleet, snow, sunshine and showers
With three friends I set off from Kentmere to walk the Kentmere Horseshoe. Conditions were dry with low cloud when we set off but within the hour rain set in and it was on with the waterproofs. Once on the ridge we passed over Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick before arriving on the summit of Thornwaite Crag in really difficult conditions, snow and sleet persisted and we quickly left and headed across to Nan Bield Pass were we sheltered and had lunch. The weather was not improving so we decided to walk down from the pass into the Kentmere valley and leave the remaining summits for another day. We arrived back at the car at around 1530hrs and changed into dry clothes. A good walk in difficult conditions
22/11/09 - Lancashire - A circular walk around Mawdsley - 10 miles - Showers
The Annual General Meeting of the 40sWalkersNorth was preceeded by a 10 mile walk around the village of Mawdsley in Lancashire, field paths, tracks and lanes were followed, a nice lunch stop in the woods sheltered from the wind and a coffee stop at Cedar Farm. We arrived at the Black Bull at Mawdsley at 1530hrs and enjoyed a Hotpot meal followed by the AGM. A good days walk in blustery conditions
05/12/09 - Pendle - 11 miles Sunny periods
A walk with the 40sWalkersNorth which started from the Nick of Pendle and climbed up Apronful Hill to Ogden Clough, it was then onto the summit of Pendle, the track then left Pendle and dropped down and then along through Hooke Cliffe and Angram Green to Little Mearley Hall, we then arrived back at the Nick of Pendle and our cars. A good walk in an area I have never visited before.
12/12/09 - Yorkshire Dales a - Great Shunner Fell- 12 miles - Sunny periods
I parked in Hardraw Village and set off up the Pennine Way eventually reaching the summit of Great Shunner Fell, I then headed south west across rough and trackless moorland and after crossing the lane I climbed up onto the summit of Lovely Seat. After lunch I headed south across some very rough moorland eventually reaching the road outside Hardraw which I followed back into the village and back to the car. A tough walk with a large section of pathless moorland.
19/12/09 - Lancashire - Blackstone Edge - A circular walk from Ogden Reservoir - 10 miles Sunny periods
Another walk with the 40sWalkersNorth which started at the Ogden Reservoir and climbed up onto Blackstone Edge via Bleakedgate Moor and Windy Hill, the return route was past Hollingworth Lake where we had a coffee stop. An excellent walk with about 550 metres of ascent.
17/01/10 - Cheshire - Lyme Park circular walk- 10 miles - Sunny periods
Another walk with the 40sWalkersNorth which started from Disley and followed paths into Lyme Park and then up onto the Bowstones, we then followed field paths down to the Macclesfield Canal which was still covered in ice from the recent cold weather. After a coffee stop at the cafe we climbed back in to Lyme Park and then back to Disley. A good walk with excellent company
30/01/10- Peak District - Mam Tor and lose Hill - 7 miles - Sunny all day
A seven mile walk starting from the roadside near to the Odin Mine below Mam Tor, I followed the path up to the Blue John Mine and then up the side of Mam Tor, along the ridge to Hollins Cross and then further on to Lose Hill, this is a spectacular ridge walk, safe in all weathers with superb views either side to the Hope and Edale Valley's. The path then drops down back through Castleton and the field paths  back to the car past the Odin Mine. Great views all day in glorious sunshine.
05/02/10 - Lake District - Long weekend in Borrowdale with 40sWalkersNorth
05/02/10 - A group of us set off from Ashness Bridge and walked along through the woods  to Watenlandeth and then up onto High Tove and along the ridge crossing  High Seat, Bleaberry Fell and Walla Crag and then back  down to Ashness Bridge - 8 miles and a cloudy day
06/02/10 -Nine of our group set off from the Glaramara Centre in Seathwaite and climbed Glaramara and Allen Crags in absolutely superb walking conditions with snow covered hills and a hard frost before returning via Esk Hause and Styhead Tarn to Seathwaite- Walking does not get much better than this -  11 miles with blue skies and sun all day
07/02/10 - 14 of the group climbed Dale Head from Seathwaite and returned via Honister back to the Glaramara Centre - 7 miles  and cloudy
14/02/10 - Peak District - Circuit of Chatsworth - 10 miles  and sunny periods
Parked at Bakewell Station now disused and a pay and display car park although there is roadside parking which I used. I set off over the golf course and up through the woods to Calton Pastures, then across to Calton Lees, over the river and up Beeley Lane, just past the Beeley Hilltop Farm I took the path on the left up the hillside and into the woods behind Chatsworth then followed the track to the Hunting Tower where I stopped for lunch, then it was down through the grounds of Chatsworth and across the road and through the village of Edensor. Then across the hillside through the wood and back across Calton Pastures to Bakewell. An excellent days walking.
21/02/10 - Cheshire - Macclesfield Forest and Shutlinslow - 5 miles - Overcast with snow on the ground
Set off from the roadside near Trentabank Reservoir and walked up through Macclesfield Forest, we then emerged onto the moorland and climbed up to the summit of Shutlinslow, conditions were icy with snow on the ground and good views all round.

Care was needed when we descended from the icy summit  and then we walked back down through the forest and back to the car

    
 
28/02/10 - Derbyshire - New Mills to Buxworth circular - 6 miles
 
06/03/10 - Lancashire -Garstang
 
13/03/10 - Lake District - Borrowdale
 
21/03/10 - Millers Dale to Monsal Head circular
 
27/03/10 -Snowden circular walk from Plas Gwynan
27/03/10 - Several of us from the 40sWalkersNorth climbed Snowdon from the Plas Gwynant Car Park. We left at just before 1000hrs and climbed up to the Bwlch Cwm Llan and then along the ridge to the summit of Snowdon. Alas the new Cafe was closed, not a lot of use to us mountain walkers if its not even open on a cloudy Saturday. Good job we are always self sufficient. We then descended via the Watkin Path which was very busy with walkers. As we got lower the cloud lifted and we had excellent views of Crib Goch and Yr Lliwedd. We arrived back at the car at 1530hrs.  A good day out of around 10 miles
03/04/10 Kinder Scout
  Walk A circular walk on Kinder Scout from nether Booth Start Nether Booth
Distance 10 miles     Time taken 6 hours
   

A walk up onto the Kinder plateau from Nether Booth then a turn eastwards and a visit to Madwomans Stones and back over Kinder Scout to Nether Booth

 

 
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10/04/10 - Circular walk from Barber Booth to Kinder Downfall and Kinder Gates
  Walk Circular walk from Barber Booth to Kinder Downfall and Kinder Gates Start  
Distance 13 miles Weather Sunny all day Time taken 7 hours

Started from the layby between Barber Booth and Upper Booth and climbed up onto the Kinder Plateau by Crowden Clough and then followed the path across to Kinder Low and then onto kinder Downfall where I had lunch, the return was by Kinder Gates and then across the plateau and back down Crowden Clough.

A real slog across the plateau but quite rewarding finding your way across all the peat bogs

Kinder Gates
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02/05/10 - Millers Dale and Monsal Head
  Walk   Start  
Distance       Time taken  
   

 

 

 

 
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15/05/10 - Isle of Rum
  Walk Three days of walking on the Isle of Rum Start Rum Castle
Distance 25 miles     Time taken Over 3 days
   

A long weekend on the Isle of Rum organised by members of  40sWalkersNorth - We met up in Mallaig on the 14/05/10 ready for the 0730hrs ferry on the 15/05/10 Saturday morning to the Island. We disembarked at around 0900hrs and our luggage was transported up to Kinloch Castle where we were staying. Three days of superb walking on a beautiful island with no traffic

 

 
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18/05/10 - Backpacking across the Knoydart
  Walk Across the Knoydart - Inverie to Glenfinnian Start Inverie
Distance 30 miles Weather Sunny periods and occasional low cloud and drizzle Time taken 3 days
   

One of my favourite places is the Knoydart in Scotland. This peninsula in the West Highlands opposite the Isle of Skye is cut of from the UK mainland roads network, Frequently described as "Europe's last wilderness" the area is home to a great variety of birds and mammals, Golden Eagles and  Sea Eagles inhabit the area together with deer and many other wild creatures. The starting point for the walk is the small village of Inverie which is home to Britain's remotest pub the Old Forge well worth a visit for the real ales, excellent food and folk music. There is also a tearoom, shop, village hall and accommodation including a camp site and bunkhouse. I arrived at 1100hrs on the morning ferry from Mallaig and being early in day I was unable to sample the Old Forge.

My plan was to walk across the Knoydart and eventually arrive at the main road in the village of Glenfinnian, a distance of just under 30 miles, being alone I decided not to climb any of the surrounding mountains, I just wanted to follow the track and enjoy the superb scenery and the peace and tranquility of the area. The first days walk would take me from Inverie to Sourlies where there is a bothy but I intended to camp, the distance was around 9 miles, the second day would take me another 9 miles over to Strathan where I would camp. The final day would take me to Glenfinnian and the main road where I would catch a train back to Mallaig. Being a mature person, or to put more accurately a pensioner, weight was crucial as I occasionally suffer from a back (disc) problem. Therefore I weighed everything down to the last gram to ensure I was carrying as little as possible. I normally use a Vango Sprite 200 which is just right for me but weighs around 2600 grams but with the idea of weight saving I bought myself a new small tent  the - Gelert Solo which weighs 1500grams - £26.00 and found it good value for money- if I was a younger man I would be buying a Terra Nova or a Hilliberg but at my age £300 is not sensible, anyway the grandchildren can have the Solo when I have finished with it, so its not wasted, it would cost me that for a nights bed and breakfast.

 

 
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14/06/10 - Flam Norway
  Walk Circular walk from the village of Flam in Norway Start Harbour
Distance 5 miles Weather Sunny all day Time taken 2.5 hours
   

During our weeks cruise to the Norwegian Fjords the cruise ship the P&O Ventura docked each day in one of the Fjords. We took the opportunity to either go on a guided walk or go off and explore on our own. From the village of Flam we took a guided tour up the valley with a very knowledgeable guide who explained all about the local fauna and flora together with the local history and customs of the area.

The weather was good and the scenery was spectacular

 
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15/06/10 - Olden - Norway
  Walk Circular walk around the village of Olden in Norway Start Harbour
Distance 5 miles Weather Sunny all day Time taken 2.5 hours
   

Today we set off on a circular walk up the valley from the small village of Olden to a lake a few miles from the village, we then returned back alongside the river through some delightful paths across farm fields. Haymaking was in progress everywhere we went

 
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27/06/10 - Millers Dale and Monsal Head circular
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Distance       Time taken  
   

 

 

 

 
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04/07/10 - Hope and Castleton circular
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Distance       Time taken  
   

 

 

 

 
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17/07/10 - Black Sail weekend
  Walk Braithwaite to Black Sail and return next day Start Braithwaite
Distance 20 miles   Rain and more rain with very occasional sunny periods Time taken 2 days
   

Every year the 40sWalkersNorth organises a weekend walk to the Black Sail Youth Hostel, this year 16 of us were on the walk on the 17/07/10.       We started from Braithwaite near Keswick and followed the Newlands Valley and then up to Dale Head Tarn, down to Honister Mine and then over Haystacks and down to Black Sail Hostel. A good evening was spent at the hostel with great food and a slide show by the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team. Very interesting. The following morning we crossed Scarth Gap Pass, through Buttermere and then followed Sail Beck below Knott Rigg and Ard Crags and then back to Braithwaite. The weather was very wet and we wisely chose to keep off the high fells. A great walk with plenty of water gushing down the hillsides. Its hard to believe there was a hosepipe ban at the time.

 

 
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01/08/10 Rudyard Lake circular
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08/08/10 - Cheedale, Millersdale and Wormhill for Topley Pike
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16/08/10 Lathkilldale and Magpie Mine from Monyash
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THESE PAGES ARE STILL BEING UPDATED

 

 

 
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18/09/10 - Prestbury and Mottram circular
Walk Prestbury and Mottram Circular Start  
Distance 6 miles Weather - Overcast Time taken 3 hours
     

After parking on the free car cark at Prestbury the walk follows the Bollin Valley Way and then crosses fields to Top o'th Hill Farm and eventually reaches Mill Lane in Mottram, part of the return route via the Bollin Valley Way was unfortunately closed due to erosion on the river bank and we had to divert along Mill Lane and eventually through the grounds of Mottram Hall Hotel. The path then resumes along the Bollin Valley Way and back into Prestbury

I am informed by the Cheshire East Council that they are in discussion with Local Landowners regarding  diverting this footpath around the problem area

There are some lovely buildings in Prestbury and a beautiful Church

 
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25/09/10- Goyt Valley and the Torrs from Cat and Fiddle on the A537
 25/09/10 Walk Goyt Valley and the Torrs from Cat and Fiddle on the A537 Start Lay on A537
Distance 10 miles Weather -  Sunny all day with a cold wind Time taken 4.5 hours
   

Started from a layby just a 100yds west of the Cat and Fiddle Inn, the weather was fine with a clear blue sky but a rather cold wind. I followed the track north and down Shooters Clough and past the ruins of Errwood Hall, then past Errwood Reservoir where I spotted a Cormorant perched on a marker buoy on the water. Then still heading north through the forest to Mill Clough and up past Overton Hall Farm where I stopped for lunch on a delightful bench overlooking the valley. I then climbed up onto the ridge and walked south past Windgather Rocks, past Pyms Chair and over Cats Tor and Shining Tor and then back to the car. A  great walk with great views from the high ridge

 

 
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