Derbyshire Walking Holiday - May 2012
Set off from a layby on a C class road about 2 miles out of Chapel-en-le-Frith towards the Blue John Mines. The first ¼ mile is a moderate uphill climb along a very worn path then a gentle uphill slope for the next ½ mile. The path becomes gently undulating for next mile with superb views from Lord’s Seat. There is a moderate slope down which becomes quite steep for a short stretch to the road.
We cross the road then climb a steepish well-maintained path including some steps to the summit of Mam Tor then back down along a good path following the ridge to Hollins Cross.
There is a steepish downhill section including some steps down, uneven in places, to a farm road then along the flat road into Castleton.
Six well maintained stiles. Nothing significantly more difficult than we might encounter going up and down to the Ridgeway and Roundway Down. Distance 5.2 miles, time about 3½ hrs with a further hour in Castleton. Boots are essential.
The walk starts at Monsal Head on the B6465 about 2 miles north west of Bakewell in the long stay car park by the Monsal Head Hotel. Walk to short stay car park then down a steepish track to start of trail. The trail is a disused railway line converted into a cycling and walking track with a good asphalt surface underfoot.
There is a very gentle downhill incline or level for next 4.5 miles. Six tunnels, one optional with a pleasant riverside walk along a track as an alternative at Cressbrook, plus 3 viaducts. Excellent views. Toilets in car park at start and at Millers Dale station.
We leave the trail at Blackwell Mill where there is a tuck shop which does coffee and cakes then walk up the Pennine Bridleway for about 1/4 mile followed by a short steepish narrow track up to the A6 where we will meet coach 5.5 miles, 3 hours. Boots are not essential but recommended for the start and end portions which are not asphalted.
Set off from near the village of Winster at the junction of the B5056 and the C class road coming south west out of Winster. Winster is about 4 miles west of Matlock. All of the walk is well marked. The first section of the walk is along an undulating section which was well worn so was rough in parts and has the potential to be muddy in wet weather; it was along a stretch used by incontinent livestock so care must be taken. The next section is along easy terrain with lots of ‘step-throughs’.
The path then drops down into Uppertown and then quite steeply into the village of Bonsall which has a nice looking pub which unfortunately is not open at lunch times.
We climb out of Bonsall up a path which is very steep initially but eases off after about 200 yds to become somewhere between steep-ish and moderate for about ¾ mile. It then flattens out for a short distance before descending into Matlock via three stiles.
Total distance 6 miles. 3 hours. Boots are not essential but are highly recommended.