Programme, July - December 2010

Janet and I completed the summit of Ben Nevis this May. Not only is it a full climb from sea level to 4400 feet but also we went up the distillery path a first, making for nearly 20 miles total walking! The weather was fantastic and we could see for miles from the summit!

As we rose, woods gave way to heather moorland that got progressively rockier until there were only rocks, except finally for patches of snow on the summit! Such a walk was full of Christian parallels, preparation, persistence, following a path, changing scenery. We very much felt that the Lord was walking with us, particularly as we returned weary towards the end of a 13 hour day!

Don’t worry, such a hard walk won’t figure in the new programme. However such parallels can be seen on a smaller scale in our walks. It is no co-incidence that the word “travel” and the French “travail” (hard work) are similar. I was ready a recent article in the Times Register (the religious bit!) where there is a renewed interest in walking pilgrimages where such commitment leads to a special presence of God.

Maybe God is wanting to spend more time with us. For some, it will be going on a long journey to experience him in a special way. For others, it is finding parallels in walking with everyday life. What is he saying to you?

View from the top of Ben Nevis

The year so far started rather damp as the rain-washed away the New Year snow around Belper, but left the paths icy. An unexpected shelter at Duffield, improving weather later and a teashop revived flagging spirits.

February by contrast was fantastic weather and the snow returned in just the right amount for scenery without travel problems. Guy took us to some very scenic parts of the Manifold Valley.

Scenic route, thanks to Helen, on Frogatt Edge in March and round Thorpe Cloud thanks to Guy in April. Masses of Bluebells in Shining Cliff Woods in May with good weather with apologies from the leader for making it slightly shorter than planned, and nearly losing his wife!

Programme

Here we have the programme for the second half of 2010, trying to be on the third Saturday of the month unless otherwise stated.

Please note that for the web version I have one central contact point at the end so I can send you a programme with full walk leader contact details on request.

Before I start, don’t forget.

Please let the walk leader know you’re coming by 9pm the night before if at all possible. Walks may need to be cancelled or altered at short notice.
Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before the advertised time to allow for booting up, traffic delays, getting lost etc. so we can start promptly.
Pub walks- We had a wonderful walk in December. Just a few tips from this event (nest one this November).

For pub meals, can all those who intend to have the meal book by 9pm on the Thursday night to facilitate giving numbers to the pub?
It would be helpful if dog owners could make prior arrangements if they want to come to the meal. Although we were able to accommodate some dog walkers at short notice last time, this might not always be possible.
If several people come together, please ensure that each person know who is letting the walk leader who’s coming. This is a general comment for all walks, but particularly for pub walks.

I have to remind people that they come on walks at their own risk.
Walks are led by me, Bob unless otherwise stated.

Saturday 17^th July 10:15 for 10:30 a.m. North Kinder, 9.5 miles, 1000 feet. Contact Bob

Meet Birchen Clough bridge car park on A57 Snake Pass just above the Snake Inn SK108915. Ascend Kinder via the Snake Pass to the North Edge. Fairbrook Naze, descent via Fair Brook.

Saturday 21^st August 2010. Ilam and the Manifold. A walk of 8.6 miles and 1300 feet of ascent. Arrive before 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. prompt start. Expected finish 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Ilam is 4 miles NW of Ashbourne. Park in Ilam village opposite the cottages. (OS map ref 135508 on the 1:25000 White Peak map, West Sheet). The walk route takes us West to Calton Green, North to cross the Manifold near Beeston Tor, and back via the East side of the River Manifold. I know that some parts of this walk have already been done by the group, but parts of the walk are completely new. With good weather there are some lovely views on this walk. We will go via the loos at Ilam Hall soon after the start of the walk, and just before the end of the walk, but there are no others during the day.

Note: The walk crosses the dry bed of the River Manifold. If there has been very heavy rain leading up to the day, I may decide to change the walk, so do please check with me during the few days prior to the walk! If the river level does stop play, a walk will still start from the same place and be of a similar duration.

Saturday 18th September 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start . Ladybower Reservoir Meet SK 217874 (large layby near Ladybower reservoir). 10 miles, 1040' ascent.

Route: Cutthroat Bridge,Whinstone Lee Tor, descend to Ladybower reservoir, Fairholmes Visitor Centre (toilets, refreshments), Derwent Reservoir, Lockerbrook Heights, Bridge-end PAsture, Toadhole Cote, Ashopton, Cutthroat Bridge.

Saturday 16^th October 9:45 for 10a.m. Lathkill Dale. Meet at Moor Lane Picnic Site (SK193645), approx 1 mile West of Youlgreave at 9.45 a.m. to walk at !0 a.m.

Walk to One Ash Grange, Lathkill Dale, Over Haddon, Youlgreave, and return via Bradford Dale. 9 miles, approx. 1000 ft. ascent.

Saturday 20^th November 9:45 for 10a.m. River Trent with PUB MEAL at the John Thompson.

Meet John Thompson Pub, Ingleby, SK353268. 7 miles, a few hundred feet climbing (undulating, with flat stretches) Easy.

Sandstone caves once a church (Anchor Church), Viking Crematorium and a pub with fine food which brews its own beers. Ingleby, Anchor Church, Foremark Hall, Heath Wood, Seven Spouts Farm, Ingleby Toft, Woodend Cottage, Stanton by Bridge, John Thompson.

Contact Bob.

Saturday 18^th December 9:45 for 10a.m Crich. Meet Crich Market Place SK350542. 6 miles, a few hundred feet climbing (undulating,) Easy.

Quiet lanes, field and woodland paths lead to the ruins of Wingfield Manor. The walk then returns via one of Derbyshire’s most memorable viewpoints at Crich Stand and back through the village. Contact Bob.

Finally the National club is in our area this summer as follows. Day walkers may be accommodated, but check with the weekend leader first.

Youth Hostel Based on	Dates	Contact	Remarks
Hathersage	Fri 27- Mon 30 Aug	Chris Powell	Bank Holiday. Easy/moderate.

I also have details of the local Rugby group (up to August- Shipstone on Soar and Willey) just south of our region if anyone’s interested.

The Derby Christian Rambling Club is not part of the national organisation of the same name, but cooperates by providing local day walks, along with a number of similar local groups throughout the country.

Look forward on seeing you on walks.

Bob Harris

Email robertharris746@btinternet.com

Tel 01332 762767

I can then send a programme which includes contact details of the walk leaders. Apologies, I have been informed that the original contact link has not been working.

Overlooking the Manifold Valley this February.