David and Jacinta's Walks- 2025

Grize Dale and Nicky Nook with Steve Jeffs It had been a long time since we'd been out with Steve, long-time friend and sometime climbing partner of David. The last time David had been out with him was back in '23, when he'd walked Ben Nevis . We'd been in touch and agreed that we should meet again and Steve suggested a walk half way between our two homes, starting at Grizedale Bridge on the western edge of The Forest of Bowland. The car park itself was on the Harvey Map  but the rest of the walk wasn't! The first section of the walk was along Grize Dale through mainly broadleaf forest- very pleasant compared to conifer plantations. We passed a Wyre Council path maintenance team (mainly volunteers) in Christmas Elf hats, a very strange sight. After a brief stretch on a quiet road, we passed (another) Throstle Nest Farm and followed the Wyre Way to Scorton where we had refreshments at a café in a garden centre . Jacinta remembered that we'd met Dave and Helen the...

Moscar, Derwent Edge and Back Tor As so often at this time of year, the prospect of a dry day was too good to miss. We parked at our new favourite spot just below Moscar Cross and set off up the hill towards the Derwent Edge. It was entertaining to watch the sheep charging around after something, we know not what, had clearly spooked them. The way up to the edge is pleasant and the views west open up at the top. The Wheel Stones are always impressive- more so in the day's light. Jacinta strides past the Wheel Stones We continued along Derwent Edge with its many other gritstone formations. We eventually reached Back Tor where we had lunch again out of the wind and with a view. Lost Lad and Bleaklow from our lunch nook The route back was more into the wind and there was a considerable wind chill, but it was fun to negotiate our way from the Salt Cellar and across the moorland to pick up the footpath which returned us to our starting point.  A cold, but excellent little walk and worth...

Tintwistle, Chew Reservoir and Featherbed Moss (David Solo) Out on my own today, and not wanting to drive too far, so this walk from Tintwistle suited me well. As with the last couple of times that we've done this walk, I used the footpath to the west of Arnfield Farm rather than the bridleway with is a bit unforgiving underfoot. The walk across Boar Flat and Arnfield Flats was uneventful and it was really great to be able to identify the less boggy path across Ormes Moor again. It's always good to reach Chew Hurdles with its new vistas. The waymarker at Chew Hurdles with views of Dove Stones Reservoir and Alderman's Hill beyond I stopped for lunch at my favourite spot- sheltered and with a great view of  the track up to the dam and Dish Stone Moss. Now that the best path is familiar, the walk to the Chew Reservoir dam took only 20 minutes. At this point, I wondered about hacking my way directly to the trig point on Featherbed Moss, rather than going to the top of Laddow Mo...

Hathersage Moor and Stanage Edge With a dry, clear day forecast, we set off on a walk from Hathersage. The first section is unremarkable, along riverside paths to Leadmill Bridge. Then, following the river and later the pastures by the river, the footpath eventually enters  Coppice Wood. After a short section in woodland, the route goes uphill towards a railway bridge and then past the 15th century Padley Chapel. The next section through the wooded Padley Gorge beside Burbage Brook remains muddy and strewn with oak and beech leaves, but not as confusing as before. Negotiating the major footpath from the gorge, led us on to the Toad's Mouth and then to the Iron Age Fort of Carl Wark, where we stopped for lunch, out of the wind. We were graced with a rainbow as we ate. Rainbow over Higger Tor from our lunch spot  It was very blowy on the way up to Higger Tor, our next objective and along the edge to Burbage Bridge. The final section of the walk took us up to Stanage Edge where t...

Chinley and New Allotments (David Solo) Off for a walk on my own today, just to stretch my legs for a shortish walk. As ever, Chinley is convenient and the walk up to New Allotments isn't strenuous. Passing Throstle Bank and onto the bridleway, I passed a ram- this particular breed always looks a bit grumpy. This one didn't take exception to me and kept on grazing. Grumpy ram? The views weren't particularly inspiring over the New Allotments: A grey day at the New Allotments I crossed the Hayfield Road at Peep-O-Day but kept at the lower level, past Maynestone Farm, rather than going up Mount Famine or South Head. They'll be there next year. After crossing back over the Hayfield Road, I actually kept to the right-of-way on the OS map, past Hollands. This is possibly a less boggy path than our usual one and has the benefit of close encounters with a couple of emus, looking extremely bedraggled. To amuse emus on hot summer's nights... All in all, a satisfying Sunday wa...

Edale, Mam Tor and Rushup Edge It was one of those incredibly bright, late autumn days and we decided on a slightly longer, but not too taxing walk to make the most of it. After a stop at a beautifully Christmas decorated Penny Pot, we strode up to Hollins Cross and then on to Mam Tor. The classic "Walk up to Hollins Cross" picture Unlike our last visit, there were not many other walkers and the peace was welcome. As ever, once down the other side of Mam Tor and across the road, the crowds virtually disappeared as we walked steadily up to Lord's Seat, I was reminded of how we came to this same area to walk when David was recovering from his back operation. The path up from Mam Nick; blue skies and solitude The views across to Kinder were fantastic and the whole area seemed to be glowing in the sunlight. The route back to Edale via Chapel Gate is undemanding, if a little stony at times and we reached Edale Station in good time. The Great Ridge from Chapel Gate The moon was...

Shining Tor After a short break, it was time to test the water again and that old faithful, Shining Tor provided the location. It was not too wet and we marvelled at some of the cloud formations. Clouds over Leek way A quick up and down and back in time for lunch was all that was required. A walk of 4.2 miles with 180m ascent.