In preparation for a family weekend away to one of my favourite parts of the world, I took the opportunity of a visit to Dovedale to check out some walking routes I had planned.
Parking in Ashbourne, it is a 10 minute walk or so down to the Tissington Trail. Being a disused railway line it is mostly flat although slightly uphill all the way to Thorpe, some three miles distant.
At Thorpe, I left the Trail and via a short walk through the pleasant village arrived at the gate to Dovedale. Ahead, Thorpe Cloud looms, although at just 287m it can't be considered 'large'. From this side, it is an easy walk to the top, although on this occasion I followed the path to its right and down to the famous stepping stones that cross the River Dove. That section took me around one hour and forty five minutes and clocked at around 5.5km.
Electing to follow the river upstream for a while I followed and passed several groups out for a stroll along the Dove, something I first did over 50 years ago! How the times change. Back in the day, the footpath was considerably more basic than it is today and the boardwalk near Lion Rock did not exist. In fact I recall my Uncle removing his boots and socks to walk up the river as there was no path at all.
Arriving at Ilam Rock, I crossed the river and headed away from Dovedale and quite steeply up. The path is signposted to Ilam and to be fair is also described as a 'steep ascent'. I figured it would make a nice round trip. Breathlessly I arrived at the top and onto flatter but muddy ground. The path takes a route along the edge of the woodland and finally out onto open ground. It was here that I decided to stop for lunch, although there was a cold breeze blowing so I didn't stop long.
From there it was a contour path following the line of Dovedale back but high above it. Some weaving finally bought me to a gate and farm field. The path here is not well marked and quite confusing as there is a 'Private Land' sign right on the path which actually doubles back and heads up, but is far from obvious.
A short section of track leads to a left turn across farmland and onto Bunster Hill which at 341m is higher than Thorpe Cloud by 54m and one I had never climbed before. Who knew there was a hill in Derbyshire I hadn't climbed? As I ascended the wind picked up, followed by driving rain, but the view down to Ilam village made it worthwhile.
The Youth Hostel was in view on one side and the Isaac Walton Hotel on the other. It was the Isaac Walton side I needed to descend, but noticed a higher path leading more directly back to the head of Dovedale which I followed.
Crossing the bridge over the Dove I walked back under the shadow of Thorpe Cloud which from this side is a much more serious prospect and one I failed to resist! Heading up, it is steep, rocky and slippery in places and certainly tests the legs. Not for the casual walker or those of faint heart. Finally I crested the summit and onto the ridge.
Due to erosion, descending is down the far side which suited me as that was the way back to Thorpe and the Tissington Trail.
From here I retraced my steps back along the Trail, through Ashbourne and back to my car, pausing for a coffee and Victoria sponge in the 'Friends' cafe.
Total Mileage: 22km
Ascent: 571m
Maximum Elevation: 317m
Today was a circular tour, taking in the Derwent Heritage Trail, High Peak Trail and Limestone Way. Every footpath seems to be part of a long distance path somewhere!
Walking into Matlock from Darley Dale, I spied a path down to the river which seemed promising. It was, for a while, then vanished behind a big steel suppliers building. Backtracking I found some steps that took me back to the main road which I then followed into town and into Hall Leys Park. Following the river, the path takes a turn which initially seems wrong, but is actually the right path.
Following signs to Pic Tor the path is a pleasant one through the woods. Eventually a signpost turns up to High Tor, another one leads over the bridge to the main road, and a third, much narrower goes straight ahead which was the intended direction. It heads slightly up and thins until finally reaching a signpost that recommends 'members of the public go no further' and that it is only for climbers. Of course I had to follow it. Onward and upward I was pretty sure it was going to reach the top of High Tor which wasn't what I wanted but figured there would be a way down to Matlock Bath. The path doesn't quite get to the top before it starts to head down again. It was far from ideal but bought me to where I wanted to be eventually.
Arriving at the Heights of Abraham cable car station, it was a short walk along a tarmac path, through the car park and back down to the river. Following Lovers Walk I came to a locked gate to Willersley Castle. I'd been here before so knew that a few seconds walk up along the wall at the side of the gate would bring me to a gap that could easily be negotiated and so I continued to the castle itself, which is actually a hotel. To my surprise it was closed and boarded up which is a great shame as it looks incredible.
Down the driveway I came to the road and into Cromford and then onto the canal towpath which I followed for a mile or so to the High Peak Junction and the cafe which of course I had to stop at. It was coffee and cake time after all.
Leaving there, it is a steep uphill on the High Peak Trail before flattening out for the short walk to Black Rocks. Not being able to resist, I walked up and onto the top of the rocks. Being a clear dry day, the views across the valley were amazing, apart from the huge scar that is the quarry opposite. I've climbed here many times over the years and always enjoy it. For some reason, it never seems to be busy and there are plenty of climb options from the lowest grades of V. Diff and Severe right up to Gaia which weighs in at a mighty E8 6c.
Back on the trail I set off for Middleton Top but soon paused again when I got to the Steeple Grange Light Railway where I was accosted by one of the volunteers who gave me a full history of the railway and then insisted on showing me the workshops and engines. To be fair, it was very interesting. Apparently it is open on Thursdays and Sundays and the train currently (October 2021) only runs into the quarry. There is no charge, but donations are gratefully received. Eventually I left and headed up to Middleton Top which was another steep climb.
At the top, I decided it was lunchtime so found a seat in the sun and settled down to scoff my sandwich.
Finally of course, it was time to leave. My return route required me to continue along the High Peak Trail for half a mile or so, then leave to head up onto Middleton Moor and back on a parallel track to head to Middleton Village and down the B5023 for a short while before turning off down a very thin and very steep, slippery path - it had all been too easy up to now!
The path slipped and slid its way down through overgrowth to the main A5012. Turn right for a couple of hundred metres to another equally thin and difficult to find track which led up the other side. Finally I reached a level section, but my path continued up, vanishing quickly, leaving me no choice but to make my way up in the general direction of where I thought I needed to be. I knew that sooner or later I would reach a small road which indeed I did. Crossing that it was more or less a straight line, in fact all I needed to do was to follow my shadow to Upper Town which eventually came into view.
Some minor navigation tests and I was out onto the path to Bonsall, another very pleasant little village. I was now firmly on the Limestone Way so there were more prominent signposts, either by name or sometimes by the Rams Head signifying the trail. Straight through the village and up the hill, following the prominent track before opening out onto the tops. Stiles in this area are mostly gates and very narrow. I recall walking the Limestone way where periodically I had to remove my rucsac as it and me were too wide to get through! Not so today as I only had my day sac. I camped on the Limestone Way so had much more gear.
Matlock appears in the valley and it is less than a mile down to the town and a short walk back to the hotel.
Total distance: 25km
Total Climb: 711m
Max Elevation: 348m
As a final day I took a walk down Lathkill Dale, parking at the head near the small village of Monyash.
It is mostly easy going, although after about half a mile there is a boulder field that takes careful negotiation, especially, like today when it is raining, the Limestone becomes very slippery as it has been polished over the years by hundreds or more likely thousands of boots. The dale follows the River Lathkill (oddly enough) right down to a small group of houses on the outskirts of Youlgreave.
Being a bit of a miserable day, I elected to retrace my steps back to the head but there is a pleasant alternative via Youlgreave and Arbor Low Stone Circle picking up part of the Limestone Way back to either Cales Dale and then Lathkill or even right into Monyash to make it a full circle.
The entire length is just 5.5km making an 11km round trip. It is then a short drive up to Monyash and either the Bulls Head or Smithy Tearoom for refreshments. For me it was a bacon roll and coffee in the latter.
Total Distance: 11km
Ascent: 111m
Max Elevation: 248m
