Peak District - Derwent Valley Heritage Way

For a long time now I've felt the need to walk the length of the River Derwent, simply because it has featured in many of my great childhood memories. I thought that I could call the walk "City to Source", I'd walk from Derby all the way up to Swaines Greave high in the Peak District. When I finally decided to give it a go I went online and did a little bit of research. I found that there was already a way marked route that did exactly what I wanted to do, the route in question is the Derwent Valley Heritage Way.



[caption id="attachment_1683" align="alignnone" width="600"] Derwent Valley Heritage Way - Map at Heatherdene[/caption]

The route stretches from Heatherdene on the banks of the Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District, it goes via Bamford, Hathersage, Froggatt, Baslow, Chatsworth, Rowsley, Matlock, Matlock Bath, Cromford, Belper, Darley Abbey, Derby, Shardlow and ends Derwent Mouth where the River Derwent flows into the River Trent. The route itself is 55 miles long and it passes some spots of great historic interest. It can be takled in one go over a few days or it can be done in multiple sections whenever it takes your fancy.

listen to ‘Derwent Valley Heritage Way - Derwent Mouth’ on Audioboo

[caption id="attachment_1681" align="alignnone" width="600"] Derwent Valley Heritage Way - Masson Mill [/caption]

The section from Matlock Bath to Derby is of particular historic interest as it has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is a snippet of factual text (borrowed from Wikipedia :-)) to give you more information... "The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site covers an area of 12.3 km2 (4.7 sq mi) and spans a 24 km (15 mi) stretch of the Derwent Valley, in Derbyshire, from Matlock Bath in the north to Derby city centre in the south. Within the site are mill complexes, settlements including workers' housing, weirs on the River Derwent, and the transport network that supported the mills in the valley. The site consists of the communities of Cromford, Belper, Milford, and Darley Abbey, and includes 838 listed buildings, made up of 16 Grade I, 42 Grade II*, and 780 Grade II. A further nine structures are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The buildings are a mixture of mills, workers' housing, and structures associated with the mill communities. The Cromford Canal and Cromford and High Peak Railway, which aided the industrialisation of the area, are also part of the World Heritage Site."

[caption id="attachment_1685" align="alignnone" width="600"] Derwent Valley Heritage Way - Heatherdene Sign[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1684" align="alignnone" width="600"] Derwent Valley Heritage Way - Derwent Mouth Sign[/caption]

listen to ‘Derwent Valley Heritage Way - Electronic Failure’ on Audioboo

The guide to walking the way describes the route from North to South, I chose to begin my walk at Derwent Mouth and walk northward up stream. It was rather an eventful wander which saw me eventually having to switch my iPhone off due to the failure of my Power Monkeys Extreme Battery Charger. I was using my iPhone to track my walk and also to take pictures. I will be back again some day so I can plot out a more precise map of the journey... For now though I will leave you with a selection of images from my walk with a few archive shots thrown in.

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If you would like to give the Derwent Valley Heritage Way a go yourself then you can find out more by visiting http://www.nationalheritagecorridor.org.uk/. You can also download my route file from the Peak Routes GPX Archive

listen to ‘Derwent Valley Heritage Way - Near Borrowash’ on Audioboo

Peak Routes Podcast - Episode 3 - 9 Edges Challenge

Episode 3 of the Peak Routes Podcast is now live and available for your listening pleasures. It documents my day out doing the 9 Edges Challenge. It was a big 24 Mile day that takes in Derwent, Stanage, Burbage North, Burbage South, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardoms and Birchen Edges. I'm currently writing the blog post but you can view the route map over on ShareYourAdventure.com



If you would like to download this episode or any of the others then you can visit the Podcast page of the site. You can also subscribe to get them automatically delivered to you via Feedburner.

Peak District - 9 Edges Challenge

I initially thought that this would sadly end up being a walk free week, work and other commitments had conspired against me it seemed. Thankfully situations and arrangements changed so I had Saturday free to go off and do whatever I wished. I had read an article a few weeks ago about a route called the 9 Edges Challenge, it was a charity event run by the Edale Mountain Rescue Service. I decided that i would give it a go as I'd got the whole day free, I opened up ViewRanger in my iPhone and began plotting a route. I hadn't managed to find any route files or descriptive blog posts so I just plotted away as best I could.



The 9 Edges in question Derwent, Stanage, Burbage Upper, Burbage Lower, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardoms and Birchens. The start point was going to be Fairholmes at Ladybower then the eventual end point was Robin Hood near Baslow. My girlfriend Lisa very kindly offered to give me a lift to the start point, so that was all the pieces in place.

[caption id="attachment_1352" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Derwent Dam Wall"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Derwent Reservoir"][/caption]

I arrived at Fairhomles at around 10:00 and didn't waste any time in getting on my way. I set off from the car park and headed off towards the Derwent Dam wall. I took the path off up towards the walls eastern side and then joined the road heading north. I then begun the climb up Walkers Clough at SK 17369090 towards my first edge of the day which is Derwent Edge, more specifically though my first peak which was Back Tor.

[caption id="attachment_1354" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Walkers Clough"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1353" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Lost Lad"][/caption]

The views today were stunning, I had been really lucky with the weather thankfully and the views in all directions were great. I arrived at Back Tor in no time at all, there was no time to hang around at all today so I was tramming along at full speed.

[caption id="attachment_1355" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Back Tor - Derwent Edge"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1363" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Derwent Edge"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1362" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Derwent Edge"][/caption]

After Back Tor I begun heading south along towards Doverstone Tor via Cakes of Bread. Once again no stopping today so I moved straight on from there towards the Wheel Stones and then I swung south east towards Moscar. After a short little section eastwards along the road I turned back to the south again to begin the second edge of the day which was Stanage.

[caption id="attachment_1372" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Stanage Edge"][/caption]

Stanage is the longest edge of the challenge, a haven for climbers and a very popular area especially at weekends. I decided to have a quick lunch break for 10-15 minutes on High Neb, I sat just off the main path on the edge and admired the views across Bamford Moor down to Bamford Edge.

[caption id="attachment_1373" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Stanage Edge - High Neb"][/caption]

As i'm the sort of person the likes to have the hills to himself (selfish) I tend to avoid walking at weekends. I'd never been to Stanage at a weekend before and I was surprised at just how many people were out enjoying the outdoors today. There were hundreds of climbers tackling the numerous routes up this world renowned Gritstone Edge today, the jangling of clips and carabiners was a constant back drop to my wander along Stanage. There is some serious climbing to be had along here, I do believe that when doing the official 9 Edges Challenge climbers have to tackle a route on each Edge. I'm very in awe of anyone who can climb well, its something i've never had the oppurtunity to try seriously yet. I'd love to give it a go so would welcome an invite from anyone who wouldn't mind a total newbie tagging along :)

[caption id="attachment_1371" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Stanage Edge - Climbers"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1374" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Upper Burbage"][/caption]

After Stanage my next edge of the day was Upper Burbage, I was making great time as I'd been going at a good pace for the last hour or so. I crossed the road at SK 26038300 at the Bridge over Burbage Brook and then joined Edge number 3. these next 2 edges are pretty short indeed. It was very long before I'd finished Upper Burbage and was heading on to number 4 which is Lower Burbage. I had been toying with the idea of stopping for a coffee or some form of refreshment at the Fox House Inn, As I crossed the boggy moor towards the pub I didn't feel the need so I just kept going. I crossed the road and then headed down into the Longshaw Estate.

[caption id="attachment_1369" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Lower Burbage"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1368" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Lower Burbage - Quarry"][/caption]

It had been a long while since I 'd last visited Longshaw, If I think back now it must have been back in 1997 while on a field trip with school. We had come to take depth measurements along the River Derwent and had made a side stop here. Longshaw was pretty busy today too but it wasn't something I minded, the more people who visit the more work the National Trust can do to keep this area in good order.

[caption id="attachment_1367" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Longshaw Estate"][/caption]

A short dash through Longshaw then I was back out on the road at SK 25947817, thankfully it was only a small road section down past the Grouse Inn. I then joined the footpath at SK 25407762 to head towards edge number 5 of the day which is the short but sweet Froggatt Edge. The midges were out in force in the forest leading along to the edge and I dashed through them quickly so as not to get eaten alive :-)

[caption id="attachment_1365" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Froggatt Edge"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1364" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Froggatt Edge"][/caption]

I stopped for a short break on Froggatt Edge at the point where it eventually turns into Curbar Edge. The remaining edges of the day are all pretty short so I knew that the challenge was in the bag as I felt in top shape.

[caption id="attachment_1359" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Curbar Edge - Highland Cattle"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1360" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Curbar Edge - Highland Cattle"][/caption]

Curbar came and went pretty quickly, the only obstacle here was the herd of Highland Cattle that blocked the path. I saw it as a blessing as I'd been meaning to get up here and take some pictures of them.

[caption id="attachment_1375" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Wellington's Monument - Baslow Edge"][/caption]

The 7th Edge of the day was the very short Baslow, there was a small group of Climbers and a couple of people Bouldering on the rocks below. At the bottom of edge number 7 I swung towards the east and headed straight for Wellington's Monument at SK 2642 7369. A short burst of rain had arrived by the time I got here so I was pleased to be heading down through the forest at this point. I worked my way down until I came to the bridge across Bar Brook, the house at SK 26827346 has a very cool looking bridge over from the road.

[caption id="attachment_1366" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Gardoms Edge"][/caption]

I crossed the road just as the rain had decided to turn to hail, no bother though as It was short lived as I marched on up to the 8th Edge of the Day. Gardom's Edge was the penultimate Gristone offering of the Challenge and it was totally deserted, not a soul about as I made my way along it before heading down towards Robin Hood.

[caption id="attachment_1356" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Birchen Edge - Forest"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1370" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Nelson's Monument - Birchen Edge"][/caption]

In what seemed like no time at all I was down at the road and heading along towards the Robin Hood Inn. I passed by the pub and headed up the path just after it towards the final edge of the day, Birchen Edge. As I walked up the hill at the base of the edge I passed another herd of Highland Cattle before climbing up to the top. I walked the last few hunded metres along to the finish point while listening the Mark Knopfler's song "Piper Till The End". The heavy dark clouds all around me suddenly begun to part and the sun broke through in spectacular fashion, it was a perfect way to end what had been a thoroughly enjoyable day. I'd never been to Nelson's Monument before and I lingered there for a while while recording some video and another piece for the Peak Routes Podcast.



[caption id="attachment_1358" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Birchen Edge"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1357" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Nelson's Monument - Birchen Edge"][/caption]

What a great day indeed. I'm not 100% sure how my route campares to the official challenge route but I did the distance and ticked off all the Edges. The day had passed so quickly and it seemed like a lifetime ago that i'd set off from Fairlholmes. According to ViewRanger it had taken me 6hrs 37minutes, covering a distance of 32.6km and with 994metres of height gain. If you would like to have a go yourself then why not download the route in the form of a GPX file here.... [wpdm_file id=5]

listen to ‘Peak District - 9 Edges Challenge ’ on Audioboo

Thanks for reading the blog post, If you would like to listen to an audio account of the day then why not download the "Peak Routes Podcast – Episode 3 – 9 Edges Challenge".

https://twitter.com/PeakRoutes/status/214759405110038528


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Peak District - Howden, Bleaklow & Alport

After my windy walk with Andy last week ("Peak District – Ladybower & Alport Dale") I decided it was high time for another Peak District outing. There has been rather a drought when it comes to walking of late, what with one thing and another I just haven't had the time to head out. I feel as though I have made up for it today though with a good route and some fantastic views thrown in, so without further ado here is my summary of where I headed and what I got up to.

Peak District - Ladybower & Alport Dale

After a relative drought when it comes to walking I decided I would head out come rain or shine today. The forecast was for high winds and also plenty of rain but I thought what the heck, I'll just go for it. A quick call to my mate Andy and the plan was set. We would park at Ladybower, Ashopton Viaduct to be precise and then head up and over towards Rowlee Pasture to Alport Dale.

[caption id="attachment_510" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="A Windy day on Rowlee Pasture in the Peak District"][/caption]

Peak District - Ladybower Loop - Small Version

We have had another fantastic Peak District wander today and once again we recorded the route using Social Hiking. We originally headed out into the Peak to drop off some Subaru parts that I had managed to get rid, we started off at Hadfield visiting some "League of Gentlemen" filming locations but it inevitably turned into another walking adventure and route plotting afternoon.

I had walked a very similar route to this a few weeks ago, you can view the route in question here on my website or here on the Social Hiking website. As we had limited time today we decided to do a shorter version and start from the same point at Ashopton Viaduct. The first port of call was Whinstone Lee Tor which today due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katia was an extremely windy little climb. The wind persisted all the way along Derwent Edge to Dovestone Tor and Back Tor. We eventually headed down to Derwent Reservoir and it was a welcome relief when descended as my ears were hurting from the constant buffeting by the wind

After the mandatory coffee stop in the cafe at the car park/cycle hire building along Ladybower... we then proceeded along the waterside public footpath to the car at Ashopton Viaduct



Apart from the blustery conditions we were treated to some fantastic weather, it was really nice for the majority of the walk. As you can see from the image below I did have to break out my new waterproof jacket, It rained for the last 20 minutes or so before we reached the car. My new jacket is a Berghaus GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell Jacket II which I will be doing a full review on very soon.

I would highly recommend this route if you have around 3 to 4 hours to spare in the Peak District, it takes in some really fantastic places and the views from Derwent Edge are absolutely fantastic on a clear day. We will be heading out again in the near future so check back again soon for more Peak District routes recorded with Social Hiking.

Peak District - Ladybower Loop

The weather looked promising, I felt full of energy, my batteries (iPhone & Body) were charged & I had been planning this particular route in my head for months. Nothing too strenuous but it does take in some of the Peak Districts greatest sights. The start/end point for this little wander is at Ashopton Viaduct at Ladybower and the first port of call is Crook Hill, It’s a simple little walk up from the banks of Ladybower via Crook Hill Farm. You then join the path across Bridge-End Pasture which heads via a bridleway to Lockerbrook Heights.

The next part of the walk is fantastic, the route over Rowlee Pasture to the tops above Alport Dale. There are plenty of great wildcamping spots along here so I will definitely be returning with my tent at some point in the not too distant future. You then make your way along the eastern edge of Alport Dale where you come to a great view-point at SK142917 (Lat 53.42086, Long -1.78898), you can look back southward to the Alport Castle Rocks and you also have fantastic view of Kinder Scout and Win Hill in the distance. It was at this point where I decided to take a short break and eat some lunch while enjoying the view.

The next part of the walk takes you north-east and back down to Howden Reservoir. Today the heather was a magnificent shade of purple as far as the eye could see, the Grouse were running around and I hadn’t seen a soul in hours. It felt great to get up in the moors and to be away from “Civilisation”, it still amazes me that even in a small place like the Peak District you can walk for hours and not encounter another human.

The drop down to Howden through the forest is another nice part of this route, I even spotted some deer in the depths of the Pine Trees but sadly didn’t get my camera out in time before they had disappeared from view. Once you are back down to the road it is a short 30minute walk until you reach the slippery stones at Howden Bridge. This seems to be a very popular spot with cyclists who have rented bikes down at Derwent cycle hire shop. It is the very top of the 3 Reservoirs so this is the point where the main cycle track turns back and you can carry on along the opposite side of the water. I however, headed eastwards and up the footpath towards Margery Hill.

The climb out of the valley and up to Margery Hill is a nice and gentle experience, there is one part early on where you climb steeply and it Zig Zags a little but it is reassuringly short. The views once again at this point are fantastic. Northwards you have the vast expanse of moorland towards Howden Moors and Midhope Moors, then southwards along to Derwent Edge which looks fantastic from this point. As you reach the top of the climb you can see down to Sheffield in the east and up towards Leeds in the North East. On a clear day like today you can see for miles.

Margery Hill was my second rest stop where I had some more food and relaxed for a short while, it was rather windy today but the sunshine was beaming down so it was nice to relax for a while at the summit trig/cairn. The next point of call is Featherbed Moss and it was after this point where the route gets a little tricky. There is no distinct route over to Back Tor, the hills drop down between Featherbed Moss and Back Tor so you can choose your own route. As it had already been a long day I choose to head towards the east and try not to loose too much elevation. You can alternatively just got straight for it and head down the steep banks to Abbey Brook and then slog back up the hill. I chose the slightly longer but less thigh thrashing option and went off piste across the moors.

Once at Back Tor the route is very simple, Straight along Derwent Edge to Dovestone Tor via the fantastic rock formations at The Cakes of Bread and then its only a short walk to White Tor before the descent begins. I took the opportunity to take a panoramic shot of LadyBower near Whinstone Lee Tor at 53.38089, -1.70547
as this has got to be one of the best view points in the Peak District in my opinion. If you don’t fancy doing the huge route you could always walk up from Ashopton Viaduct as its only takes around 30minutes.

From Whinestone Lee Tor I headed down hill and passed what must have been a group of around 50 Japanese Tourists heading up to the view-point that I had just left, it must be very popular with tour companies but i’m not overly sure where they had parked their fleet of busses of vehicles. After a nice stroll down the hill through the forest I was back down at the at Ashopton Viaduct. It had been another fantastic day out in the Peak District Hills and this has got to be one of my favourite routes. It has everything one would need from a good walk. Some nice accent (around 1,400m), plenty of fantastic views and more than a few spots where you can experience a feeling of isolation or wilderness. In a few weeks time I will be back to plot out a slightly smaller route which will take in a few of the same spots..... You can now find the route in question here.... Peak District - Ladybower Loop - Small Version