Foolow, Eyam and Hathersage

The walk started with a gentle stroll across the fields to Eyam; I've never had to pass through so many gates on such a short section of footpath before though.

Eyam is known as 'The Plague Village' because when plague arrived in the village in the seventeenth century the villagers voluntarily quarantined themselves to prevent the infection from spreading. Most of the inhabitants died and there are plaques throughout the village commemorating the events.

Today I barely entered the village, almost immediately climbing up a steep footpath through woodland which leads to the summit of Sir William Hill. From here, all the way to Hathersage there were some spectacular views of the Eastern Edges; the lighting conditions were perfect - it's a pity that my camera isn't very good...I have included a couple of photographs which are okay though.

I did six miles today; and a total of forty eight miles since I got my GPS locator in November.

Baslow, Froggatt Edge and Fox House

Actually today's walk didn't begin at Baslow; I got off the bus on the moors above the village so as to avoid the tedious climb up to Baslow Edge.

The path from the road led westwards where I soon came across a herd of rather friendly Highland cattle which just wanted to pose for the camera.

It wasn't long until I reached the Wellington Monument - there's a Nelson Monument at the other side of the valley.

From here I could already see the 'Eagle Stone' and it only took me a few minutes to reach it. There's a local legend that states that a young man from Baslow must climb to the top of the rock before he's allowed to marry - I judge it to be about twenty five or thirty foot high.

For the next few miles I walked right along the edge of Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge, stopping frequently to enjoy the view and take photographs; even splitting my trousers as I clambered over one rock to get the shot I wanted...there are a lot of interesting rocks, cliff faces and boulders along this section.

Finally, a bit of jogging to get back to Fox House in time for the bus.

My Favourite and Least Favourite Places

I've been travelling on a more or less weekly basis to the Peak District now for over a year, and visited everywhere I can reach on public transport from Sheffield - about a third of the Peak District I suppose.

During this period I've discovered, or re-visited, my favourite spots; and here are the details:

Favourite Places
Bakewell
Monsal Head
Wye Valley
Burbage Valley
Tideswell
Castleton
Froggatt Edge
Stanage Edge
The Great Ridge
Cave Dale

Least Favourite Place


The appropriately named 'Wardlow Mires' - it's a dump; just a derelict garage, a transport café, a poky pub and a few farm buildings situated on a busy stretch of road.

Rivelin, Redmires Reservoirs, Stanage Edge, Burbage Valley and Fox House.

Today didn't start very well. When I got to the railway station I was informed that the early train to Sheffield wasn't running...I was informed though this time at least. So, I got on the bus and then discovered that the main road to Sheffield is blocked because of roadworks. However, despite this additional delay I still managed to catch my bus at Sheffield.

The walk began in a spectacular manner with a steep descent into a wooded ravine, to reach some difficult, dangerous, and partially underwater stepping stones across the Wyming Brook, I think it's called - fortunately it appeared that someone has positioned large sticks on both banks, one of which I used as a balancing pole...and to test the depth. It wasn't deep; only about eighteen inches, and rather than risk twisting or spraining an ankle or knee on some uneven footing I partially forded it - my socks and trousers didn't take long to dry.

I then had a steep climb through woodland again to come out of the ravine, and the rest of the walk was fairly flat. I then enjoyed high level views of the Rivelin Dams and then reached the track which leads to Redmires Reservoirs. There was evidence of recent, possibly overnight, snowfall on this part of the route; and the reservoirs, being at high altitude were totally frozen over.

A fairly easy walk to Stanedge Pole on the open moors and then Stanage Edge - notice the different spellings. It was very windy walking along the top of the edge: there were many walkers, runners, climbers and mountain bikers there, all cracking underfoot what still remained of the ice. This was very noisy; as well as the shards of ice being blown onto the rock and then shattering...I've never experienced this before.

Finally; a straightforward couple of miles along the Duke's coach track to Fox House for the bus back to Sheffield...a total of eight miles today; and I'm not feeling bad at all considering I'm still recovering from a cold. My piles are sore though; despite using plenty of vaseline.