Chelmorton, Taddington, Flagg

The weather forecast for today was the best for the Bank Holiday Weekend and turned out to be true in the sense that it was warm and dry but quite cloudy. There were one or two moments when the clouds were a bit dark and threatened rain but that didn't happen in the end. The sun even appeared for a minute or two.
We met Keith and Pete who were up for three days of digging in Water Icicle (Pete's first visit for months as he has been working in Scotland and had a bad back – Keith has the week off work) at Monyash café with stall holders setting up a small market on the village green opposite. Karen and I drove the short distance to Chelmorton and parked outside the Church Inn named after the church of St. John the Baptist opposite.

Church of St. John the Baptist

A very nice 12th Century church with an unusual weather vane shaped like a locust! Apparently this was in connection with St John the Baptist's stay in the desert existing on honey and locusts.

 Locust-shaped Weather Vane

We got our walking boots on and after having a look at the spring which fed the water supply for the village in the past (the peculiarly named Illy Willy stream along which the village was built), we walked a few metres to the start of a bridleway which led us gradually higher and higher above Chelmorton and into a series of fields separated by stiles. Reaching a dirt track we followed a diversion from the triangular route connecting Chelmorton, Taddington and Flagg by walking a couple of kilometres along the track past Five Wells Farm and then carefully crossing a stone stile in the drystone wall which had collapsed, continued across a field then through a small gate into the adjoining field where a Neolithic Chambered Cairn is located.
The cairn was once buried under a mound and was exposed by digging in the 19th Century leaving the cairn's limestone slabs standing proud with the remains of the mound surrounding it. Apparently parts of the skeletons of twelve individuals were found there.

 Neolithic Chambered Cairn

Returning to the dirt track and back to were we had met it, we continued via a stile into another series of fields passing a covered reservoir at Top Sough with two communications masts and a Trig. Point nearby. From here we followed the rest of the ten stiles involved in crossing the fields to the neighbouring village of Taddington. We followed the route description in the guide book we were following and reached a road after a narrow hedge lined path next to a house named Daybreak Cottage but could see none of the stiles mentioned in the book which was the continuation of the route.
We instead followed the road below and the up a path by an old chapel to reach the road above the village which we then followed for a short distance until we met a farm track with a fenced-off pond on the opposite side if the road.
The two of us had a quick look at the pond then sat on a bench beside it for a few minutes before crossing back across the road and then into the field by the farm track. The route brought us through more fields, past a large farmhouse onto a lane. We followed the lane to the right for a short distance, then back into the fields at a stile. Following the route through the fields, we arrived in the village of Flagg.
We had passed the sign for some Tea Rooms when we had driven along the road we were on earlier on our way to Chelmorton, so we decided to walk a bit further up the road past our intended route and have a stop at the Team Rooms for some excellent chocolate tea and a pot of tea!
After the refreshments, we followed the road a bit further, than along a side road to join our intended route at a bend in the road where a path entered more fields at a small gate. Soon we were stopping to strip off jackets as the sun made an appearance and the temperature rose. Following onwards across some more fields we arrived at another road which we followed to a fork and then followed the right-hand choice a short distance back to Chelmorton near where we had started from near the church.
I was wearing Asolo Fugitive boots, Keela trousers, Paramo Fuera Ascent jacket and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack

Shutlingsloe

A better day weather-wise with mostly sunny periods but mostly very windy.
Leaving the car by the Visitors Centre, in Macclesfield Forest near Trentabank Reservoir, Karen and I followed a track parallel to the road which led through woods and gradually upwards until it reached an open area with the large summit of Shutlingsloe ahead.

The last section was steep, but thankfully very short, following steps of gritstone which brought us the the long and narrow summit near the trig point. From here you had a 360 degree view of the surrounding land and across the Cheshire plain with the town of Macclesfield below and hills in the distance.

We dropped down on one side to get out of the wind and check the map which confirmed that we should continue along the summit ridge then drop down a path leading past a farmhouse to a lane at Wildboarclough.
We continued along the lane then at a footpath sign and crossed several fields with views of the surrounding countryside until we saw Ridgegate Reservoir in the distance. All that was left to do was to follow a stony track back to the car park and Information Centre in the Macclesfield Forest.

After dropping our rucksacks back in the car and changing from boots we had a couple of lovely hamburgers from the food trailer parked behind the Information Centre called “Nice Nosh”. This isn't your usual “Burger Van” type of food but excellent locally produced food at very reasonable prices.
I was wearing Asolo Fugitive boots, Keela trousers, Paramo Third Element jacket and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack.

Hay Dale

Leaving the car at the small village of Wheston, Karen and I followed the minor road which forms part of the Pennine Bridleway and after a kilometre and a half we left the road to follow a dirt track and footpath leading to Dam Dale with patches of cowslips and early purple orchids next to the track.

Early Purple Orchid

As we followed some errant sheep and their lambs down the track, the sheep followed the track as it veered off to the right while we passed through a gate past the sign announcing the beginning of Hay Dale. Hay Dale is quite wide and leads to Peter Dale, then to Monks Dale which is quite narrow with slippery limestone rocks as you walk either in the dry stream bed or on a path next to it. The day had started with light rain with occasional breaks where it appeared to be about to stop. Just when you thought the rain had stopped, it would start again. Luckily because the weather had been quite dry recently, the ground wasn't sift and muddy despite the rain.

We arrived at a narrow passage leading past a church onto the main road through the village of Millers Dale. Following the road for a short distance then uphill along a narrow road past the old tin shack which used to be a café called the “Wriggly Tin”, we arrived at the old railway station which used to serve the train line which passed through Millers Dale which closed in the sixties and is now a cycle and walking trail.

 The "Wriggly Tin"

At the railway station we sat on a bench in the drizzle and had our lunch. Afterwards, we continued on a path leading via a green lane signposted as part of the Limestone Way long distance footpath. Following the green lane after pausing to let a group of Land Rovers to get past, we eventually arrived back where we started at Wheston.
I was wearing Contour Navigator boots, Paramo Cascada trousers, Paramo Third Element jacket and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack.

Oxlow Cavern

Someone called Gaz (real name Gareth) had contacted Chris Jackson (current OCC Secretary) asking for a caving trip. So, it was arranged to meet up with Karen, Keith and myself at 10:00 at the OCC hut. After meeting up as arranged, we checked his experience (an SRT training course for a week sorted by the Army which was for Cave Leaders and SRT Rescue which was above his experience but he tagged along underground anyway. This was some time ago and he was eager to take it up again).

He also managed to buy two complete sets of SRT kit second hand so was well equipped.

After a quick breakfast at Monyash, we headed for Oxlow Farm and parked in the small area in the front of the farmyard and paid our £2 each fee and £1 for each of the two cars to the farmer.

There was a car already parked at the stile leading to Oxlow Cavern and Nettle Pot. We walked up to the Oxlow Cavern entrance shaft and found it was already rigged – presumably by those whose car was parked at the stile. Keith attached our rope and headed downwards followed by Karen who planned to wait at the rebelay near the bottom to assist Gaz if required.

Soon we heard a shout from below saying one of the other party was heading up and I shouted down “OK!”. It turned out to be a solo caver from Wales so we had no need to wait for others. I sent Gaz on his way once the Welsh caver had retrieved his rope. As I was waiting I heard the puffing of others coming towards the small dip where the shaft is and Martyn Grayson arrived with another caver. Oxlow was turning out to be popular today!

As we were unsure of how Gaz would cope with the ropework, we planned to visit East Chamber first and then decide on whether then to continue down to the West Chamber as well, depending on how the time was going.

I had been in East Chamber once before on an OCC trip some years ago when it was rigged using a couple of spits. Karen and Keith had neither been in East Chamber before. Recently it had been bolted by the DCA using nice dependable Eco hangers. Following Keith, who rigged the pitch, we dropped down to the chamber floor and had a look at the dig at the far end which seemed to be progressing well with a short electron ladder leading down to a short solid iron ladder.

We had decided that we had a reasonable trip and not to bother with the West Chamber this time. As we were wandering about East Chamber, we could see Martyn and his group arriving above at the third pitch. Luckily they were willing to wait while we re-ascended.

Soon we were back in the heat and sunshine on the surface after an enjoyable trip. Of course this called for a return visit to the café!

Water Icicle Close Cavern

Keith had arranged with John G. and John B. for a trip in Water Icicle Close Cavern's new extensions. Karen and I arranged to join them and we all met up at Monyash café at 10:00.
It was a sunny and hot day, the hottest day so far this year as we then drove to the end of Derby Lane and got changed into our caving gear. After arriving at the ladder it was nice to see it now fixed by bolts at the top and the bottom and also at a less steep angle so that it was easier and safer to climb.
Keith unlocked the lock on the new gate and we were through into the breakthrough point as I locked the gate behind us. After a look around Three-way Aven, we proceeded along Urchin Passage. The two John's seemed impressed with the new sections and found many interesting features, pointing out where it seemed more acidic water had worn the limestone and the puzzling broken features; both rock and formations. We didn't go through the muddy crawl to the very end.
We returned back towards Three-way Aven and after looking at the top of The Elevator, John G. decided not to bother descending it. Keith dropped down the pitch to remove the rope and had some rock fall down.
John G. was taking photos of various features as we went an we followed the passage to Cherty-two Choke. The dig there was looked at and again we returned to Three-way Aven as John G. took some photos.
At the foot of the Entrance Shaft, we went a short way up North Passage and John G. spotted what he thought might be pieces of basalt embedded in the roof of the passage. Back at the Entrance Shaft, I replaced my SRT kit and prusiked back up first so that I could open the shaft lid. Back on the surface it was even hotter than before and still sunny so I stripped down to my furry suit to try and cool down a bit while I waited for the others to come up.
Soon all were back on the surface after a four hour trip underground and as we said our goodbyes to the two Johns, the three of us returned to the café for tea, snacks and, in my case, an ice cream.

Bakewell

An early start and after breakfast it was straight to the town of Bakewell. Originally we had planned to visit a couple of shops but they didn't open until around 11:00. So we bought a couple of sandwiches for lunch in a bakery which was open and returned to the car in the large car park to get our boots and rucksacks.

Bakewell

 

We walked up a road leading from the car park and bridge over the River Wye then near the old railway station on what was once a railway line and is now a cycle trail called the Monsal Trail, we followed an old bridleway which crossed a golf course. Where the crossing started there was a large metal gong and a sign saying to strike the gong to alert golfers of our presence because the bridleway was sunken beneath the surrounding land and we would be out of view.

Llamas

Ewe and Lambs 

The bridleway continued up through woods then onto a footpath which crossed a large field down to a pond where a heron was stood watching the water. Passing through into a very large field we continued on the footpath which lead us past a couple of fenced of mounds which were tumuli.
We reached a bridleway which crossed our route at right-angles and we turned right along the bridleway which wound its way through woods. We stooped at a convenient spot and sat on some logs with views across to the village of Youlgreave and ate the sandwiches we had bought earlier.

Pheasants

After lunch we continued along the bridleway through the woods then around a hairpin bend onto a track which passed under a bridge carrying the Monsal Trail. Here there were some steps up the bank leading to the level of the trail which actually starts at this point.
We followed the Monsal Trail until at a second bridge we left through a gate which led down a track to bring us back to a minor road which after a short distance had a path leading to the car park near the Agricultural Market.
After dropping our stuff off at the car, we went shopping in Bakewell, had a second ice cream and headed for home.
I was wearing Asolo Fugitive boots, Keela trousers, Paramo Summit Hoodie jacket and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack.

Brassington Walk and Tissington Well Dressings

After parking at the car park in Wirksworth Dale, Karen and I walked back down the road and along the top lane (Kings Hill) until we came to a squeeze stile into the fields above the village of Brassington. We continued along the Public Footpath across the fields and on reaching the top of a green lane leading down to the road past Rainster Rocks, we continued across into the next field.
After reaching a series of depressions each with a small tree growing in it, I found one particular one which I had found years ago which has a small hole which could be entered while lying down and then down a slope into what looks like a larger section.

 Brasssington

Having had a quick look at this hole, we continued onwards and then dropped down a sloping field past a dew pond (which was dried up) and near an old stone-built barn, we turned right and started up a series of gradually-rising fields until nearly at the Longcliffe-Brassington road.
From here, we turned sharply to the right along another public footpath and through a gate opening into a second field. Continuing across this field, we passed through another squeeze stile into a larger field and then back down to meet our earlier route at the top of the green lane.

Looking across to Rainster Rocks

Now we followed down the green lane until we reached the road past Rainster Rocks which we followed to the junction with the Brassingon-Bradbourne road. Turning left, we followed the road back into Brassington, past the church then along Maddock Lake. Then, following the small lane leading from Maddock Lake up past the village hall, we were soon back at Wirksworth Lane and where we had left the car.
This weekend was Well Dressing weekend at Tissington so we drove over the village and joined the throng who were wandering around looking at the wells with their ornate decorations. Of course we also had to have an ice cream!

 Hall Well

Hands Well

 Children's Well

 Yew Tree Well

 Town Well

 Coffin Well

I was wearing Scarpa XG65 GTX boots, Keela trousers, Rab Vapour-Rise jacket

Dovedale from Alstonefield

Leaving the car at the small car park in Alstonefield in the County of Staffordshire, Karen and I followed along the road through the village past The George pub and the village church then passed through a squeeze stile into a field. Then passing several more fields and stiles, we dropped down a steep section bringing us finally through a gap between two gardens and into the hamlet of Milldale.

The George, Alstonefield

 Alstonefield Church

As we had a late start and it was lunchtime, we took advantage of the kiosk at Polly's Cottage, and had sausage rolls and hot chocolate while sitting in a shelter to avoid the cool breeze.

Milldale

Polly's Cottage, Milldale 

Once the snack was finished, we crossed the small "Viator's" Bridge crossing the River Dove leaving Staffordshire and returning to Derbyshire.

"Viator's" Bridge

We followed the wide path along the River Dove in Dovedale meeting quite a few other walkers until just after the large cave entrances of Dove Holes (which unfortunately may be impressive in size, do not continue for very far), we followed a well-worn, if narrow, path leading gradually through bushes and small trees up the side of Dovedale.

Dove Holes

Reaching the grassy top of one side of the valley of Dovedale with views back down into the Dale, we continued along a path following the top.
This was much better than expected and very pleasant, again with many fine views. Eventually we reached a smaller side valley which dropped down once again to the Dove, far below at a large rocky area called Lovers Leap.

Duck and Ducklings

We turned upstream and followed the path which was more crowded than the path above, as expected, and soon reached an area below the large natural limestone arch called Reynard's Cave where we had a sit on a couple of limestone blocks for a short rest.

View down into Dovedale

Continuing onwards, we crossed over the river back into Staffordshire at the footbridge by Ilam Rock and had a quick look at the small rock shelter on the other side which had a muddy floor and some fairly well-decorated flowstone.
The path led onwards along the river until reaching the side valley of Hall Dale. Again, this was a surprise as it was also vary pleasant and led us to the village of Stanshope by the impressive Stanshope Hall.
From here we followed a track leading down eventually to the road from Milldale up to Alsonefield which we crossed to the opposite side and then following a winding path leading upwards to fields, we crossed back to where we started in Alstonefield after a very pleasant walk of around 10 kilometres (6 miles).
I was wearing Asolo Fugitive boots, Keela trousers, Paramo Fuera Ascent jacket and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack.

Holiday in Exmoor - The Cleaves

It was the last day of our holiday in Exmoor and predictably, the best day weather-wise with cool temperatures but quite a lot of sun.
After breakfast, we packed up and moved everything into the car and had drove the short distance down to Lynmouth.
Leaving the car in the car park in Lynmouth, we rode back up on the Cliff Railway passing beneath our room (number 2) in the North Cliff Hotel and alighted at the top station in Lynton.

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Heading out of the town we walked along the A39 for a short distance next to the lower East Lyn River then crossed over on a footbridge to the opposite side of the gorge.
Following an ascending pathway with a number of zig-zags, we climbed higher and higher eventually reaching the path along the top of the gorge, part of the Two Moors Way or Tarka Trail, from which were lovely views down into Lynton and Lynmouth and in the distance The Cleaves.

Heading towards the Cleaves

Lynton

... and Lynmouth below

The Cleaves

We kept an eye out for any adders which may be warming themselves in the sun but didn't see any as they probably had finished their sunning sessions much earlier in the day and continued onwards along the mostly flat path.
Eventually we reached a point where the path started to descend again via a short series of zig-zags then gradually past an old Iron Age encampment until we arrived at a bend in the A39. Crossing over the road onto Hillsford Bridge, we passed through a gate and then followed the riverside path leading towards Watersmeet House where we had been on our first walks last Saturday after arriving in Exmoor.

Cheeky Chaffinch

Bold Blue Tit

It had been quite cool walking through the woods flanking the East Lyn River but it was quite warm sitting in the garden eating cake and drinking tea and watching the Chaffinches and Blue Tits flying around and even landing on our table to pick up any crumbs.
After our snack we continued onwards along the riverside path seeing Wagtails, Robins and other birds until we heard high-pitched squeaking which turned out to be a couple of fledged Dipper chicks begging for food from a parent Dipper which was hopping and flitting along the rocks at the riverside.

Unfurling Ferns

Wild Garlic

Soon we were back at Lynmouth and after on more look around the shops and an ice cream, we set for home in Derbyshire.

Rhenish Tower and Harbour, Lynmouth

 The Harbour, Lynmouth

 Lynmouth

 Lynmouth

I was wearing Asolo Fugitive boots, Berghaus trousers, Paramo Fuera Ascent jacket and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack.

Holiday in Exmoor - Dulverton and East Anstey Common

Today was again cool with sunny periods and cloudy which is what you want when walking really.
We drove a bit further today and parked in the village of Dulverton. After a quick look around the village, we set off across the bridge next to the car park over the River Barle then passing a cottage, up a steep path through woods. The path was well worn and hemmed in between two sturdy walls.

Dulverton Bridge

The path took us to the corner of a field. After crossing this field and entering a second one, Karen spotted about 25 Red Deer hinds in a field about 250 or 300 metres away. They were grazing unconcernedly in the field and several were lying down.

Red Deer Hinds

After watching the deer for a bit, we continued across another field and arrived on a narrow minor road. The map showed the route as crossing a field on the opposite side of the road, but we could see no footpath signs. After double-checking the map, we could see that the Public Right of Way continued through a gate into the field and down a shallow valley leading to woods and a footbridge across a stream.

An Ancient Sunken Track

We found a gate leading into the next field on the edge of the woods which was waymarked with a footpath sign so that confirmed we were on the correct route.
As we proceeded along the edge of the woods looking for the footbridge, Karen spotted some Early Purple Orchids growing on a grassy slope beside the stream also covered with primroses.

Early Purple Orchid

After taking photos of the orchids, we continued onwards looking for the footbridge and the continuation of our route. It was tricky to confirm exactly where we were on the map but by comparing our position with respect to a field boundary on the opposite side of the stream, I could see that we were very near here the footbridge should be. We didn't really need the bridge as the stream was so narrow you could jut step across it, but the way on continued from the other side of the bridge.
We dropped down the short distance to the stream and almost immediately found the footbridge. Crossing over, we continued on the Public Right of Way which rose diagonally across the slope of the field. Part way across, Karen spotted more Red Deer hinds in a field about 300 metres away.
We arrived at the small village of Higher Chilcott and followed a minor road for a short distance before turning off at a farm track which we followed for a couple of hundred metres before realising we had gone the wrong way.
We retraced our steps to the minor road and after a 100 metres found the footpath we should have followed. This led along a field boundary then veered off at 45 degrees, indicated by a signpost and a mown route through the pasture. After dropping down to a stream, the way led across a sloping field onto a track near a very large house which seemed to be newly built and not yet completed at Chiltons.
We then had about 500 metre of quiet road to follow Northwards before turning left at a junction leaving after 100 yards to Five Cross Way road junction, Here we re-entered Exmoor National Park and continued walking on the minor road crossing East Anstey Common.
A short way along the road was a gate into the Common itself which was a rough scrubland with the ancient Anstey Barrow not far away. Walking over to the Barrow, we sat among gorse bushes sheltering from the wind and and our lunch.

Afterwards we followed a path across the Common and Ventford Moor again arriving back on the minor road at a point where a track crossed which was part of the Two Moors Way long distance footpath.
We followed the initial wide dry mud track Northwards before branching off on a footpath leading down to join a minor road which dropped down to a bridge then steeply upwards. Leaving the road at a signposted gate, we crossed a field to the village of West Hollowcombe, then back on the road again for the short distance to Hawkridge.
From Hawkridge, we followed a track crossing several fields and came across yet more Red Deer hinds grazing some 75 metres away, until they saw us and shot off into the cover of nearby woods.
This track is part of the Exe Valley Way and follows through wood along the River Barle, All that remained was to follow this track for about 5 miles back to Dulverton.
Afterwards we rove to Exford and had a meal in The Crown pub.
I was wearing Asolo Fugitive boots, Berghaus trousers, Paramo Third Element jacket and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack.