Category: Long Walks

We walked from Cromford to Bonsall and through Bonsalldale back to Cromford a picturesque loop in Derbyshire, blending historical landmarks, charming villages, and scenic countryside. Starting in Cromford, we passed the historic Cromford Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage site, then follow a winding uphill path through woodlands towards Bonsall. The ascent provides rewarding views of the surrounding limestone hills and valleys.

Reaching Bonsall, a quaint village known for its narrow streets, traditional stone cottages, a rich lead-mining history and the 13th-century St. James’ Church. From Bonsall, the route continues along Bonsalldale, a serene, green valley flanked by rolling fields and dry-stone walls, making it an idyllic stretch for nature lovers.

The descent through Bonsalldale is gentle, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the countryside. The walk loops back alongside the River Derwent to Cromford where we had a pint and a chat at the Greyhound public house.

Thank you to all the hardy souls that turned up for the walk at Cresswell Crags, which had to be abandoned due to the adverse weather.

However, we made the most of it and had a cup of tea and a scone, which put a brighter complexion on things. We then had a quick look round the Crags on the way back to the cars.

On the 3rd of September, a 7.9-mile circular walk began at Laxton Visitor Centre, near Newark, known for its unique medieval Open Field System. The walk started by crossing this historic landscape, where the communal strip farming method, still in use today, showcases a living piece of England’s agricultural past. The open fields offer expansive views of the countryside, providing a sense of the area’s long-standing traditions.

The route continued toward the Manorial Earthworks by Curtin Woods, remnants of Laxton’s medieval past. These earthworks are believed to mark boundaries or serve as defensive structures from an earlier time. Nearby, Curtin Wood provided a peaceful contrast to the open fields, with shaded woodland paths, rich in wildlife, adding a sense of seclusion to the walk.

Next, the path led to the Old Fishponds, which once played a role in medieval Laxton’s self-sufficiency, as fish were a key food source during this time. The ponds now offer a scenic, tranquil spot surrounded by lush greenery and abundant birdlife.

The walk then progressed into Egmonton Woods, an ancient woodland with a mix of old trees and rich undergrowth. This part of the walk offered a serene, forested environment, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the sounds of nature.

The route concluded by looping back toward Laxton Visitor Centre, once again passing through the patchwork of open fields, ending a walk that beautifully combined history, rural landscapes, and natural beauty in one. This walk is a rich journey through Laxton’s medieval heritage and countryside charm, offering varied scenery and peaceful surroundings.

On 6th August, we set out through the rolling hills and scenic trails around Elton, a quaint village in Derbyshire. The weather was perfect – slightly overcast with occasional bursts of sunshine, which kept the temperature comfortable for walking.

We began in Elton, a picturesque village with its charming stone cottages and narrow lanes, which led us out of the village and into the open countryside.

Our first stop was Robin Hood’s Stride, a fascinating rocky outcrop that is steeped in local legend. The walk to this point was straightforward, with clear paths and stunning views over the surrounding landscape. The Stride itself is a formation of large, weathered gritstone boulders, and it’s easy to see why it has inspired stories of Robin Hood leaping from rock to rock. Some of the walkers couldn’t resist scrambling up to the top for a better view; the panoramic views were well worth the effort.

After spending some time at Robin Hood’s Stride, we continued on to Long Dale. This stretch of the walk was particularly serene; the Dale was lush and green, bordered by dry stone walls and dotted with sheep. The path through Long Dale was relatively flat and easy, making it a relaxing part of the walk where we could simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.

From Long Dale, we moved on to Grattan Dale, a more secluded and lesser-known valley. Grattan Dale was more rugged, with rocky outcrops and dense patches of woodland. The path here was a bit more challenging, with some uneven ground, but with a sense of isolation and  natural beauty.

The final leg of the walk took us back to Elton, completing the loop. The walk was a perfect mix of natural beauty, local legend, and peaceful solitude. Each part of the route offered something different, from the iconic Robin Hood’s Stride to the tranquil valleys of Long Dale and Grattan Dale. The entire route was about 8 miles, taking around 4 hours at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops to take in the scenery.

Our walk this month was to the Peak District on 2^nd July and was led by Carol Green. We walked 7.96 miles over good paths; it was pleasant for walking as the weather behaved itself and was warm, without being uncomfortable.

It was a nice walk with stunning scenery; we walked through Stoney Middleton and Eyam, two beautiful old English villages. Eyam became famous by shutting itself off because of an outbreak of plague, 400 years ago. There are plaques outside each of the cottages telling who lived there at that time and what happened to them, which we took time to read. We finished off by having a cup of tea and cake at a pleasant tea shop in Eyam where we were able to sit outside as the Sun had shown itself.