Long Walks

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Cromford Canal to Crich Stand (Crich Memorial) – Tuesday 3rd June

On Tuesday, we enjoyed a scenic circular walk beginning at Cromford Canal in Derbyshire. The weather was mild and dry, making for pleasant walking conditions. Setting off from Ambergate, we followed the peaceful towpath northward, enjoying  glimpses of local wildlife, including ducks with ducklings, moorhens, and a pair of swans with cygnets. The canal was lined with lush greenery and occasional historical remnants of the area’s industrial heritage.

After a leisurely stretch along the water, we turned west and began the steady ascent toward Crich. The route took us through farmland and wooded paths, gradually climbing to the Crich Stand War Memorial, which offered panoramic views across the Derwent Valley and as far as the Peak District. The memorial itself, standing tall against the skyline, was a poignant highlight and provided a perfect rest spot.

After lunch we began our descent, which looped through quiet country lanes and open fields, eventually rejoining the canal path and returning to Ambergate. The round trip, of 8.40 miles, took around four hours at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for photography and refreshment breaks. Overall, the walk was a rewarding blend of natural beauty, local history, and peaceful countryside.

Mark

Medium Walks

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Tansley and Riber

We had a welcome return to the Peak District for our latest walk. From the start at Tansley, it was mostly either uphill or downhill, and by general agreement a very enjoyable walk, and also slightly longer than usual at just over 7 miles.

After passing Riber Castle, we needed a few minutes to get our bearings, looking down to Matlock Bath, with the cable car in view. We then headed south, above Cromford, before starting our return route near the Azalea gardens at Lea.

After 3 months of very little rainfall, the paths were all dry, and we agreed that this was not a walk for the winter or after bad weather.

Refreshment at the Tavern at Tansley was very welcome, by which time the sun had appeared, and was warming us up considerably.

Our thanks to Kevin Varey for planning and leading this walk. Our next walk in June will be to Hathersage.

John Tedstone

Melrose Holiday March 2025

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Our trip to Melrose went without a hitch and was a great success; everyone seemed to have had a great time.

We had three day trips, and thankfully the weather was kind to us. We went to Jedburgh and Kelso two quaint, typically Scottish towns, Edinburgh, where we had a short guided tour and then time to ourselves.  The last trip and my favourite was to Lindisfarne Holy Island, with some stunning views across to the mainland and the ruined abbey.

The walkers among us went on two magnificent walks, the first along the River Tweed, where Gary and Tina managed to video an Otter fishing, unfortunately I didn’t see this.  We then continued via Sir Walter Scott’s house to Loch Cauldeshiels and then back to the hotel.

The second walk was through the Eildon Hills by the Rhymer’s stone and again along the Tweed back to the hotel, taking time to view Melrose Abbey and Melrose itself.

The hotel itself was very good as was the food and the staff very helpful and quick.  There was entertainment every night, which was very good especially the first night.

Thanks to everybody for making it such a memorable trip.

Mark