After battling with the ‘Ring go’ roadside parking app (other parking apps are available), 15 members departed from the café at Grindleford Station, suitably fed and watered, in ‘period surroundings’. We headed upwards towards Hathersage, in our second foray into the Peak District this year, stopping to look at some relics of the area’s industrial past.
Enjoying perfect walking weather, the walk began with an exhilarating escalation of elevation that was eminently worth the effort, as the views were super. After descending into Hathersage we passed the popular open-air lido before proceeding to the lunch spot at the side of the Derwent and the final push back to the café to complete the 6 mile walk.
Along the way, we were entertained with Mark Jackson’s ‘guess the house price’ competition (answers of at least 7 figures), and also gruesome information about the abandoned riverside chapel, now grade 2 listed.
Our next walk will be in the Ollerton area on Monday 21st July.
New members are always welcome to join this group.
The June walk started at The Cricketers pub in Nuncargate. The pub takes its name from its close ties to the local cricketing heritage. It’s situated right next to the cricket ground where Harold Larwood, one of England’s most legendary fast bowlers, first played the game. Inside the pub there is memorabilia celebrating his life and career.
The route meandered alongside the Robin Hood Line and on some of the old rail tracks in and around Portland Park before we reached the site of Kirkby Castle – sometimes referred to as Castle Hill – which was once a significant fortified manor in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Though no visible ruins remain today, archaeological surveys and historical records confirm its existence near St Wilfrid’s Church.
Terry and Phil take a break at the Church
Recent research suggests the castle was an open-courtyard structure, about 33 by 40 metres in size, and served as the heart of the local manor.
It was an exceptionally hot sunny day and before returning to the car park we had a welcome stop at The Wild Rabbit Cafe in the park. (not open Tuesday and Wednesday)
Next Month – 17th July a local walk starting from Linby Village
21st August – I have arranged a guided walk and talk at Bennerley Viaduct