Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Jackie Gudgeon Distance: 11 miles
Hartington – Highfield Lane to Biggin – Tissington Trail – Coldeaton Bridge – River Dove – Milldale – Stanshope – Alstonefield – Narrowdale – Beresford Dale – Hartington.
Highs and Lows – Dales and hilltop villages. Gradual climb out of Hartington to reach the village of Biggin from where we cross fields to join the Tissington Trail for about a mile and a half, before dropping down through a rocky dale to reach the River Dove at Coldeaton Bridge. A pleasant walk along the river to reach Milldale (ice cream) then a climb up to Stanshope – down and up again to Alstonefield (pub – if time). Fairly level or down hill after this, back into Hartington.
Moderate Leader: Maurice Hall Distance : 8 miles
Hartington – Beresford Dale – Narrowdale Hill – Alstonefield – Coldeaton Bridge – Wolfescote Dale – Reynards Lane – Hartington.
Plenty of ups and downs, but none too strenuous except a steep descent from Alstonefield down to Coldeaton Bridge. Mostly firm underfoot, but could be some long wet grass. A beautiful walk which includes two of the loveliest Peak District villages, one on the Derbyshire side and the other on the Staffordshire side of the River Dove. Outstanding sweeping views from the higher points and some long stretches of glorious riverside.
Leisurely Leader: Derek Lee Distance 8 miles
Please note the walk will leave the coach at the old Hartington Station at the top of the hill before the village. A longer but easier walk this month with no hills worthy of the name – although there are a few uphill stretches. We start with easy walking on the Tissington Trail before cutting across field paths to Greenhead and Coldeaton. From here there is a steep grassy descent followed by a stony gradual descent to Coldeaton Bridge where we can take a late lunch with the ducks. Then we return to Hartington on the well known path through Wolfescote and Beresford Dales.
Easy Leader: Philomena Walker Distance: 5.5 miles
Easy grassy hills, tracks and lanes. Two short steep ascents. We take the path to the River Dove, crossing into Staffordshire, and up a steep bank to top edge of a wood. Rest and enjoy fine views of the valley. Continue to Harris Close Farm. With Sheen Hill behind us we descend gradually to the “Salt Road”, crossing back over the River Dove to Pilsbury Castle and lunch. A pleasant lane leads back towards Hartington village. A left turn before the mill will take us past the Lummucks (remains of old lead mine), from where the view north west beyond Pilsbury to Hitter, Chrome and Parkhouse Hills is lovely and worth the effort. Continue across stony fields and grassy paths past Bank Top Farm to road into Hartington, having hopefully saved some crumbs for the ducks!