Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Rowland Nock & Joy Mellor Distance: 11.5 miles
This Dales Delight takes in five beautiful Peak District Dales.
From Hartington we head south into Beresford Dale, associated with the famous angler Izaak Walton who published ‘The Compleat Angler’ in 1676. Continuing south we can have lunch under the boughs of a beautiful tree in the picturesque village of Alstonefield. Our journey continues via Hope and Stanshope into Milldale, where we can glimpse the renowned Dove Dale. Crossing over the old packhorse bridge in Milldale we will head up to Shining Tor giving spectacular views of both Mill Dale and Dove Dale. Descending into Mill Dale we will follow the lovely River Dove into Wolfscote Dale, eventually climbing out via little known but very beautiful Biggin Dale. We will pass a cave on our right here for those of an adventurous nature! Heading out of Biggin Dale we make our slow descent back to Hartington to reflect on the day over some well earned tea & tiffin. Yes!
Moderate Leader: Hazel Anderton & Ruth Melling Distance: 8 miles
This is a lovely area with many splendid views. We go east and south of Hartington on tracks, across fields, along part of the old railway line called the Tissington Trail. We pass through the village of Biggin where there happens to be a pub! We then go part way along Biggin Dale and return to Hartington along part of Beresford Dale and the River Dove. There are several stiles and a few uphill bits, but on the whole it is not strenuous at all, but there will be plenty of cows.
Leisurely Leader: Philomina Walker Distance: 7 miles
We start off towards Harris Close Farm (the only uphill climb of the day), walking along elevated paths with wonderful views in all directions. Dropping down and crossing the River Dove we return to the village green for lunch by the duck pond. Should we choose to eat sooner, don’t forget to save your crumbs for the ducks. We leave the village in the opposite direction towards the beautiful Beresford Dale, walking through woods along the River Dove and back once again to the village along quiet footpaths and grassy meadows.
Easy Leader: Adelaide Houghton Distance: 5.5 miles
Starting from the Square in Hartington, following lanes and tracks down into Biggin Dale (a bit rough underfoot here) and then following the River Dove through Wolfescote Dale, Beresford Dale, and footpaths back to Hartington.