Sunday 6th April 2025 – Ewden Valley, Stocksbridge
There were 23 Weekend Wanderers on the coach today. Unfortunately, a number of regulars missed this walk due to early holidays or other commitments. One non-walker was dropped off at Holmfirth where she spent the day. Our walking club is unique in Doncaster in offering an interesting alternative for members not wanting to take part in the walk itself.
Todays walk started on a country road with a steady incline for about 1½ miles, to the small village of Ewden. On our left was the More Hall reservoir and to our right, the hill top monument called Walders Low. Continuing along a field path the even larger Broomhead reservoir and fabulous landscapes were in the distance before we went through a wooded area.
We arrived next at the pretty village of Bolsterstone, heralded by the sound of church bells and had a refreshment break within this conservation area beside the old village pump. We headed off and followed an old path known as the Salt route. After leaving this heritage trail we stopped for lunch on a grassy slope with great views of the Peak District while sitting in very relaxing sunshine.
We set off again and eventually reached Whitwell Moor with its 359 metre trig point which was bagged by several in the group. After this, further footpaths and a couple more step stiles found us arriving at Ye Olde Mustard Pot pub in Midhopestones where various drinks including Inch’s cider went down well in the beer garden during our one hour stop.
By now, two more reservoirs, Underbank and Midhope, had been added to the tally. Naturalist Dave C had been pleased to see a Small tortoiseshell butterfly during the walk, as well as hearing a singing Blackcap in woodland, and Curlews seen and heard calling on the moorland edge. Needless to say a pair of Emu or Rheas seen in a field and flock of Jacob sheep added interest.
We crossed the dam wall at the end of our walk at the fifth and final reservoir, Langsett, completing a lovely 9 miles. There was time for a drink at the Waggon & Horses or in the poker-dot-painted Bank View cafe just across the road before boarding our coach which was parked nearby and heading back home.
Thank you goes to walk leader Trevor Roebuck and to the back marker Dave D. Photos in the blog were taken by Graham, Dave W, Dave C and Viv D.
Blog by Viv Dales and Dave Carroll
Note: The May walk is a change to the printed programme. Andy will be taking us on a coastal walk near Bridlington (where non-walkers will visit) and the cost will be £20 each
