Sunday 2nd January 2022 – Baslow – Derbyshire Peak District
The coach left Doncaster during an amazing sunrise. We arrived at Baslow where the walk started with an energetic uphill section, eventually reaching the 310m trig point summit. Features of interest included Baslow Edge, the Eagle Stone, Wellington’s Monument and further along the hilltops, Nelson’s Monument, with the Three Ships stones nearby. An impressive 360 degrees panorama here, and the stones provided a sheltered place for lunch.
The remainder of the walk was downhill, beginning with a steep descent off Birchen Edge. We passed some placid Highland cattle on the heather moorland before arriving at The Robin Hood pub for refreshments. The last mile or so of the walk saw us going through the unusual Cannon Kissing Gate into the Chatsworth estate’s parkland before finishing our walk in Baslow.
- Start and finish point – SK2582 7211.
- Walk leader – David Torrington.
- Number of walkers – 22 (and 4 non-walkers).
- Distance (GPS measured) – 7.5 miles / 12 kilometres.
- Terrain – Hilly, Dark Peak gritstone covered in bracken and heather. Footpaths were muddy in places.
- Highest point 1017 feet / 310 m.
- Weather – A relatively mild 8 degrees C. Sunshine in the morning with a breeze on the hilltops. There was some rain in the afternoon.
Club news – Jean T, club organiser, wished us all a Happy New Year. There had been a number of cancellations and despite coach fares being increased to £15 each, low attendance meant that club funds would once again have to subsidise the trip.
Credits – David Torrington was thanked for leading today’s very scenic walk. Dave Tyson was the back marker. The ten selected photographs showing the January walk were submitted by Vivienne D, Michael P, Dave Ty and Dave W.
Author’s memo – I must get fit for the February walk and hope to see a good turnout of Weekend Wanderers.
