WALKING GROUP
Under threatening clouds eight of the regular walkers made the long journey to Thorpe car park on the Tissington Trail. After we had eaten our sandwiches and one of our party had put her ‘lippy’ on, we set off on our easy five mile walk.
The first 2¼ miles were along the Tissington Trial, opened in 1971. The original railway was built by the London and North Western Railway company, opening in 1899, and linked with the Cromford and High Peak Railway at Parsley Hay. It was the last of the railways to be built in the Peak District. The line was popular with walkers and ramblers, enjoying its heyday in the 1930s, with one of its attractions being it passed close to Dovedale. It was closed to regular passenger traffic in 1954, and all services ceased in October 1963.
Along the trail we were set the task to collect moss for Julie – the moss will feature in the Easter flower arrangements in Church – hope you spotted it!
Leaving the trail we followed a lane and crossed fields whilst walking towards Tissington. Over to our right we had views over Tissington Hall. The Hall was built in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert and the present incumbent, Sir Richard FitzHerbert has turned the hall into a prestigious wedding venue.
Just as we approached the church of St Mary in Tissington a brief shower sent us scurrying for cover in the church. The church dates back to Norman times, built sometime around 1100 with records showing it was established by 1227. It contains an interesting Norman font and many monuments to the Fitzherbert family. In the churchyard one of the graves is in memory of Mr Frank Richard Allsop, one of the Saloon Stewards on the Titanic. His body was never recovered and he is mentioned on his father’s (Richard) gravestone.
Continuing our walk through the village of Tissington we passed the duck pond then the candle makers ‘On a Wick and a Prayer’ before walking down ‘The Avenue’ and out of the village.
Crossing fields we saw signs of ancient ridge and furrow field systems and frolicking lambs – a sure sign of spring. A game of lamb bingo ensued, with us trying to match numbered lambs to their mothers – their mastery of numeracy beat us hands down!!!
After passing the entrance to the Peveril of the Peak Hotel we followed the road back to Thorpe and our starting point, the rain had held off for the most part.
Steve Franks
The walk for May will be on Sunday 4th, led by Evelyn Lowe, starting from Teversal Visitor Centre to Fackley and through Brierley Forest Park and return. Please meet at 12 noon at the church gates with your packed lunch for this 4½ mile easy walk.