WALKING GROUP
We were treated to the sight of a lively, Pied Wagtail, hopping along the stone wall at the side of the car, as we ate our sandwiches before starting our walk at Sir William Hill. The weather in the morning had been very wet and windy, but cleared up in time for us to trudge over water-logged moors, re-named the Derbyshire Lake District by one in our party. The description seemed apt at the time as all (except the person wearing Wellingtons, who sloshed through the fields with impunity), had to take actions to avoid being sucked into the watery depths. But, no matter, we were rewarded by the sound and sight of Meadow Pipits and later on – the distinct sound of the cuckoo! On meeting a man walking in the opposite direction to us, we passed the time of day with him and were told that he had seen a Ringed Ouzel at Curber Gap. Our ornithologist cried out with envy.
Bypassing a newly-built wooden bridge over a swollen stream, we trudged uphill and under warm sunshine, entered a pine wood where we found two ant hills, teeming with industrious occupants. Up on the tops, we could see the village of Hathersage on our left but before long, our party got mixed up with another set of walkers, so the more energetic of us marched ahead, with the others struggling way behind. Anyone wishing to join us may be interested to know that we have varying degrees of energy, but we get there in the end.
The walk arranged for Sunday 7th June is of 4.5 miles starting from Baslow into Chatsworth Park and up to the Hunting Tower, finishing along Dobb Edge. If you would like to join the group, we will be leaving from outside church at 4pm.
The change of time is because during the summer months parking is easier later in the day. The walk provides a number of opportunities to stop and eat sandwiches while enjoying the views and, God willing, the warm, summer sunshine. Julie and Mary will be leading the walk.