WALKING GROUP
Blue skies and warm sunshine greeted us for this walk, in sharp contrast to the previous day when the annual church fete was held amid constant heavy showers.
We parked at the Robin Hood pub and began our climb up to Birchen Edge, where men and women were releasing their ropes and straps after rock climbing to the top. We at once saw Nelson’s Monument, erected in 1810, thirty years before the London column was constructed. It stands 12 feet high, 1000 feet above sea level and was erected by a local man, John Brightman. Nearby stand the three large boulders representing Nelson’s ships, Royal Sovereign, Reliance and Victory. At the trig marker we descended to the wet marshlands, where concrete slabs had been placed for ease of walking until eventually walking through a field beside gentle natured, Highland cattle with their curly-haired offspring.
We stopped to eat our sandwiches on a big rock beneath the Wellington Monument, enjoying the view and the pleasant sunshine before negotiating a long, muddy descent with big boulders and waiving bracken. Steve was wearing spanking new boots, with yellow insides and yellow and brown laces, together with bright red socks, (very smart), and was understandably concerned about keeping them clean.
Soon we heard the sound of traffic and running water and arrived at a packhorse bridge with the Bar Brook below and looked down onto a wetland garden, with some broad-leaved plants we couldn’t identify.
Whilst walking through a wood of mainly young oak trees and silver birch we heard the cry of a chiffchaff. We eventually arrived at the A619 which led us to the car park. Remarkably, Steve’s boots were pristine!
Thanks to Trish for leading the walk made even more enjoyable with the conversation of good companions and wonderful weather.
The August walk on Sunday 7th will be of 5 miles from Hartington towards Pilsbury and led by Steve and Julie.
Please note we will meet at the church gates at 3pm, due to the longer journey. We welcome any new walkers. Please bring sandwiches and a drink and transport is arranged before setting off.