THE WALKING GROUP
We started the walk from Bents Green Methodist Church in Sheffield. The weather was warm and sunny and we were soon off the roads and into woodland; the dappled shade of the trees keeping us nicely cool.
We headed downhill through the woods and noticed the abundance of spring flowers with bluebells, woodland anemones and buttercups being much in evidence. On the whole the ground was dry but there was still the odd muddy patch. Eventually we reached the Porter Brook River which originates in the Burbage Moor in the Peak.
We followed the footpath along the river until we reached Forge Dam, an ideal refreshment stop. It was late afternoon and the café was closing after a very busy day catering for families who had been drawn outdoors by the glorious weather.
We enjoyed our drinks and sandwiches in the sun at the side of the Dam so much that we almost forgot we had the rest of the walk to do!
We walked away from the Dam along the Peak District footpath, which we followed for part of the way, before crossing over the lane and ascending steeply through a field to the path known locally as Jacob’s Ladder, (not the one on the Pennine Way).
Once at the top we had good views over the countryside to the outskirts of Sheffield. There were some alpacas and horses grazing in the fields but they were too comfortable to take any interest in any passing walkers. We crossed the road at the Norfolk Arms Pub, whose beer garden was well packed.
Nearby is the Round House, which dates back to the 18th century, and was originally built as a toll house. We walked downhill towards Ringinglow and following a stream, we made a long and pleasant descent through the bright, spring green wood, which kept us shaded from still strong sun. We reached a lake and left the wood before walking uphill again along a shaded footpath with hedges on either side. We were then on a lane above Whirlow Farm, which is a working farm used for educational purposes.
At the top of the rise we were rewarded with a panoramic view over Sheffield.
We crossed between sports grounds used for football, cricket and rugby, the footballers looking a little jaded but still having fun in the sun. Following the Ringinglow road, we passed some very smart houses arriving at our cars after a very pleasant walk in wonderful weather.
Eric and Helen
The next walk on Sunday 3rd June will be led by Trish and Evelyn and will start at Thorpe Salvin going towards Turnerwood and Lindrick Dale along the Chesterfield to Worksop Canal. Please gather at 4pm at the church gates with sandwiches and a drink. Any newcomers are welcome to join us.