The 2nd September was yet another hot day as eight of us set off for our walk at Hathersage. We were particularly pleased to welcome Lyn Shepherd who used to walk with us some time ago.
Suitably booted up and wearing an assortment of sun hats, we began walking down a wide, grassy path beside the river Derwent. After a short while we hunkered down to eat our sandwiches beside the weir, where the water rumbled over to the rocks below. A sheep wandered tentatively towards us wanting to drink from the river; her fear of us was overshadowed by her thirst and she drank her fill. We enjoyed the feel of the hot sun on our backs and a gentle breeze moving the leaves on the trees beside us but much as we would have liked to stay there forever, we had a walk to complete.
We continued under the gentle shade of Goose Nest Wood (no sign of any geese) with the path bordered by ferns and pathetic blackberry bushes although further into the walk we passed many blackberry bushes full of fruit. Most of us pulled the fruit and tasted as we passed.
We had been warned by our leaders, Eric and Helen, that when we came to the stepping stones we wouldn’t be able to cross as a big tree had fallen into the water and workmen had removed some of the stones temporarily. We found this sight intriguing as we reached the spot and stood for a while deciding how and if we should negotiate this obstacle, even suggesting that Steve as our VHP (very helpful person) should have the first try. He declined.
Out of the woods and back under the clear, blue skies – immortalised in song by ELO – we arrived at the main road where a discussion was held as to the quickest way back to the cars. The plan had been to walk back the way we had come but on a higher level, but as some of us were feeling the effects of the heat it was decided to walk along the main road through Bamford towards Hathersage. This was a slog and very noisy with heavy traffic but we made it.
Bob Cable will lead our next walk on Sunday 7th October on the Five Pits Trail, starting from Timber Lane and going towards Astwith. This is a 5 mile walk on mainly flat paths so quite easy for anyone who hasn’t walked for a long time. You are welcome to join us. We meet, as usual, at 12noon at the church gates with a packed lunch, transport is sorted and off we go!