THE WALKING GROUP
As we were motoring towards Curbur Gap car park, we noticed a long line of vehicles parked on the grass verges and one of our drivers had difficulty finding a space in either place. However, with the help of Steve and mobile phones, we were directed to return to the car park and fitted nicely into a space, recently vacated.
There were many families and couples milling around, all no doubt, taking advantage of the bright, sunny weather on the first Sunday of the New Year.
We set off at 1pm, walking down the road, then turned right along a grassy path, passing a group of youngsters who had just arrived at a large rock for a training session on how to climb it. We had a steep ascent to Curbur Edge with various entreaties along the lines of, “dear Lord, help me”, together with complaints directed at our leader, Bob, who retorted “keep going, it will soon be dark”.
We then entered a mercifully flat, but boggy area which took us about fifteen minutes to negotiate, but with no mishaps we made our way towards White Edge, where small groups of people could be seen wandering along the skyline. The views from the top were spectacular although the far distance was hazy due to low cloud, the sun having left us earlier.
We walked towards the Sheffield/Calver road and before reaching it, turned right along Baslow Edge and straight into a cold wind. With watering eyes, sniffling noses and heads bent down, we went towards the Wellington Monument, which was erected to celebrate the victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Standing alone, a few metres away, was Eagle Stone, a massive boulder. According to legend, it took its name from the god Aigle, who apparently had a habit of throwing boulders around. In the past no local lad was considered fit to marry until he had shown his agility by climbing to the top of the stone.
Half an hour later as daylight was diminishing, we arrived at the car park which surprisingly was still full.
The next walk on Sunday 3rd February will be of 5 miles and led by Steve and Julie from Rowsley and up to Stanton Moor. New members are always made welcome. Please meet at the church gates at 12 noon with suitable walking gear and a packed lunch.