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Spring Walk, May 2012, Ravenstor & Castleton Anniversary walk,
17/05/2012 - 21/05/2012
Thursday 17th May.
Travel day Ralph, Dick & Dave in one car, Ian, Paul & Richard in another, Steve, John, Pat & Andy another one and Graham on his own. We all met around 11:30 in Ravenstor Youth Hostel car park in Tideswell, pronounced Tidswell, according to Ralph, who’s sister lives in Chesterfield. This meant we had many variations on place names throughout the weekend.
The weather had been changeable on the way up from sunshine to persistent rain though it brightened up when we walked.
After booting up we proceeded to walk along the Monsal Trail to the Monsal Head Hotel, through the tunnels that are now opened up, for a late lunch, then retracing our steps with a variation along the river, returning to the hostel where Pete joined us.
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Evening refreshments were taken at the Anglers Rest in Miller’s Dale. It was Pie night Pie and Dessert for £9.00. A place that had 3 goods. Good value, good food and good beer. The service was good as well.
Friday 18th May.
We woke up to cloud at first which turned to sun later though staying windy through the day.
After a good breakfast we split up, most walked direct to Castleton and the new hostel in Losehill Hall. Their route was along the Monsal Trail to Miller’s Dale, slippery in places, on up Monks Dale , Peter Dale, Hay Dale, Dam Dale to Peak Forest for Lunch at the Devonshire Arms. This caused much consternation as they were having a private party that night and caused extra work for them. Then on to the Limestone Way, to carry on to Castleton and the Hostel. Pete met the others for lunch.
Dick and Richard followed the other on to the Monsal Trail but stayed on to the end at Topley Pike where they then dropped down to the River Wye and walked back to Millers Dale and then the Hostel to pick a car up.
The walk along the river was great, the sun came out, there were Dippers, Wagtails, Golden Eye’s to be seen, Stepping Stones to negotiate and trout in the river.
After picking up the car Dick & Richard tried the Devonshire Arms where all the tables went as soon as the others had left so after a swift one it was on to Castleton. After parking at the Hostel they walked around Castleton before Dick took the drivers back to get the other cars when they arrived later in the afternoon. Roland met us on the Hostel drive as we were going to get the cars.
The Hostel was very plush though somewhat lacking in washing facilities.
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Later we went to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese to eat and meet Alan & Margaret who were staying on a camp site in Hope, not under canvas but in a camper van, they had used their bus passes so no driving. It was very busy and took a long time to get food but all was good when it arrived and no problems with the beer. Dennis Green, a founder member, phoned from New Zealand while we were there and spoke to several of us to celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary.
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Saturday 19th May.
The weather was cloudy at times though fine but windy on top of the hills.
Pete went home after breakfast (not as good as Fridays) as he had another engagement that weekend.
Dick took Paul to Hope Station as he was going to Wembley to see West Ham in the play off finals.
Dick & Richard went to Ladybower Reservoir for a circular walk & then on to The Yorkshire Bridge Hotel to meet the others. When they did not turn up they moved on to the Ladybower Inn where lots of fillies were seen.
All the others went over Lose Hill, Fiddle Clough, Hope Cross, Hagg Farm, Bridge End Pasture, Crookhill Farm and on to the Ladybower Inn for lunch again good fare.
At lunch Roland went to look at the pictures of the Dam Busters, so he said, he was really trying to get closer to the fillies.
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After lunch the walkers went back to the hostel via the Derwent Valley Way, Aston and a another quick one in the Cheshire Cheese in Hope. Dick & Richard drove back.
Some ate in the hostel the rest went to the Bull for mega fish & chips, very good but too much again. Good ales.
Ralph met his sister to learn some more local pronunciations.
Sunday 20th May.
Weather was fine and sunny in the morning clouding over as the day went on.
Graham left straight after breakfast to go and watch Luton in their play off final at Wembley.
Dick & Richard dropped Dave and Ralph off at Edale car park where the others all drove to before starting their walk along the start of the Pennine Way, up Jacobs Ladder on to Kinder Downfall, then back via Kinder Scout and Golden Clough, avoiding Grindsbrook. During the walk Pat got bogged down in a bog bending his pole, Roland had as much luck with the sheep at Kinder Downfall lunch stop as he had had with the fillies the previous day. A stop was made at the Ramblers’ Inn (the official start of the Pennine Way) and Paul, Andy, Steve, Dave and John? walked back to the Hostel over Hollin’s Cross. The others went back to the Edale car park where Pat broke his pole in half for the camera.
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Dick & Richard went for an easy option. A gentle stroll around Derwent Reservoir, during which they heard some Cuckoo’s. This proved to be the long option, before light refreshment at the Ladybower Inn, not the same as the day before.
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Dinner was taken at the Castle as the George was not serving food on Sunday Night. Alan and Margaret joined us again. Andy gave a short speech as befitting the occasion.
When we got back to the Hostel Pat had found his sea legs, he swayed from side to side and kept losing his balance. He made it up into his bunk at the third attempt and stayed there until morning.
Steve had a dry head so Ralph whipped out his cream and rubbed it in for him.
Monday 21st May.
The weather started out misty and cold but cleared as the day went on turning out to be the hottest day so far.
The walkers went up Lose hill along the ridge to Mam Tor coming back to the George for lunch.
Roland started with the walkers before going on to Hope to get his train. He did stop at a vantage point to watch the rest disappear over Lose Hill, waving goodbye with his handkerchief and a tear in his eye. He also met Dick & Richard in the Woodbine Café in Hope before moving on to get his train.
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Dick & Richard just did a gentle circuit of Castleton and Hope meeting Roland on the way.
After Lunch we made our way back to the hostel to get the cars and depart for home, another great weekend.
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