Derwent Valley

Waking early and dispensing with breakfast I was on the road and headed for the Derwent Valley on the eastern edge of the Peak. I had my eye on a five hour walk that takes in the Froggatt Edge and Padley Gorge.

The walk starts from Longshaw Lodge passed a set millstones arranged. This part of the Peak is known for its grit stones from which the millstones are hewn. Close inspection reveals that these stones are comprised of what appears to be coarse sand. Probably some kind of sedimentary rock.

Passing though a few fields filled with sheep and lambs munching on the lush grass I passed beside woodland before existing at the edge of a stone wall to climb a style. The map I was following was detailed – based on an Ordinance Map - but the accompanying walk description was too brief. I almost mossed the turn. Once over the all I headed downhill towards a stream. Interestingly this path cuts its way through the field as a set of flag stones.

Arriving at the stream I forked up a short but steep hill to a ridge with large rock out crops; the start of the Froggatt Edge. The views are stunning; standing almost on a cliff edge overlooking the Derwent Valley with the River winding its way past small villages with stone houses and slate roofs.

The weather turned with angry clouds arriving followed shortly by a light but steady rain. I pulled out an umbrella – can you believe it – but luckily there was no wind. It’s a fairly popular walk so I met many people along the way. At a particularly large outcrop I turned sharply right to descend towards the woods below. As I came off the ridge I walked towards the base of the rocks. Climbers were everywhere – obviously a popular spot.

I was soon in a thick woods consisting of mainly birch with lots of scattered rocks covered with a thick moss. Finding a tree with a low outstretched branch I stopped for lunch. It was gloriously peaceful amongst the trees and wildflowers.

Continuing on I passed through Froggatt village and on to Nether Padley. Over a rail bridge (complete with tunnel disappearing into the mountains built in 1898) I passed a mill before turning sharply uphill to enter the Padley George.

I think this was probably the highlight of the walk. Its an ancient woods with old gnarled oaks all around. The path, once again, was flag stones. Strewn everywhere were grit stones covered in moss. Together with the bright green spring growth and dense canopy overhead I felt as if I were immersed in green. The rain beat a steady rhythm on my umbrella as I simply enjoyed the quiet. The walk was doing me good; ridding me of the tensions and worries of work. Along the way I passed some millstones that had been carved but then abandoned before completion.

Arriving back at my starting point about 3pm I decided to finish my weekend with a visit to some standing stones. No surprise there! So I punched in the GPS location for Arbor Low and off I went. Although only 30 minutes away to the south of the Peak the rain had well and truly set in. The low lying roads were awash with water so you had to be on the ball.

The stone circle is located on a private farm but National Heritage has an arrangement that allows visitors. So off I set in the pouring rain with an umbrella that by now was almost useless. Past a large milking shed and through a field with dairy cows I arrive at the stone circle. Its large and set on a raised earth platform that is surrounded by a ditch. The stones themselves have fallen over. Its thought to have been built by the Beaker People in around 2000BC. The rain and mist came rolling in which I found appropriate for a site such as this. After only about 10 minutes out in the weather I scurried back to the car to start my homeward journey.

Photos are here.