Walk 25/2007 – Higher than Dovedale

Sunday 2nd December 2007

The group set off expecting a wet and windy day and waterproofs were indeed donned on arrival, in his usual way Simon managed to put his over–trousers on back to front. In traditional Stuart style the start of the walk soon had us going steeply uphill to the top of Thorpe Cloud. The effort was worth it though for some lovely 360 degree views. Whilst on top and no doubt in recognition of our efforts the rain stopped, blue skies appeared and the sun began to shine. It seemed a good time to tell everyone that they could have skirted around the hill if they had wanted to.

We dropped down to pick up the usually very popular walk (but not today) along the river Dove to Lovers Leap where we stopped for coffee and watched a buzzard being mocked by another bird of prey. The limestone steps here are full of fossils. It was then up hill again into the open farmland and the bracing wind which got stronger and stronger throughout the morning.

Lunch was taken on top of Mill Dale the wind was blowing so much that Graham decided to wear Alex’s nice pink scarf to keep his hair in place. We decided that the best option today would be to return via the river Dove rather than get blown away again on the planned route. It proved to be a good decision, taking in the caves at Dove Hole (where Graham tried unsuccessfully to convince Alex that witches and goblins lived there), the Tissington limestone Spires and the Natural limestone arch. It was suggested that the top of the arch was embedded with the word Polo and that trolls had pushed out the rocks to make the hole. The wily young Alex was having none of though......she is far too clever for her age! We were also able to watch a Dipper repeatedly disappearing into the swollen river looking for food, although a packed lunch would have been a lot easier.

Report – Graham

Walk rating – Excellent

Views from the top of Thorpe Cloud.	Views from the top of Thorpe Cloud.
Views from the top of Thorpe Cloud.	Views from the top of Thorpe Cloud.
The stepping stones across the River Dove were under water by the time we got back.	Graham keeps his hair in place.
The limestone arch formed by the Trolls!