Walk 25/2009 - Grindon and the Hamps Valley

Sunday 4th October 2009

A good attendance today, for what turned out to be, weather–wise, a fine autumn day, which was just as well, as one of us arrived bootless and only had the trainers he (or she) was wearing. (I shall leave it to Ed’s discretion as to whether names are mentioned [Ed –oh, I see, trying to protect the guilty. I thought for a moment you didn’t know whether Simon was male or female. Oops – bit of a give away!]) But the walker in question battled on against all the odds and completed the walk – hope his (or her) feet are not too shredded!

We started from Grindon – which is a small village situated above a section of the Manifold valley and was mentioned in the Doomsday book as Grendon – meaning green hill.

The Manifold way was originally the track bed of the narrow gauge Leek and Manfold railway and is shared by walkers, horse riders and cyclists. The route being a combination of fields, paths, quiet lanes and the odd steep climb.

Coffee was taken shortly after crossing a small stream, which required Geoff giving some sound advice as some of us began to tread intrepidly across the slippery stones. His advice was that we might benefit from looking left as we go and repeating these words of wisdom until we noticed a very handily placed footbridge! Others were going to let us make the wet crossing but obviously Geoff was too much of a gentleman.

Later we were able to get a good view of Thor’s Cave – occupied as long ago as 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest sites of human activity in the Peak District. Ancient bones and artifacts have been found in the cave.

We observed a lone rock climber – the limestone rock providing a steeper and less friendly surface to scale than some other surfaces. After–walk respite was taken in the Red Lion – where new walker Debbie showed a darker side of her, up until now, friendly and pleasant personality, by executing a defenceless fly with a straw! [Ed – Is that a Morris dance?]

Report – Sue

Pictures – Alan

Some of the scenery.

Do remember that film of the Wildebeest that all follow each other into the river and get swept away? Some what unnecessary when there is a bridge just out of shot to the right!

We pass some old stone buildings.

A bit of a climb here before we have a discussion about which path to follow.

Looks like rain then.

The rocks above Thor’s Cave.

Spot the climber glued to the vertical face.