Walk 22/2009 – Above Ladybower

Sunday 6th September 2009

The ranks were swelling today with 11 of us fit and ready to go. I include myself in this scenario, as this is my 4th walk, but according to the boss I am still not a confirmed hill walker, as not been soaked through to the skin yet! I liken this comment to the twisted church spire in Chesterfield – unseasoned that is, not twisted. (no comment please Editor) [Ed – no comment.]

A steep climb alongside the Derwent dam saw the group split into two for the primary and secondary walks, once at the top. A small discussion took place about the history of the area and my research did confirm that “the reservoir was used by the RAF’s dam busters 617 squadron to practice low level flying techniques during 1943, in preparation for delivering Barnes Wallis’ famous bouncing bomb to German dams”. www.isleofwightattractions.co.uk [Ed – Crikey, these reports are getting deep! Sue, I have to admit I can’t see the connection between this site and the report. You’ll have to enlighten me.]

We carried on to Little Howden Moor “where the red grouse calls” according to the National Trust sign. Red Grouse are found on the heather moorlands of Great Britain and can be identified by their chut!chut!chut!chut!chut! or the Goback,Goback,Goback vocalization. (Or was this the chattering of the male species of our group!) We did not see any, but possibly heard them – red grouse that is. Other unconfirmed sightings included a Merlin [Ed – only a guess – it was probably a pigeon.] - which was not a well known bird to the group and so for us uninformed ones – the Merlin has the pointed wings of a Kestrel but is smaller and shorter tailed with a dark duller plumage.

Coffee was not taken until 11.50 due to the late start, overlooking the heather covered moorlands and offering superb views across parts of Derbyshire. It must have been lucky heather, as although Barbara’s pink boots were not as pink as the heather, she did manage to still have her new walking pole at the end of the walk! Lunch was a quick respite as it was difficult to escape the wind and some of us were getting cold.

We carried on along the Derwent Edge in the Upper Valley, crossing the blanket peat bog to Lost Lad, Back Tor, Cakes and Bread and Wheel Stones, passing a memorial to W.H Buxby – for the enjoyment of rambling and trig points en route. A quick explanation was given to me about their map reference use and a reminder to us all about the forthcoming navigation training. These rock formations can be seen for miles and have been shaped to represent their names, by being constantly exposed to the extreme weather conditions.

The going here was made easier by the route being paved to reduce further erosion to the terrain and a fly past by the Red Arrows was an added bonus. They had been “doing their thing” at Shackerstone Family Festival – on the Ashby canal. Grindle Barns – an unmanned interpretation point and shelter from the weather, provided a 5 minute rest from the steep descent, which was not deterring the energetic cyclists in both directions.

We can only hope that their cycles and clothing provided shock absorbers for their bodily parts as the going was far from smooth! Needless to say the primary walk group was back at the car park before us, enjoying ice creams, but we didn’t allow our tardiness stop us from getting one!

The customary pub stop was in Hathersage at The Millstone where a fine range of real ales was on sale, but for 5 of us, the deal on tea and cake was too much too resist!

Report – Sue

Pictures – Owen, Alan and the web

Walk rating – very good

Still water in Ladybower.

Derwent Reservoir dam.

The rarely seen Colin. Jason was somewhere around, but has managed to avoid the camera.

A sheep keeps a look out as she’s heard Colin is around.

Derwent dam.

At the viewpoint on Lost Lad.

The Cakes of Bread.

Wheel Stones.