Walk 04/2010 – Froggatt Edge

Sunday 7th February 2010

Setting off from Peterborough with the aid of Alan’s sat nag we headed along Earache Avenue towards Froggatt Edge. Passing by The Widecombe Fair pub where I was reminded of the time I left my mobile and purse in the ladies!

Once parked, we set off along the Curbar Edge of the western edge of the Peak District towards Froggatt. The village here was originally owned by the Duke of Rutland who 200 years ago had 17 cottages built by local stonemasons for the local workers. There are still some standing, several of which are now listed buildings. The walking was fairly good and mainly on the level as we headed along the gritstone Froggatt Edge, towards Longshaw Estate – a large area of land now owned and cared for by the National Trust.

Coffee was taken once we had reached a suitable spot along the White Edge Moor, and we had trampled through fields of knee high mat grass and heathers – talk about an aerobic workout! Our chosen spot should have offered a good opportunity for excellent views but the low misty conditions reduced any chance of this. The mist probably stopped any sightings of Snipe, spotted flycatchers and Red Grouse – all common in this area.

Continuing along the White Edge did bring some spectacular views as the mist lifted and everyman and his dog were out enjoying a Sunday afternoon stroll.

Lunch was taken at Wellington’s monument – a curiosity on Balsow Edge. The monument is a 3 metre (10 feet) high cross which commemorates the Duke of Wellington. It was erected to balance Nelson’s Monument which is a mile away, on Birchen Edge. After Wellington’s Monument we made our way further along Baslow Edge. Although it was again overcast we could see enough of down below to partially appreciate the views. Anyway, the views on the edge itself were spectacular with interesting rock features and lots of overhangs to explore for those inclined to do so.

We passed Eagle Stone on Baslow Edge – an interesting rock. Tradition was that Baslow men used to climb Eagle Rock to prove their fitness for the responsibilities of marriage. Now it is just one of the many interesting rock formations to be found in the Peak District National Park. Needless to say none of the males in our group wished to carry on this tradition – showing their prowess and fitness that is, not the marriage bit! [Ed – on the other hand maybe it is a reflection on their fitness for the responsibilities of marriage!]

Continuing along a well worn track we reached a road known as the Curbar Gap and onto the Curbar Edge looking for the car park. There seemed to be several other footpaths and maybe we should have kept going straight. There were lots of compass readings and bearings being taken at this point and we traced a peculiar twisted route through the woods, and eventually saw the cars – a welcome sight as GPS owners informed us we had walked an extra 2 miles.

Drinks were taken at The Grouse Inn, which has the logo ‘The Infamous Grouse’ – did anyone see it?

Report – Sue

Pictures – Alan

Walk rating – very good

Alan described this as the “stile from hell”! Sloping, extremely slippery, wobbly and with a rotten support at risk of collapse at any moment.

It was a bit misty.

But it doesn’t stop the intrepid hikers.

Taking decent pictures in this weather in quite a challenge.

But trees often make a good subject.

And these highland cattle also posed nicely.

“Doh! Who put that tree there.”

Don’t like the look of those horns.

A misty view from Froggatt Edge.

A bit of a queue as we get to another bit where we are not totally sure where the path goes.

More trees.

The frozen lake back at the Lonshaw Estate.