26/02/23 – David A, John E, Axel C, Syd G, Geoff P, Martin P, Lionel S
The seven walkers gathered at the lay-by near the head of Deepdale on the minor road from Sheldon. A bright morning, but a cold north easterly wind suggested the need to wrap up warm.
The first mile or so of the walk took us toward Monyash, over many high limestone walls via a series of steep stiles. The opportunity for a short cut along Bagshaw Dale to skirt Monyash was declined on the basis of reports from the President that this path was even muddier than normal due to the number of horses along the Dale. So we made our way through Monyash, and thence down the upper reaches of Lathkill Dale.
So far, so usual. Some party members had speculated that the Lathkill Dale skyline which the leader had used to promote the walk lay to the south of the dale. But no, here we cut up to north, crossing Ricklow Dale in the vicinity of the small, disused quarry to gain the skyline to the north of Lathkill Dale, which we were to follow for approaching a couple of miles. Most members of the party had not been along here before and, fortunately for the walk leader, shared his view that this is indeed fine walking, with splendid views down into Lathkill Dale and of the tiers of limestone crags and ramparts which line the dale. This skyline of Lathkill Dale is access land, a clear footpath defines the route and stiles / gates ease the crossing of boundary fences and walls.
Eventually the access land runs out and you must descend steeply to gain the well-graded track the climbs out of the dale towards Mill Farm. Here John left the group to return to the cars via Mill Farm and Magpie Mine, mindful of his responsibilities as co-meet leader to prepare tea at the hut. The rest of the party continued along the floor of Lathkill Dale. It is impossible not to notice the many Ash Trees which have been felled to combat the ravages of Ash Die-back disease. In the vicinity of Mandale Mine, Axel and others reflected on their exploration of the shafts hereabouts and the well-constructed sough which still allows water to escape the mine.
We decided to take lunch either on the lane leading up to Over Haddon or in the village itself. A somewhat decrepit (and small) seat on the way up did not appeal, but on carrying on to the car park in the village we were rewarded by a picnic table and benches with ample room for six people. After lunch Lionel executed a well prepared plan to cut the walk short, having placed his car in the village (with the aid of a lift from Axel). He said has was keen not to overdo things, but the opportunity to watch the Six Nations match between France and Scotland cannot have been far from his thoughts!
So now just five walkers headed up towards Bolehill and thence Magpie Mine and Sheldon. More stiles to cross, but fortunately not as high as those over the first mile of the walk. In the vicinity of the iconic Magpie Mine no members of the party were tempted by the sight of the cars now visible at the start point of the walk and all opted to complete the route with a loop down towards the River Wye. Many rights of way criss-cross the fields near Sheldon and we followed a route new to all of us through Great Shacklow Wood. The path was gently graded but blocked by fallen trees in several places. The circuit was completed by walking up Deepdale, stopping to admire a memorial bench made from solid fossil-rich crinoidal marble, and commemorating David Wright a plant lover which has been installed over the last few years. It is most impressive.
It is gratifying to find paths and routes in the Peak District which even some of the DPC’s most experienced members have not followed. This circuit around Lathkill Dale and Sheldon yielded several of these and the White peak was most attractive in the early spring sunshine.
On returning to the hut it was evident that John had spent the afternoon well, preparing a range of vegetables for tea – including a prodigious quantity of broccoli thus ensuring that all would have their ‘five a day’. There was some concern that there might not be sufficient potatoes, but we need not have worried. With a generous serving of steak and kidney pie, carrot and coriander soup to start with and a rich lemon cheesecake to finish no one left the hut hungry that evening.
Those joining the party for tea, in addition to the cavers (Rob P & Mike P) were Brian B, Hugh C, Brian G and E M-S.
David A
Derbyshire Pennine Club 