31st March 2013

31^st March 2013.

Dear All,

Well for ice and snow forget Norway and Sweden – they can’t hold a candle to Derbyshire in the spring!

We had to abandon the proposed walk round Wirksworth last Sunday as it was cut off and we were advised not to attempt it so we drove straight to Hathersage and Grindleford which were our bases for the week (half the party in each). Kate and I arrived at lunchtime and walked up the hill towards Stannage Edge, the road at the top of the hill was blocked by a 10ft drift so we spent quite some time pushing cars out that were stuck.

Above Grindleford

On Monday we met at the public car park in Hathersage but had to clear snow and ice before we could park. Our leader modified all the proposed walks to keep to lower land but this was the toughest route as we were still experimenting to see how the “land lies”. The answer was that it was lying under quite a lot of snow. The slower walkers gave up after an hour or so but the rest of us battled up towards Stannage Edge. The snow was too deep to reach the top of the ridge but we got within 100 yards and although hard work was absolutely beautiful. We had lunch in a pub at Bamford.

 Below Stannage Edge

On Tuesday we started from our hotel: “The Maynard at Grindleford” and walked up the hill towards Froggartt Edge and White Moor. The going was easier apart from a 200 yard stretch of knee deep drift just before the pub. Some of us walked back and I managed to lose a gripper from my boot so when we got back Kate and I went to search for it. This took until 5 pm so it was a long day.

 White Moor

Near Grindleford

On Wednesday we started from the other hotel in Hathersage and climbed over 1000ft over Abney Moor which was rather bleak. On the route back we encountered Offerton Lane which was completely blocked with snow and I was sent ahead to scout a route which involved this party of elderly hikers walking on top of the stone wall to get through!

 Abney Moor

                                                                  Offerton Lane

Thursday was a gentler affair walking from Heath to Hardwick Hall. Kate and I then called in at Bolehill where there was still a considerable amount of snow.

All in all a memorable and exciting trip.

Wirkworth Moor

Love

Mike & Kate