LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

The two cars met at Hartington Village. After hunting around for a parking space we all drove to Milldale Village in the other car and parked easily in the Milldale Car Park, then walked down the gentle slope of the lane into the small picturesque village. We joined a small number of other tourists and after enjoying the surroundings for a while moved on, along the lane adjacent to the river which has many small weirs, with a drop of approximately 12 inches or 30 centimetres every few hundred yards or metres. When we reached Lode Mill buildings at the junction with Lode Lane and The Pinch, we crossed Lode Bridge over the River Dove to the finger post pointing the way along the public footpath on the east bank of the river. Here the walk became more floral with high sides to the river valley, like a ravine or small canyon, making the walk even more interesting for us. We soon entered the National Trust property of Fishpond Bank where the scenery opened up giving us glorious views of the countryside around us. After a couple of bends in the river valley in Wolfscote Dale, we spotted some rare breed Banded Galloway Cows on the far hillside and as we passed a clump of trees we saw one cow actually standing in the river watching us. This was a perfect photo opportunity for us, not to be missed! After the next bend, as we were passing Fishpond Plantation we came to a Bridge where we chatted for a short while with some passing walkers. We continued up Wolfscote Dale passing a series of small weirs and a small scree near the river on the left, to a sharp bend in the river, where we came across a derelict abandoned building next to a finger post. Was it an old shepherd’s dwelling or an old unused Bothy? Soon after the building we came to the short Coldeaton Dale and Coldeaton Bridge on our adventure north. We inspected the views from the bridge, as usual, then progressed up Wolfscote Dale, passing Iron Tors Wood on the right and Gypsy Bank on the left. We walked around another couple of river bends where we came to the Iron Tors Ram Pump House or ‘Cave’ near Biggin Dale, which had to be investigated. There were old pipes in the cave which were used to pump water from the river to the fields above by water action. Almost alongside the cave was Gypsy Bank Footbridge and stepping stones spanning the river. Again these needed urgent investigation and testing by all of us. Next came Biggin Dale on the right where we came across some walkers sitting on the rocks enjoying a snack and a break. We chatted for a while and when I started taking photos again of the lovely views up Biggin Dale they offered to take a photo of us all together, for which we were grateful. Apart from the attraction of the scenery we came to a heron fishing in the river. This kept us busy for a time taking more photos, trying to get the perfect shot, but it’s rarely possible. Peaseland Rocks and Drabber Tor on the left were very picturesque; we were always looking for another series of jagged rock peaks to observe. Shortly afterwards we came to some huge screes on the right, that came right down to the footpath. This sight brought back good memories of my days exploring the Lake District in Cumbria, again a must for all capable walkers. We continued until we approached the end of Wolfscote Dale and the end of the stunning ravine arriving at Beresford Dale. As we approached the squeeze stile there was a very impressive huge outcrop of rock called Frank’s Rock which had a convenient cave that could be visited easily, another must to the adventure. At this point we followed the footpath which led away from the river for a while, taking a short-cut to the footbridge at Beresford Lane. This is where we noticed a sign requesting the walker to keep to the footpath through private land. The old sign was located in a large area of Chilean Rhubarb Plants, something different again. At the lane we crossed the river to the west side using the footbridge and continued north besides the river between wooded areas. Beresford Lane is a good place to explore the location, if a parking space can be found, so it’s advisable to arrive early if you wish to stop and explore. After a short while through the woods we arrived at yet another bridge where we crossed back to the east side of the river after Pike Pool, by a huge pointed narrow piece of rock in the river. After a short distance we left the river and slowly diverted uphill towards Hartington Village. As we left Morson Wood we arrived in open countryside grazed by sheep. We crossed the large undulating fields to Hartington. If time allows take a detour to the top of Pennilow hill and enjoy the scenery all around as Tom did. We wished we had a picnic to enjoy at the top of the hill in good weather. Just before the village we passed a farm where the cows were grazing around the footpath. It was good for us to get up close and personal to a cow, very different. The footpath entered Hartington Village alongside the village conveniences, which we thought was very considerate of the planners many years ago. We looked for somewhere to eat but there was nowhere available for our group, only up to 3 people. We travelled back to Milldale to collect the other car, then drove to Ashbourne where we enjoyed fish and chips in the Marketplace. An excellent day’s walking enjoyed by all. There was never a dull moment, always something different. Highly recommended.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: at Milldale. Finished at Hartington and got a lift back to the car from Philip & Tracey.