Peak District 9 May 2004

On the 9 May a bunch of CIG members (and family) set out from Surprise View car park for a photographic walk across part of the Peak District. Many thanks to Brian for organising it and all who attended for making it such a great day.

Helen producing another one of those cracking flora studies. 

Nice gaiters, saved us having to take the blow-up red squirrel.
Lisa following the advise 'if the image is bad you're not close enough' either that or some unexpected side effects from the trout scones!
Either a new novel approach to stereo photography or a cooperative approach to a subject.
Although sometimes the high view point was contested with vigour.
A generally motley crew
The Plan, weather permitting [*], will be to meet at the Surprise View car park (on the A6187 - approx one mile from Hathersage) at c.9:15 am in time for a 9:30 start. The walk will be c.6-7 miles, and will involve some ups and downs, including some rough and boggy patches, hence good, stout footwear will be essential, as will appropriate waterproof protection - Peak District weather is not too predictable!

 The main purpose of the walk is familiarisation/orientation in this attractive part of the Peak District. It is designed to offer some fresh air and exercise, as well as the opportunity to take a few pictures, but remember that whatever kit you bring you will need to be prepared to carry for 6+ miles! However, the pace will be easy (UB cannot walk too fast these days!), with plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the views, and grab some pictures. 

Proposed route: We will walk north from the car park along Millstone Edge, with super views over Hathersage and the Hope Valley to the north west; skirting Over Owler Tor and Higger Tor before turning south and climbing to the summit of Higger Tor for more superb panoramic views. Descending to the south from Higger Tor we will visit the site of an Iron Age fort at Carl Wark before descending to cross Burbage Brook over the old packhorse bridge. From here, we walk down the valley with Burbage Brook on our right & Burbage Edge on our left to cross the A6187 near Burbage Bridge. We continue south alongside Burbage Brook and down through Padley Gorge to Grindleford Station for tea/coffee/snacks/etc in the former Station Cafe. After this well-earned respite we re-trace our steps through Padley Gorge, hopefully with lots of picture-taking opportunities as we make our way back to the car park. From the car park, a short side trip to the rock climbing walls in Lawrence Field is an optional extra. 

For those of us who need a pint or similar and/or food to finish off the day, you will find nice food at the Fox House Inn (c.one mile along the A6187) or excellent food at the Little John Hotel in Hathersage. The Fox House is part of the Vintage Inns Group - good standard if a bit pricey. The Little John is basically a climbers' and walkers' pub which offers p.d.g. value. Hathersage also offers a number of snack bars & coffee shops and the "chippie" will no doubt also be open.