Grindleford Station, Padley Gorge, Lawrence Field (301m), Surprise View, Millstone Edge, Over Owler Tor (380m), Winyards Nick (382m), Hathersage Moor, Higger Tor (434m), Carl Wark Hill Fort, Sheffield Country Walk path way, Burbage Bridge, Longshaw Lodge and Estate, Grandby Wood, Padley Gorge, Bole Hill and Bolehill Wood, back to Grindleford Station.
Planning was conducted by consulting weather forecasts on MWIS for Peak District, and the Met Office forecast for Eyam Youth Hostel (Derbyshire). Weather forecast was for overcast early, but clearing mid morning. Clearing did not occur until about 1:30 PM. Over Owler Tor/Mother Cap, Higger Tor and Carl Wark tops were all covered in cloud/mist. Clearing occurred as I approached Carl Wark. It had rained the previous 24 hours and the ground and pathways were muddy with standing water in many places. Temperatures ranged from 2C to 6C. Winds mild.
Route planning was conducted on OS OL1 and OS OL24 maps,(as the route crosses over both) and the OS Maps App on my computer. I have been on a similar route about a year ago to the same highlighted sites, but taking mostly different paths and with approaches from differing directions. During the walk I made a second test use of my new SATMAP Active20, with much improved ease of use of the buttons and pages. I am comfortable enough with the set up now to go back to map and compass practice. I did make an error with the SATMAP though in that I hit "Stop" when I completed the journey and did not go to the next step of "Save" which is on a different page. I also did not completely shut the device down, but left it in standby mode. The battery went to zero over night, with the data lost. Fortunately I had a back up from my Garmin GPS watch, which gives accurate journey route and time, but I noted from my last walk and this one that the altitude data from the Garmin is incorrect. For example, the summit of Higger Tor is at 434m. The Garmin shows it at 340m. And last walk included Grindlesford KnolI, which is 601m. The Active20 showed 601m. The Garmin showed 530m. I know now to make certain the file is saved on the SATMAP Active20.
Also included in planning, gathering historical, archaeological, geological information about the local area. For example, the Carl Wark Hillfort is of particular interest as it is believed to be a pre-historic 'Iron Age' fortification. Having read about the proposed battle that gave nearby 'Win Hill' and 'Lose Hill' their names, it was interesting to find that some experts believe that battle actually took place at the Carl Wark site.
Also, sadly, the Longshaw Lodge, which last time I visited had a very full (of people) coffee/tea and gift shop run by the National Trust was now shut due to COVID, but they seem to be taking the opportunity to conduct a total renovation. The Lodge was a busy construction work site.
Total Journey Time: 5 hours, 13 minutes; Total Distance: 14.95km.
Area :
Dark Peak
Is situated between Sheffield and Manchester. The underlying rock is Millstone grit which is often exposed at the edge of the higher peat bogs for which the area is famous.
