Cromford Canal Black Rocks 26/02/2019

Lovely walk from Cromford along the canal and then up the high peak trail with a loop around Black rocks to return via the same route.

Shorts and T shirts in February !!

About 4 miles OS OL24

Cold Pike, Holme Fell Feb 19/02

Finally opened up my Lake District account for 2019.

Rounding up two 'strays' - Cold Pike and Holme Fell. Two separate walks - Cold Pike in the morning , and Holme Fell in the afternoon. Two separate weather conditions - Morning - wet , windy and misty. Afternoon - dry, clear, with a gentle breeze.

Cold Pike

Although on paper this was a straightforward walk, I did have about 15 minutes of doubt at the start - my hands were freezing, the wind was blowing a gale and I couldn't see the top. My map dropped out of it's case and I didn't notice it.Fortunately, I found it in a dip in the path. Also, I was struggling to find the path that went straight up the fell (see map below). After stopping for a few minutes and having a drink I calmed down and decided on the Crinkle Crags route past Red Tarn with a left turn up to the top.

After that I really enjoyed the walk.

Cold Pike Summit - #189

On the way to the top

Oxendale

Red Tarn on the way down

Red Tarn

Nearly back !

Holme Fell

I got my printed directions at the start mixed up and headed off towards Yew Tree Tarn. After a lovely stroll around the edge of the Tarn I realized this wasn't the right way, so I backtracked to Yew Tree Farm. From there the route was straightforward.

delete me

Yew Tree Tarn on the way up

Ivy Crag summit (I think)

Langdale Pikes

Ivy Crag summit from Holme Fell top

Conniston Water

Holme Fell #190

After the early jitters an excellent day out. I clocked 12 miles on my step counter in total.

Maps OL7 and OL6

Parkhouse Hill Chrome Hill 15 Feb 2019

This is a walk I have been wanting to do for some time. We (Richard joined me) picked a perfect day for the walk. Warm, sunny with a gentle breeze (yes this was a February day)

We started from Hollinsclough, parked opposite the church.

I was a little nervous (with Meg off the lead) as we approached the summit of Parkhouse Hill as the ridge is narrow with steep drops to the north side. For the last bit of the walk I put her on the lead.

Hollinsclough with Chrome Hill in the background

Parkhouse Hill

Chrome Hill

View of Chrome Hill on the way up Parkhouse Hill

Approaching the top of Parkhouse Hill

On the top with Meg on her lead !

View of Parkhouse Hill on the way up Chrome hill

Parkhouse Hill top on maximum zoom

Man pose on summit of Chrome Hill

Parkhouse Hill ...one of many pics !

A glorious walk. OS OL 24 White Peak. Around 5 miles

Jan Feb 2019 Local walks

In between 'set piece' walks, I have been doing lots of local walks with Meg. This includes all the ones I do on a regular basis and some longer walks - the only rule is 'no car'. I have been averaging between 5 and 8 miles per day. Sometimes it is a combination of several shorter walks on the fields around the village or one bigger walk (Shipley park, Horsley castle, Mapperley). Sometimes, I make a flask of tea and a sandwich and set of first thing for breakfast in the fresh air.

Smalley Dam

Footpath off Woodside

Walk across to Mapperley

Footbridge near Mappeley

Small lake near Mapperley (part of the opencast recovery)

Shipley Hill

Horsley Lodge Golf Course

Horsley Church

On the path between Woodside and Horsley

On the hill overlooking Coxbench

Remains of Horsley Castle

Smalley Church