Derwent Edge Assault

We headed off up the path to Dovestone Clough. It is probably not the easiest way to get on to Derwent Edge, but it certainly offered some great views. A farmer was training a sheepdog in a nearby field. The dog seemed to enjoy it, although the sheep looked less than impressed to be exercising so early in the morning. The path got steeper and steeper up the clough until it diverted to the right just before reaching a waterfall. This met the path that contours the hillside and runs parallel to Derwent Edge. As we walked along it we could see the Salt Cellar, White Tor and the Wheel Stones up above us. At the head of Grainfoot Clough we headed up the path to get on to Derwent Edge itself.

Stones Tour

The Wheel Stones have got to be one of the most impressive rock formations in the Peak District. They are sometimes known as the Coach And Horses and with a little imagination you can understand why. They are huge and I sometimes use them as a reference point when looking at distant vistas in the Peak District. We had a break below the equally impressive White Tor, with its large overhanging rock looming over us. The next venue on the Stones Tour was the Salt Cellar. Its location was not that obvious when walking northwards on Derwent Edge; it is hidden beyond the rim of the edge. Look out for a track through the heather to the edge, from the main Derwent Edge path, and you'll eventually find it. The Salt Cellar was a smaller, but no less impressive rock formation with a large rock perching on an unfeasibly thin neck. Dovestone Tor, Cakes Of Bread and Back Tor completed our Stones Tour

Abbey Brook Bog

There had been a lot of rain the night before and I welcomed the slabs over Cartledge Stones Ridge. It was certainly damp underfoot when we headed off down the Abbey Brook path. As we made our way down the path Mo provided our entertainment of the day by falling above his knees into a bog. As he levered himself up, he became unbalanced, pirouetted 360 degrees, fell backwards, and sat in it. I personally think it is unhealthy to laugh at other peoples' misfortunes but on this occasion, my guffaws echoed down Abbey Brook such that, I heard later, they caused some alarm to the public in Fairholmes. I pointed out to him that he was in fact lucky since it was a sunny day and he would soon dry out.

Initially, the path down Abbey Brook, hugged the edge to a sobering drop. Care was needed, especially when averting your eyes from the path to regard the amazing views up and down the valley. Two kestrels hovered near Gravy Clough, looking out for some meat with their gravy. The walking got easier further down the valley and it wasn't long before we got to the Derwent Reservoir. Mo's pants started to steam in the sun.

Fairholmes Return

The reservoir track was busy with the weekend walkers and cyclists. The low sun illuminated the surrounding woodland with lovely autumns colours. There was no sign of this morning's runners. As we walked back through Fairholmes we encountered an amazing array of fungi.

Mo's trousers were still damp when we got back to the car. I guess the last laugh was on me since we were travelling in my car. I made him sit on several layers of fleeces and blankets, although an odour of mature Camembert did accompany us on the way back home.