Heatherdene
Car Park (SK 202 859) next to
Ladybower Reservoir on the A6013 between Bamford and
Ashopton - Ashopton - Ladybower Reservoir - Pike
Low - Green Sitches - Lost Lad - Back Tor
- Dovestone Tor - White Tor - Whinstone Lee Tor
- Ashopton - Ladybower Inn - Heatherdene Car Park
After a band of rain the night before the forecast
for the day was for an improving situation. In fact
as we all met in Heatherdene Car Park the sun was trying
to appear from behind the clouds. Todays walkers who
were bright, eager and early were mainly from the north
west of the country. The party members were Lorraine,
Steve, Ed, Simon, Richard, Keith and I.
We set off from Heatherdene Car Park and walked alongside
Ladybower Reservoir. There were great views across
the reservoir to Win Hill and Crook Hill. Here the
A6013 crosses a short arm of Ladybower Reservoir to
join the A57 Snake Road. We followed the A57 for a
short distance before turning north along a path alongside
the northern arm of Ladybower Reservoir. There were
great views once again looking up the derwent valley.
After a while we arrived at the site of the old Derwent
village. This was the point where we left the reservoir
path for Derwent Edge. It took us a little time to
find the path that we wanted as we thought that we
must have missed the turning. The path then ascended up the hillside passing some
old buildings from the former Derwent village. On the
ascent there were several stiles where the top section
of the stile had to be lifted. Eventually we entered
open moorland and the National Trust land of Pike Low.
This was time for a short break and a photo shoot.
The path was quite obvious from now on and there were
several finger post signs showing the way to Derwent
Edge. On the moorland we encountered many grouse butts
as well as Shake Holes (which are quite abundant in
the Yorkshire Dales). This is also an area for Red
Grouse and Mountain Hares both of which we saw as we
walked across Green Sitches.
Back TorThe final push to the summit of Lost Lad was
quite steep but the views were tremendous. Lost Lad
at 518 metres has a topograph and a large cairn. After
another short break we continued on towards the rocky
outcrop of Back Tor at 538 metres. Back Tor has a triangulation
pillar on top of the highest point as well as some
very interesting wind carved rocks. This was when Steve
was really in his element. Every rock outcrop had now
to be climbed some were easier than others. Ed, Richard
and Simon also attempted some of the rocks too. While
at Back Tor and after many photos taken we tried
to find a sheltered spot for our lunch break. It seemed
to get very windy while we were there so extra layers
of clothing had to be applied. While the sun was out
it was quite warm but when the sun disappeared it became
quite cold. After an intake of food and drink we started back along
Derwent Edge to Cakes of Bread (another rock formation).
These rocks were mainly surrounded by water and of
course had to be climbed! Then after passing Dovestone
Tor we arrived at the Salt Cellar. After a couple of
attempts Steve was beaten!! This one was much too hard
to negotiate. Walking further along the Edge we came
to Wheel Stones.
While we were walking along Derwent Edge the sun was
in and out all the time. The views west and north from
here are great and one can see Win Hill, Ladybower
Reservoir, The Great Ridge (Lose Hill, Back Tor and
Mam Tor), Edale, Kinder Scout and Bleaklow as well
as many other sights. After Wheel Stones the path descends
down to Whinstone Lee Tor. Again there were fantastic
views especially northwards up the length of Ladybower
Reservoir. From here the path descended steeply down
off the moorland and down through woods to Ashopton.
We
then headed to the Ladybower Inn for well deserved
refreshments. The food was excellent but the decoration
on Richard's dish was a bit over the top to say the
least. This was a great day enjoyed by all with a lot of
fun and laughter throughout AND - we did not have
a drop of rain!
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