Stanton Moor (Whitish Peak)
Members present: Dave Shotton, Iain McCallum, Mark Ashley, Laura Collier, Bob Kelly, John Castick, Virginia Castick, Ding Koy, Dave Wylie, Dave Bone.
Guests: Sandra Rice, Wayne Rice.
A wet drive out was not promising, though the forecast was good. The layby had been cleared since my previous visit – just as well, as more and more cars turned up close to the wire – differing timekeepers might just excuse John & Midge, though we then had to sort out a rendezvous for John to do a shortened version. However, the air had all but dried up then as the large group marched the short distance along the road to turn into the fields for the start of the walk.
Down into Lathkill dale, a mile west then steeply up the stone stairs out of Cales Dale – the main climb of the day pulled the group out. Easily across the high ground with brightening skies and descended towards Bradford dale. Typical of the White Peak, the glutinous mud on polished rock forced a gingerly descent, or a bumpy descent in the case of Midge who ended up nicely camouflaged in mud. Close to the river we passed the old building, now 2 walls less than a couple of years ago – not long to go for it, and then the bridge provided an excellent late elevenses stop. Or a laundry session.
By now the weather forecast had proved its accuracy and we were in warm sunshine for the rest of the day. We met John waiting on a bench beside the river and then tried to leave – Youlgreave’s river swimming pool was looking very attractive to one in particular. A bit of decisive leading from the front got us on the way – no sound of a splash behind us, perhaps because a wave of mud would spoil the clean pool, and spoil the idea of the mud dusting off. On southwards, to a long lunch break among the boulders of the tor of Robin Hood’s stride. Hard to leave but we had to cross the road to gain Birchover, very strung out by this stage. An odd “polo mint” engraved stone was obviously seen as a doorway from one world to the next by some.
Another quick road march round the outskirts of the Stanton quarries was accompanied by Mark sharing another of his interests – that of squeezing through small orifices. Strangely he seemed to find like minded souls. Now the way led onto the raison d’etre of the walk, Stanton Moor itself, over a stile, with a lifting dog gate. At which, terrier Ashley’s eyes lit up and he rushed for the open aperture, and was through, tail wagging (It did occur to me that the gate could make an excellent execution device…). From here it was a pleasant wander past the interpretation boards and 4000 years of history, to regroup again at the stone circle. The figures on this interpretation board did look a little spectral, but nothing visibly happened to the group when the KMC were all within the stone circle. No alien motherships… very dull.
By road and field we returned to Alport for another long laze at the foot of a wall – I checked over the fence, yes, we were actually below river level. On our way again, losing the Casticks before the pull up the hillside to Over Haddon. A complicated way through the fields (sorry for the wall hopping at one point) led back to the main road and decision point. Bob and Iain electing for the direct return to the cars, and the rest following me round the back of the hill heading for Magpie Mine – very Cornish it looked from a distance too. A little time was spent wandering about the substantial buildings in the lowering sun and gauging the depth of water in the mineshaft. Then it was a last gasp along the roads to the cars before dark and an end to a fine day. Thanks to those who came and well done those who made it to the bitter end.
Dave Bone
