Members present: John Dwyer, Alan (H) Jones, lain McCallum, Lorna Marsland, Lester Payne, Alan Peck, Nigel Rosenbaum, Peter Walker (8).

Guests present : Malcolm Anderson, Jane Blackburn, Roy Blackburn, Joan Green, Mike Graves, Peter Harrison, Dudley Moore, David? (8).

The sun does shine on the righteous! While the Dark Peak was shrouded in mist, the eastern edges were bathed in sunshine. After leaving the car park at Longshaw Lodge we headed south through the park and onto Froggatt Edge, passing numerous walkers on our way. Perhaps March 12th. had been declared a national walking day. From Froggatt we dropped down to the road and crossed river Derwent. Halfway up the west side of the valley we stopped for coffee. Basking in the sun we viewed the edges and posed for photographs.

Before reaching Eyam we passed the Riley Graves - a small enclosure containing the graves of the Hancock family who perished when the plague struck Eyam in 1666. From Eyam we took the path up through the woods onto Edge Road. Following the road we passed Mompesson's Well and the Ladywash Mine before reaching Eyam Moor. After crossing the moor which contains many relics from the past, cairns, field systems and even a stone circle. we stopped for lunch on the hillside above Hazelford Hall. Lorna and David left us at Leadmill Bridge, returning to Longshaw via Padley Gorge. On reaching Hathersage we slaked our thirst at the Hathersage Inn. Nigel and Peter left us here to rejoin the family. As we climbed up to Stanage Edge we passed North Lees Hall, once owned by the Eyre family and noted for its links with Charlotte Bronte. Once on the Edge we headed for Higgor Tor and Carl Wark, the Iron Age fort, before dropping down to Toad's Mouth and back to Longshaw Lodge through the park. (Distance 14 miles)

What a super day, Spring at last ! Many thanks to everyone for your support. Nice to meet the Harrison/Rosenbaum family and its latest member, baby Hannah.

A fine tramp among the edges, dales and moors on the east side of the Peak District. Good weather guaranteed! Distance about 13/14 miles on good paths. The walk can easily shortened (or extended!) to suit the conditions.

Route: Longshaw Lodge - Froggatt - Eyam - Eyam Moor - Hazelford - Leadmill Bridge - Hathersage - Stanage - Carls Wark - Longshaw Lodge.

Maps: OS Outdoor - Leisure Sheets 1 & 24 Dark and White Peak.

Meet at 9:30am for a 9:45am start at Longshaw Lodge car park (NT) GR 267 801 - first right on B6055 after passing the Fox House Inn.