Members: John Castick, Virginia Castick, Joanne Castick, Alan(H) Jones, Bob Kelly, Iain McCallum, Phil Ramsbottom, Dave Shotton, Dave Wylie.

Guests: Margaret Baldock, Joe Callan, Angela Ison, Mark Heslop.

On a glorious day thirteen walkers and two dogs set off from the lay-by through Fairholmes , up past the dam and then along the track bordering the eastern edge of the Derwent Reservoir to the bottom of Walker's Clough. From here we climbed up the hillside to the sign post at junction of the paths. Here we re-grouped before heading east to Lost Lad and Back Tor. The cairn at Lost Lad is said to commemorate the legend of the thirteen years old shepherd boy who died here in nineteenth century. At Back Tor we stopped for elevenses in a sun trap just below the Trig Point. This spot proved to be most popular with other walkers.

Leaving Back Tor we made our way at a smart pace down Foulstone Road to Strines Bridge and then along the road and lane to Brogging. We were now down to nine walkers and two dogs, the Castick Group having opted for an alternative walk south along the Derwent edges. Below Strines Reservoir we traversed the slope above Dale Dike Reservoir towards Andrew Wood and the path leading out of the valley to Blindside Lane and the disused quarry above. At the quarry we stopped for lunch and a chat about films and books. Looking down on the still waters of the reservoir below it was difficult to imagine the catastophe which occurred in 1864 when the dam burst. It devastated parts of Sheffield and killed 244 people.

From the quarry we climbed the hillside above following the path to Wet Shaw Lane and Stake Hill Road. Suddenly the peace and quiet of the countryside was shattered by the roar of trail bikers splashing through the large muddy puddles as they passed us on the track. After passing Moscar House we followed the old Sheffield to Ashopton road past the ancient milestone to Cutthroat Bridge. It seems the Bridge acquired its rather gruesome name following the murder of a man there in 1635.

Leaving the old road, we followed the rough track up hill to the Derwent Edge. From the Edge we tramped rapidly along the hillside until we reached the path dropping down from the Edge below Wheel Stones. Just below the wall we stopped for a drink. Our lofty perch afforded us great views over the Derwent Valley and the hills beyond - the Scout, Bleaklow and Mam Tor. We also had a grandstand view of the mountain bikers peddling furiously, making their way slowly up the track.

The final section of the walk took us down hill to the Ladybower Reservoir and the track along its banks to Fairholmes (which was now full of cars and thronged with people) and so back to our cars in the lay-by.

A really good day in the Peak blessed with a touch of Spring weather.

Thank you all for your support.

Route: Fairholmes Car Park - Derwent Reservoir Dam - Lost Lad - Back Tor - Foulstone Road - Strines Bridge - Brogging - *Dale Dikes Reservoir - Andrew Wood - Stake Hill Road - Moscar Cross - Moscar House - Derwent Moors - Grainfoot Clough - Grindle Clough - Jubilee Cottages - Fairholmes Car Park.

*Alternative route - From the top end of Dale Dikes Reservoir head for Sugworth Hall and Sugworth Road. Follow the road to the end of Moscar, Cross road and then to Moscar House.

Map: Explorer OL1 - Dark Peak Area

Meet at 9.30am for a 9.45am start in the car park on the right just before you reach Fairholmes Car Park (GR 174889) - Park in the Fairholmes Car Park if you prefer.

A good tramp around the eastern side of the Peak District on good paths and tracks. Distance; About 12 miles. The walk can be modified to suit the conditions.