Members: Christine Beeston, Dave Wylie, Laura Collier, Dave Shotton, Roger Dyke, Iain McCallum, Brian Taylor, Meirion Tanner, Lorna Marsland, Kate Harvey

Guests: Philip Hewetson, George Williams, David, Neil Boynton

Despite a very unpromising weather forecast, a keen group of walkers turned up for this damp and muddy outing around Derbyshire.  We headed up towards Ballcross farm across the golf course in the drizzle – rang the bell, but no golfers to be seen – then headed across Calton Pastures and down towards the pretty estate village of Edensor, relocated and redesigned by the fourth Duke of Devonshire as the old village was spoiling his view!  The new village is not visible from Chatsworth[1].  Here we took refuge from the light rain in a nice warm tearoom – first prize going to Laura’s Lemon Roulade (“like a lemon meringue pie, but without the pie”). 

Waterproofs back on, we headed for Chatsworth, heading along the river towards Carlton Lees.  Missing out the garden centre tearoom (what restraint!), we trudged up towards Carlton Houses, and then across the fields to a misty lunch stop in the woods.  The best bit of mud followed, we squelched and slithered back down towards the Wye (Meirion’s Scarpa Manta Pros performing well, Roger somehow managing to get mud on his hat), then back to Bakewell, and the Official Bakewell Pudding Tearoom.

So, a day of Mud, Tea, Cake and good company – thanks to all for braving the forecast!

[1] Thanks to Iain for this interesting fact.

Finally a walk description, apologies for the delay.

This walk is a pleasant 9 mile wander from Bakewell, passing through woods and over high pastures, with views of Chatsworth and several optional tea shop stops (depending on group feeling on the day). 

Meet at 09.30 for 09.45 start in the public carpark at SK 221686 – OL24 White Peak map.

Approaching Bakewell on the A619 from Calver, turn left just before the bridge over the river into town, then right into the carpark.  All day parking is £5, there may be a little street parking in the roads around.  We’ll meet at 0945 by the ticket machine near the entrance if you haven’t found me already.