Members: Joe Dugdale, Maggie Baldock, Michelle Harvie, Christine Beeston, Mark Rothwell, Midge & John Castick, Cathy Devine, Mark Garrod

Also attending as non-members: Jeremy Engineer, Sarah Mander, Sam Aries, Bodran the dog

We set off in perfect autumn weather to walk alongside the River Wye through Chee Dale. The path was slippery; Jeremy had an accidental dip in the river when navigating the stepping stones. Eventually we arrived in Millers Dale & enjoyed mid morning coffee in sunshine outside Millers Dale cafe. We continued along the Monsal Trail briefly then ascended a steep staircase path up to the high quarries. Contouring round the hill eventually we reached a dead end. Joe confessed that he did not know how to proceed but was sure there was a stile somewhere. Mark and Jeremy finally found the way out via a steep ascent and stile, followed by some stumbling around through undergrowth and back onto the trail. We dropped down to the river at Litton Mill (at which point Midge and John left us to walk up to Ravenstor YH) and continued through the gorge of Water cum Joly to Cressbrook then via the road to a bridge across the river. After much heated discussion we chose a pleasant spot for lunch on an old station platform. We continued along the trail for a while, missing the intended turn off to follow a higher path in the Priestcliff area but managed to rejoin it the other end of Cressbrook Tunnel. From the high path we enjoyed great views across the gorge. The final stretch was on the Monsal Trail, with a middle section by the tumbling river at Millers Dale; we paused along the way to watch a climber struggling to find his next hold on Ravenstor. 

Total distance about 12.5 miles.  Midge & John's walk was about 10 miles.

It was a pleasure to have the company of Sarah and Sam, 2 new prospective members.  

Wyedale Walk led by Joe and hopefully Maggie depending on having worn my new boots in

Meet 9:45am for 10am start in Wyedale Carpark, SK 1032 7249 .  The carpark is aporox 3 miles out of Buxton on the A6 heading east towards Bakewell, entrance on the left opposite Topley Pike Quarry.   Peak District National Park charges apply but you may be able to park for free on the A6.  

The walk follows the River Wye to the footbridge which we cross to follow the stoney path next to the river.  This takes us down through Chee Dale past popular climbing crags (there are some slippery and scrambly sections) to Millers’ Dale.  There’s a cafe here if anyone wants to stop for a coffee.  There’s a short section on the Monsall Trail then a steep path which takes us up and through old quarries and eventually returning to the trail at Litton Mill.  We then walk through Water cum Jolly along the path by the river to Cressbrook.  Here, we cross the river to return up and along the hillside with far reaching views, back to Millers’ Dale - another optional cafe stop!  Depending on weather and preferences we will either take the easy Monsal Trail back or a higher route via Priestcliffe. 

Distance about 18km but can be shortened or lengthened.  White Peak map.