Stanage and Bamford Edge
As we approach the the start of the new academic year, I fear I will be posting less often to this blog especially as the weather begin to turn. Thankfully, I had the opportunity yesterday to get out into the glorious late August sunshine and have a ramble along the edges near along the Hope and Upper Derwent Valley.
Parking at Hooks Car, I wasted no time whatsoever and began the short climb up on to Stanage Edge. As usual, there were a fair number of people about walking, running, and climbing but as I choose to head north-west the number gradually dropped away. I followed the well worn path a fair way, almost until where the edge turns to go northwards, at which point I broke off down narrow path leading off roughly towards Bamford Edge. This led me through an area covered bracken and ferns which was annoying as I was wearing shorts.
Following this path for so long downhill, it eventually met up with a larger properly surfaced path after crossing a style. I turned right to follow the larger path along to a car park at Dennis Knoll. I then continued onto a narrow lane, Long Causeway, and after about 300 yds turned right again on to an apparently unnamed lane which I followed for 3/4 of a miles before turning off and crossing a style onto a moorland path.
At this point I was faced with an either left or right route to follow, ultimately deciding to go left. This then took me all the way along to Bamford Edge, where I stopped and enjoyed the view. Having took some pictures, I turned around and began to make my way back, somehow managing to come back via the right route I originally discounted. For the most part I followed the same route back, the only exception being that when on the large surfaced path, I didn't turn off it but followed it up where it led on to Stanage Edge.
Overall, I enjoyed the walk greatly although I admit I would prefer slightly less road walking. Altogether, it took me around 3 hours and was 9 miles in length, and I would say it was an easy to moderate walk with primarily the distance being a sticking point for some. Regardless, I would definitely recommend it.
