Belper multiday walk (17-20/03/25)

Monday 17th March 

Walkers Present :A.Dulson.D.Chambers ,A.Walton,N.Graham  , H.Jones

R.Jones ,(6) 

Shorter walk .P.Cotterill,M.Simmonds,D.Martin,B.Mulreanan (4)

Cromford to Wirksworth 6.7 miles 

We departed Cromford station at midday on reaching the canal the group.split with Phil Cotterill doing a shorter walk from Middleton top.

The main group followed the Cromford Canal to high peak junction where we had lunch.

We then climb woodland and field paths to the trig point on black rocks 

Then a descent took us down to the high peak trail and followed this steeply up to Middleton top .

As the visitor centre cafe was closed we then descended into Wirksworth to meet the others arriving by a different route from Middleton top .

After refreshments we tried to get the bus to Belper which didn't turn up so plan B 

Bus to cromford and train to Belper with Andy and Dave staying on to Derby .

The group staying enjoyed food and drink in various venues in Belper 

Tuesday 18th March 2025

Cromford to Malock 7.6 miles 

Walkers present:A.Dulson,N.Graham,H.Jones,R.Jones,K.Maguire,D.Chambers (6)

Shorter walk .P.Cotterill,B.Mulreanan,D.Martin ,G.Corbett,M.Simmonds (5)

Both groups boarded the 0947 train with the Shorter walk, Walkers leaving us at Whatstandwell.

On arrival at Cromford We had a wander around Cromford mill.before passing through Cromford village and steep woodland paths took us round a quarry before a descent by a farmers track in to the delightful village of Bonsall.

After a drink stop we started to ascend step steps up.to Bonsall upper town

After getting our breath back we followed field paths and many stone stiles and more steep steps to the village of Wensley .

Lunch was taken here in sunny weather on the benches and walls of the villages reading room .

After lunch followed more field  and woodland paths to join the river bank which we followed into Matlock 

Which just happened to be the same time as the other group arrived there 

So refreshment was taken before Dave , Karl and the Jones Left us .

While rest of us went to a micro pub which turned out to be up the steepest hill we walked up all day.

We got train back to Belper and most had meals before returning to accommodation 

4 of us even managed to get to a quiz which we came 2nd 

A great walk and weather and little mud fully enjoyed by all even Karl .

Wednesday 19th March 2025 

Duffield circular 8 miles 

Walkers present A.Dulson,M.Simmonds,B.Mulreanan,N.Graham,D.Chambers,R.Jones,H.Jones ,D.Peters,P.Cotterill (9)

With no alternative today most the group did the walk 

A road walk took us up to field paths then a gradual steep ascent up Bunker hill with glorious weather the views were excellent 

We proceeded into Quarndon passing the spa before paths took us into Allestree park and lunch was taken by the lake .

We followed the lake path then a short but busy road took us to paths alongside the river Derwent which were not muddy for a change but then we came across a ploughed field which farmer only just done could awaited till tomorrow. 

Was a long trek over that but yet again lucky

Was dry then entered the church yard to go see Brian Cloughs grave .

After a short Meadow walk we had refreshment Before trains home 

A great 3 days of course the weather helped and thanks to Phil for sorting  Shorter walks 

A.Dulson