Ellastone area Multi day (7-9/02/23)

Ellastone area

Attendees : A.Dulson .D.Martin ,R.Jones ,H Jones ,D.mcDonnell ,M.Sadler (6) Tuesday 7th February

Rocester to Ellastone 5miles

The group met at Ellastone village hall at around 1230 we started with a field walk passing one of the many metal sculptures in that area that JCB have displayed around by there factory .

We then joined the limestone way across farmland and alongside the river Dove .

Arriving at Ellastone bridge where the counties change from Staffordshire to Derbyshire.

A short walk up to Norbury weir and Norbury national trust property and the old railway station

We caught the bus back to Rocester before driving back to our accommodation in Ashbourne

The evening was spent in the bungalow with a curry made by Ros and poppadoms expertly microwaved by Hugh .

Wednesday 8,th February

Ellastone circular 8miles

We caught the 10oclock bus to Ellastone then took footpaths towards Calwich abbey with some very misty icy weather to contend with .

We then joined paths up to wootton then started our ascent of the weavers with the mist clearing our arrival at the trig point was in clear blue skies .

After a lunch stop we carried on across fields and lanes passing wootton hall arriving in Ellastone for a deseved drink

The evening was spent in the stepping stone pub for a meal etc

Thursday 9th February

Ellastone to Ashbourne 9 miles

The 10am bus was used again although

Was delayed due to traffic incident .

The walk took us along the limestone way to Marten hill in glorious sunny weather

After a lunch stop fields and roads passing Okeover hall took us to Mapleton a quick look round the unusual church

Then it was a short steepish walk up to Callow top in slippery conditions as Mac found out when he slipped and landed it a towel he was carrying removed most of it .

We then dropped down to Tissington trail which we found was supposedly closed

But cyclist were seen to be using so we proceeded despite been spoken to by one of tree fellers that shouldn't really be there

We arrived at Ashbourne with time for Mac to get changed and some of had a drink before going home

A great 3days walking with the weather being good for us was a bonus

A Dulson