8 of us set off across Chunal Moor. It was a beautiful sunny morning with a refreshing cool breeze. However, as we gained height the breeze became a strong headwind. We reached the Trig point at Harry Hut (no hut here and nobody knows who Harry was). Sad to say from here we could see several wildfires across the other side of Woodhead with the helicopter in attendance. We continued to the crash site of the USAF Liberator on Mill Hill, crashed here in October 1944. It was a brand new plane heading to a base in Norfolk, ready for action. Fortunately it was not armed and both crew members survived the crash with minor injuries. Now on the Pennine Way we had the short sharp climb onto the Kinder Edge path, the wind now even stronger. We crossed River Kinder (dry) and the Downfall. At Red Brook (also dry) we started the descent from Kinder gazing at Mermaid's Pool on our right We found shelter from the wind among Cluther Rocks, for our lunch stop. This section of the walk was most difficult due the deterioration of the path. The wind had dropped, but still full sunshine as we crossed a couple of fields (now hot, where was the breeze when you needed it?) to skirt Kinder Reservoir and then the penultimate uphill climb to the Shooting Cabin on Middle Moor. Over the moor and then yet again one last uphill pull to the road and back to the cars. Refreshments were taken at the Men's Club in Wortley. Thanks to those who attended.
Todays walk in detail
12/07/2026
Chunal Moor, Mill Hill, Kinder Downfall, Red Brook, Middle Moor.
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09/07/2026
Whiston Meadows & Spa Farm.
23 walkers left the Sitwell Arms in Whiston on a hot sunny morning and marched across Whiston Meadows via the footpath opposite the pub. We passed Blue Mans Bower on our right where local legend has it plague sufferers were sent in the middle ages. We then came to the River Rother and paused beneath the shade of the motorway bridge for hydration. We pressed on following the river but taking the stile short of Old Flats Farm up to Bole Wood, where lead was smelted in the Middle Ages, and stopped for lunch. We then pressed on to Spa Farm and admired the listed buildings before crossing Ulley Brook and thence to Guilthwaite Hill and back to Whiston. Thanks to Andy for back marking.
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05/07/2026
Rushup Edge to a superb cafe.
Thirteen of us set off on a drizzly, windy and rather gloomy day to walk Rushup Edge. We had a fabulous coffee break at the Olive Tree café where we enjoyed some delicious cakes. By the time we left the cafe the weather had cheered up and we made our way to Perry Dale. After a section of fields with some 'interesting' stiles we had a late lunch and the now customary Jelly Babies (thanks Roy) before walking the Rake and enjoying the remaining stunning landscape. Refreshments were taken at the Old Hall Hotel where we wished Carole a Happy Birthday and Roy presented her with 'flowers' - a cauliflower and a box of Roses! Thanks Roy and Peter for back marking.
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02/07/2026
Wentworth Wander via Thorpe Hesley, Scholes Village, Greasborough Dams and Wentworth Woodhouse.
Thanks to all who turned up for my walk. Another Wentworth Wander, but another different route. It was a bright sunny day with a moderate breeze to keep us cool for a change. We welcomed one returning member, Lisa, and one new walker, Linda. 23 of us set off along Churchfield Lane and then joined the path to Thorpe Hesley. After a bit of road walking we crossed Wentworth Road and headed past the mine water treatment scheme on our way to Scholes village. Turning left after the Bay Horse pub, we went on very dry paths over fields and through woodland, then we had our morning break between Morley and Dog Kennel Ponds (2 of the Greasbrough dams). By now the breeze was quite strong, whipping dust up off the track. Our next stop was at the 'Big House' for the group photo before our return to the car park via Clayfield Lane and Wentworth Village. A 'hydration break' was taken at the Rockingham Arms. I hope you all enjoyed the walk. A big thanks to Gareth for backmarking.
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28/06/2026
Peak District Classic.
Nine of us set off from Hope, hoping for some cooler weather! Our wish was granted but the waterproofs also came in handy! We made our way towards Whinhill then continued to Hope Cross, admiring the wonderful view down the Edale valley on the way. After a coffee break, we walked to Edale village via Jagger's Clough and the Youth Hostel. Lunch was munched in the sunshine of the church yard where the customary Jelly Babies made an appearance. Then we tackled the ascent to Hollins Cross where we chatted to Lillian and Gillian, two lovely young girls from London who had completed their D of E and fancied a few days in Derbyshire. As they weren't much faster than us going up to Hollins Cross, I thought I'd give them some Jelly Babies and the benefit of my local knowledge of the area. The descent to Castleton was steep and rewarded with ice cream before the leisurely walk back to Hope via Peaksholme water. Refreshments were taken in the Old Hall Hotel where the ale is excellent.
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25/06/2026
Treeton Circular.
On Thursday morning 10 members of the Rotherham branch of the legion (minus Beau Stuart who was excused because it was hot) set out across the trackless wastes of Treeton. We skirted round Treeton Dyke where we stopped for a hydration break just short of Hail Mary Wood. We then cut up the hill via Rother Crescent and Pit Lane, we then climbed Spa Hill where we stopped for refreshments. We then crossed Well Lane and followed the River Rother back to Treeton Lane and back to where we started. There was then a mass exodus to the Robin Hood pub for further hydration. My thanks to all those walkers who turned up and especially to Carol for back marking. We defied the heat and nobody was eaten by a camel.
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21/06/2026
Hathersage, Padley, Toad’s Mouth, Carl Wark, Higger Tor, Stanage Edge, Long Causeway circular
11 members of the group + 1 dog completed the circular walk from Hathersage returning to base on another beautiful day in summer the heat from which was quite bearable and nothing like that which we are promised in the current week. A fairly leisurely stroll along the river was followed by the climb up Padley Gorge where the coffee break was taken. We then continued our journey up Carl Wark and Higger Tor taking in the magnificent scenery all around. After a scramble up the latter, Stanage was our next target and an appropriate stop for the lunch break. The long haul along the Edge was broken up my some intrepid members exploring the so-called "Robin Hood's Cave." From then on the walk got easier as we made our way back to the safe confines of our starting point before taking well-earned replenishment at "The Little John" in the centre of the village. Many thanks to all of you for coming on the walk and making it a very enjoyable day. Thanks again to Roy for acting as backmarker.
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18/06/2026
Whiston, Wickersley Circular.
27 of us left Chaff Lane Whiston, up and along Doles Lane, past Royds Moor farm buildings, on to Pinch Mill fishing ponds and stables. Onto Quarry Field Lane, and into Wickersley Gorge through fields towards Sitwell Golf Club, skirting Shrogs Wood through a field into Whiston and Chaff Lane. A well earned drink was partaken at The Sitwell Arms, Many thanks Andrew for brilliantly backmarking.
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14/06/2026
Fairholmes, Alport Castles circular
There were 18 of us who set off in warm sunshine from Fairholmes car park. We welcomed our youngest walker, Maggie's 8 year old Grandson Eli. We started off upwards through Lockerbrook Coppice and past Lockerbrook Outdoor Centre. We were soon crossing Rowlee Pasture and on to a well earned break overlooking Alport Castles. It was then carefully downhill to Alport Farm and down the farm track to reach the A57 at Alport Bridge. The road safely crossed we soon stopped for our lunch break. After recrossing the A57 we ascended to Rowlee Farm and onto Hagg Side leading downhill to Ladybower Reservoir which from there was a short walk along the lakeside back to the car park where Eli romped home in 1st place. How we had all envied his boundless energy running up the hills, bounding over rocks and collecting interesting stones which he added to the weight of his rucksack. Thanks for everyone for coming and Roy for back marking.
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11/06/2026
Hellaby, Carr and Thurcroft.
22 brave or foolish walkers and one reluctant dog set off from a very rainy Hellaby, we had to start with a detour as the first field we were due to walk all the rape seed crops had collapsed completely covering the path. We headed up to a very rainy Carr where some very nice chocolate cookies were handed out, we then walked over the old Thurcroft pit site where we took a very rainy break. We then skirted Wickersley wood before making our way back to Hellaby. Everybody arrived back very wet and I discovered my waterproof boots aren't waterproof. Much needed refreshments were taken in The Stockyard at Hellaby a hidden gem of a pub. Thanks to everyone who attended and our first timer Keith.
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