ARS off to classic Gritstone country

This coming Saturday's ARS (Audlem Ramblers Society) walk is along the Derwent Crest in Derbyshire in classic Gritstone country.

We start from the Fairholmes visitor centre at the head of the Ladybower Reservoir and just below the Derwent Dam (made famous in WW2 because the Dambusters practised there). We have a pleasant relatively flat walk along by Ladybower to warm up and, if the absence of rain continues, we might have a chance of seeing the remains of the hamlet of Derwent flooded when the reservoir was created.

We then climb up onto the edge and head past classic Gritstone outcrops with names such as Wheel Stones, Salt Cellar and Cakes of Bread, with good views towards Win Hill, Kinder Scout and Bleaklow, hopefully. When we recce'd the walk saw lots of Grouse, the odd Sky Lark, Meadow Pippits and two hares on the upper moorland.

If I can find the proper way down (failed in the recce!), we descend via Abbey Clough which is apparently very impressive, otherwise there is a simple descent back towards Derwent Reservoir. Either way we finish off with a gentle stroll along by the water back to our starting point.

The walk is about 10 miles with about 1700 feet of climbing and I would grade it as an easy 3 booter with no really steep or exposed sections. Conditions underfoot were good in the recce with a large section of the edge now paved.

Much of the walk is across open access land with ground nesting birds about so dogs must be kept on a short lead under strict control.

I'm told that Fairholmes car park can get busy so an 8.00 am start from Audlem car park is necessary and the bad news is that it costs £4.70 to park there (correct money required).

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