Thursday was forecast to be a fine day at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here) so it was disappointing when we had some early showers. I had planned a walk in Monks Dale near Millers Dale but with the showers we worried it might be too slippery under foot as it is rocky in places. It is one of a number of ‘dog friendly’ walks which have no or few stiles and are shorter in length. Plan B was a four mile walk near Hathersage around Carl Wark and Higger Tor. We parked at Surprise View car park where it was still cloudy but brightness was in the distance. The heather was not quite out, not that we were expecting it to be, so we have made a note to come back in a couple of weeks time when it should be at its best. We set off from the car park to the first viewing point then followed a fence that ran parallel to Millstone Edge. The path was easy going and as we had not arrived until nearly 1pm it wasn’t long before we stopped for lunch with wonderful views along the Hope Valley. We could make out Win Hill, Lose Hill, Mam Tor, Winnats Pass and the Hope Cement Works! The path continued to the bottom of Higger Tor which we skirted and picked up another path towards Carl Wark, an old fortified hill. A number of years ago we did a longer walk here and that time we climbed both hills. We also skirted Carl Wark and headed down to Burbage Brook. During the walk we had been able to make out Stanage and Burbage Edges. At the brook we picked up a minor path along the brook rather than the Sheffield Boundary path. There were highland cattle grazing on the opposite bank. By now the sun was coming out and it felt a lot warmer. When the path emerged at the main road we crossed it onto the Longshaw Estate then carried following the brook down to Lawrence Field. It was busy here with families enjoying the sunshine. We then picked up a sunken path that took us back to the main road and the car park. Home via Monsal Head as we wanted to avoid Bakewell and the show traffic. At least it was a nice evening. Enjoy the photos.
