This is not intended as a walk guide
With Nellie’s rehabilitation going well but still not able to go on long walks, I took the opportunity to do something a bit different whilst I had the chance.
Having parked at Chatsworth I caught the blue route Sightseer bus to Castleton which is currently operating weekends only until the end of October. It was a lovely day with patchy blue skies and powderpuff clouds with just a nip in the air and a bit of a breeze on high ground. I togged myself up in lots of layers including a hat, scarf and gloves as well as waterproof trousers because some of the upper deck seats were a bit squidgy from heavy rain the day before.
The drive to Castleton was amazing, allowing me to scrutinise sweeping panoramic scenery without having to keep my eyes on the road ahead.
Autumn colours were emerging, especially on the slopes of Curbar and Froggatt Edge, whilst Padley Gorge looked a kaleidoscope of colour with its corkscrew oaks, silver birch and beech. Approaching Longshaw was like emerging from a woodland paradise with the lost world of Higger Tor rising up in the distance.
A left near Fox House and we were on our way to Hathersage, with the joy of heading around Surprise View. There now followed a scenic tour up the Hope Valley to Castleton followed by the highlight of the ride. I’m not sure if going up Winnats Pass, with the thought the bus might not make it to the top, was worse than coming down on what could easily be described as a big dipper descent! A short stop in the turning circle near Blue John Cavern was a perfect opportunity for some magical camera moments, especially on such a glorious day.
I disembarked the bus by Castleton Visitor Centre and had a walk around the village and a lunch break before climbing back on board at the bus terminus on the main street. Now it was time for a repeat performance in reverse. However this is meant to be a walk blog so I got off at Calver Sough so that I could notch up a few flat miles as a finale.
Initially I headed through the village of Calver which is a quiet little hotchpotch of quaint houses and little cottages, set back from busy main roads. A tucked away footpath led me to the riverside path where the Derwent was high, but not at risk of flooding, following several days of persistent and heavy rain. I was a bit concerned that the corner by the wood might be impassable as this is a notoriously gloopy section of path. However, it was surprisingly easy to walk for a change.
I continued, following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way with its round signs of a yellow arrow on a purple background, emerging onto Bubnell Lane that led me into Baslow. Along the way I passed Bubnell Hall, a superb listed Grade II family house that is said to date back to the 17th century, and is one of the most historic houses in Baslow parish. Over the centuries it has been home to various people including members of the Broomhead, White, Gardom and Oddy families. However, by 1841 it had become a school for girls with records showing that the number of pupils varied from 3 to 6. By the early 1900’s it was back to being a family residence again.
Lots of debris was backed up against the base of high arches in Baslow Bridge including some massive tree trunks.
After a bit of pavement pottering I turned down a footpath just before the Cavendish Hotel to take a short cut over the swollen lower reaches of Bar Brook. This brought me to a path leading to the Canon Gate and entrance to Chatsworth Park. The highlight finish to my walk was to catch a glimpse of loved-up and antler clad stags with their harem of hinds, hidden away under trees. As it’s currently the rutting season, I gave them a very wide berth!
Sally Mosley
FOOTNOTE BY NELLIE: I do love my treats. I’ve got a special tuck box on the side in the kitchen with all manner of yummy biscuits, dried sausage, health bars and dental sticks. If I’m feeling peckish or think I’ve deserved one I will sit and stare at the box until mum or dad give in and feed me. I never steal, even though I could if I put my paws up on the side, as my tongue could easily reach in. However, there is one treat that I do help myself to from time to time, that could be classed as live food rather than dried. I do enjoy the odd spider to munch on and it’s the time of year when some of the biggest and juiciest spiders decide to run across our lounge floor. After a little pounce I snap my jaws around it, crackle its wriggling legs and then pop it down with a gulp. Free protein snacks! xx
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