383 October Walks from Bakewell

Our next walks venue will be

Bakewell 

'ancient capital of the Peak...' 

on 

Saturday 14th October 2017

0800hrs prompt from the Short Stay Car Park

BAKEWELL - Set in an enviable location on the banks of the Wye, with the river meandering gently through the centre, this beautiful old market town is in the heart of the Peak District, surrounded by stunning countryside views. Famous for its Puddings, Annual events and for receiving royal charter as a market town in 1330, markets are still held every Monday in the town centre and there is a thriving livestock market. Bakewell grew up around a cluster of thermal springs and wells that attracted Iron Age settlers and, in Anglo-Saxon times, gave the place its name. The town has a long and fascinating history; mentioned in the Domes Day Book of 1085,`Badequella’ meaning Bath-well.

Less than 200 years ago, Bakewell presented a completely different picture with narrow streets and timber framed properties, many of which had thatched roofs. The modern layout of the town only came about in the 19th century. Visitors flock to shop and explore the towns nooks and crannies, to admire the fine stone Derbyshire buildings, or just to relax in by the clear, sparkling waters of the River Wye.

Modern Bakewell has something for everyone, and everything for someone, from its many historic buildings and its wonderful riverside walks along the banks of the Wye, to its award-winning newly designed and recently revamped town centre with shopping arcades and numerous emporiums of excellence.

There will be Three walks;

• A Walk led by: Steve Edwards
• B Walk led by: Jennifer Matthias
• C Walk led by: Gwyn Jones

walk details will be added as they become available, but by Saturday 7th October

'A' Walk from Bakewell 2017

Walk leader:Steve Edwards
Walk Distance: 11 Miles app
Total Height Gain: 1685ft app

The Monsal Trail and Monsal Dale

The Monsal Trail uses part of the former Midland Railway Line through the Peak District National Park. It runs for eight and a half miles between Blackwell Mill Junction at Wyedale, three miles east of Buxton, and Coombs Viaduct, one mile south-east of Bakewell. We enjoy it for about 3 miles.

We start our walk from the coach park and head up the steep road towards the former Bakewell Station and onto the trail. Although the railway line closed in 1968 the station building is well preserved and now functions as the headquarters for a local business. We make our way behind the station and set off west along the trail.

As a former railway line the trail is completely flat and the good quality surface to the path allows us to make good progress with the biggest decision of the day being whether to stop at the magnificent coffee shop situated at Hassop Station, less than a mile into the walk that serves great bacon baps.

We continue along the disused railway track and onwards to the now opened Headstone tunnel immediately prior to the Monsal Viaduct.

From the viaduct, we leave the flat walking and follow the banks of the river Wye past the weir.

We continue through wooded terrain to where the path crosses the main A6 road from Bakewell to Buxton. Once across this road there is a small picnic area, but we don’t stop, instead pushing on towards the toughest section of the entire walk.

This brief section south of the A6 begins with a steady climb before reaching a stream, which may be bone dry, or a raging torrent depending on the weather. We walk up the stream for about 10 metres before reaching a stile. Once across the stile the path becomes ever steeper until we reached a stone wall where the path divides. We head uphill on a path which is relatively short but can present a real challenge if wet under foot.

In the top field, we will find a suitable spot for lunch or continue across rolling farmland to the village of Sheldon, which is a very picturesque little place boasting an enticing looking pub called ‘The Cock and Pullet’. Heading out of Sheldon we return to farmland paths towards our next landmark on the horizon - Magpie Mine. This was one of the most famous lead mines in the Peak District up until its closure in 1952 and today is something of a heritage attraction.

After the mine, we head towards a short section of quiet public roads continuing downhill all the way to Over Haddon and onward into Bakewell.

If we maintain a good pace we should be back in Bakewell in plenty of time for tea and tart.
 

'B' Walk from Bakewell 2017

Walk Leader: Jennifer Mathias
Total Distance: 8 miles
Total Height Gain: 1000ft app

B walk clockwise

 Tis walk is a moderate walk with some ups and downs. we will leave Bakewell along the River Wye. Crossing a bridge from the Coach Park, now weighed down by locks! The across the ancient bridge before turning into Scott's Garden. Here we were challenged because only residents of Bakewell are permitted in that Garden, but we were allowed to pass, we may not be on our walk! we join a road which takes us to the old Packhorse Bridge we turn the opposite way and climb steeply but shortly northwards then across fields before dropping down to the Monsal Trail. We will leave this after about a mile and cross the field to Little Longstone.

A little road walking brings us to Monsal Head Hotel. There are toilets, although in a poor state and under review, behind the hotel.

We now follow a narrow path with great views of the viaduct towards Ashford in the Water. Crossing fields as we gentle descend. It was very muddy when we did the recce because there had been a great deal of rain.

We will amble through Ashford a lovely village before taking a path through the fields near the River, hopefully seeing the Llama.

As this path comes out on to the road there is a stile whose cross piece was broken. After walking along the road about 100 yards we will cross and climb up through woods to the sports area of St Anselm's school before going down into the centre of Bakewell where there will be time for refreshment and maybe retail therapy.

The church is ancient and worth a visit.

This is a mixed walk but not arduous .

'C' Walk from Bakewell 2017

Walk Leader: Gwyn Jones
Total Distance: 6 miles app
Total Height Gain:

I have worked out a walk which goes along the river to Ashford. I then head north to pick up the Monsal trail and follow it back to Bakewell.  It is 6 miles on field paths and with the Monsal Trail following the route of the old railway line.