Day 32 Tagg Diary (Monyash) to Castleton (through Peak District National Park)

 

Today's walk was mostly on tracks on the Limestone Way and also across some fields.

Garry walked the first part along a B road from Tagg Lane dairy (sadly not open at 9.30am!) and then he met me and Alfie  a mile down the road in Monyash.  Here, there was an open cafe, well populated with hikers and bikers.

We all walked together up Blackwell Lane which led onto the Limestone Way for a short while, a stony track with views over the Derbyshire Dales. There were a number of D of E walkers climbing stiles with overly large rucksacks.

After a mile or so, me and Alfie turned back as we had planned to walk from Castleton to meet Garry later (and it was starting to rain!). I saw a Pinfold on the way back (but no Pinder!)

 Garry had lots of ascending to do today and he found the track rather stony underfoot.  He went through a nice village called Flagg, along some lanes and the Limestone became a more rocky track. Garry saw an impressive looking tumulus (too big for a photo apparently!)

He went down into Miller's Dale, where he saw a nice cottage, and then back up the other side where he saw a friendly farmer and his wife. 

He then had a long steady slog up and over the top on the Limestone Way. After this, he walked through Wheston, where he left the Limestone Way and moved over onto the Penine Bridleway. I picked him up at the end of a long lane just off the A623. He cut the day a bit short as it was hard work up the hills and the weather was rather wet. As tomorrow's planned walk is very short, it should be easy to tag on the extra few miles from today. 

Whilst Garry was hiking up hills, Bakewell was calling for me. I was impressed at the pretty town, with a stream going though it and a number of weirs. I found Bloomers, recommended yesterday by Katharine, and bought a Bakewell pudding and tart. 

After a successful shop, Alfie and I headed to Castleton to find a parking spot to walk down to meet Garry. As he decided to cut the walk a bit short, we drove to meet him. I drove up Winnats Pass  from near Castleton, a hill road and limestone gorge that connects Castleton to the wider Peak district. It winds through an impressive cleft, with dramatic views of the surrounding limestone cliffs and ridges. I wouldn't want to drive it on an icy day though!

We then drive to Marple, where we are staying with Jenny and Andy for a few nights. I hope Alfie gets on with their cat, Neo!

11 miles walked for Garry with a climb of over 1,250 feet. 

Tomorrow's walk ends at Edale, which is the start of the dreaded Penine Way!