"B" Walk Sun 3nd May 2009
(On The White Peak Map.)

Leader Ashley Steadman.

     We parked in Longnor Village, the weather bright and breezy but cold and I was glad I'd got my long trousers on only Garry was in shorts.  Thirteen members attended Lorraine, Anne and eleven men.
     Ash informed us that the purpose of this walk was to walk the access land in the area that had become available since the passing of the right to roam act.  We left the village going east but soon left the main road to go north over Top o 'th' Edge and down to cross Beggars Bridge to cross the road and over the stile to start the steep climb up High Wheeldan Hill.  After a hard climb we arrived at the top to view the surrounding countryside in such good viewing weather but it was a cold wind and topcoats were soon donned, we retraced our steps to follow the ridge above the River Dove south to Hartington.  We followed the ridge above Crowdecote before descending to cross the B5055 to go onto the ridge above Pilsbury Castle, it was here we took morning break.
We were soon joined by some young cows who gave Bernard and John special attention, Stan produced his pineapple which was particularly sweet this week.
    After being amused by antics of the cows we continued along the ridge before descending to view Pilsbury Castle then climbing to the ridge above Pilsbury hamlet and on to join the path into Hartington.  Just half a mile on we reached the small but prominent hill of Carder Low which is now accessible so we climbed it for the first time, at the top as we looked at the views the my camera battery ran out and by the time I'd replaced it the group had moved off so no photographs of the top.  It was only a short walk now, to the road which took us into Hartington for lunch in the square.(7 miles).
      We soon moved into the warmth of the Charles Cotton Hotel for a pint of Hartington Bitter, Ash and John bought chips for us all we spent a pleasant half hour discussing Stokes prospects before Ash called time and we all moved outside into the bright sunshine to continue the walk.
      We set off NW. past the cheese factory up to Sheen Village on the distant hill passing through glorious yellow flowers of the gorse bushes.  We crossed the road and descended to Brund Mill through fields with a grand display of Cowslips then down to the path alongside the River Manifold which would take us back to Longnor.  At Boothlow Barn we had afternoon break in a sun trap behind a stone wall before completing a well enjoyed day with a short walk into Longnor.(12 miles).
     Many thanks to Ash for such a well planned and original walk. 

                                                     Norman.        

Start.

High Wheeldon Hill.

Bridge over River Dove.

Ashley our leader.