Such a lovely day on Wednesday 18th March 2026 with sunshine all the way for the 7.7 mile walk led by Dave Martin from the village of Biggin near to Hartington. 19 members made the journey into the Derbyshire Dales through the wonderful surrounding countryside and moorland.
From our meeting place we headed out across fields to reach the Tissington Trail. This is the Peak District's most popular area for walking, cycling and horse riding. It stretches for 13 miles and was created from a disused railway line. We followed this track for a short way before turning off onto the path taking us towards Wolfscote Dale then Beresford Dale, with a drinks break at Bradbury's Bank. These are two very pretty dales running through limestone gorges alongside the River Dove with its weirs, with enormous cliffs on each side , and high on the right side , a cave. We walked alongside the river, still at a high level here until we reached a turn to Staden and then had quite a steep climb out of the dale to reach an awkward stile, where help was needed to climb over safely, prior to crossing over the field for a lunch break. Sitting with our backs to the stone wall we had beautiful views across the fields as we enjoyed the sun, and a much lighter breeze.
After our break we climbed over the wall by the steps set into it, and started our return route back to Biggin, by road and field paths.
A really enjoyable walk, with a group photo taken along the way.
Gillian Gibbons
