Shatton Moor & Brough

Sunday's walk was an 11 mile "figure-of-eight" walk. We started and finished at the hostel and enjoyed part of the Derwent Valley, rising, via Offerton Hall to the Shatton Moor Transmitter. We then descended to Brough, stopped awhile at the "Traveller's Rest" and returned along the Derwent, finally crossing it to reach Hathersage, in time for our respective homeward journeys.

Clocks sprung forward this weekend, which in practice implied a slightly later start with our walks and preparations for the same. But we took all this - as one might say - in our stride.

• We rise to Higher Things
• Shatton Moor and on to Brough
• Homewards along the Derwent
  
  
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We rise to Higher Things

From our hostel we struck roughly south to reach the River Derwent at Leadmill Bridge. From there we accompanied the river, taking the first upward going path we could find to reach Offerton Hall and eventually the Shatton Moor Transmitter. From here, as you might expect, we got good, albeit slightly hazy, views across the surrounding countryside.

This is the Derwent in all its tranquil glory at Leadmill Bridge.




The path we had intended to take proved elusive. Here we wait for our leader to return from what was unfortunately yet another unsuccessful try to find that elusive path!




However, the river scenery is quite nice.




We eventually reach the stepping stones,
and so complete the first quarter of our unintended figure-of-eight.




We would return to this spot later in the day.




We have a chance to enjoy the pleasant view north from Offerton.




We have just put Offerton Hall and Offerton House behind, hoping that the respective occupants of these buildings get on with each other as close neighbours!




Onwards we go, ...




... across the shrub and heather of Offerton Moor.

Shatton Moor and on to Brough

We walk up to the transmitter that graces the top of Shatton Moor. This is the highest point of our walk - the guys who installed the transmitter knew what they were doing! After a wide arc we eventually descend to the Traveller's Rest at Brough, where we enjoy some light refreshment whilst keeping an eye on the return time to Hathersage. It's nice to do a walk on the "last day", but there is often - as today - a time factor to be considered.

We stop for a while at the Shatton Moor Transmitter.




As you see, the view northwards ...




... was quite impressive.




We then describe a wide arc to Brough ...




... keeping the transmiter in our sights to our right.




The Derwent greets us again as we come into Brough ...




... where we savour the delights of the "Traveller's Rest".

Homewards along the Derwent

For most of the way back to Hathersage we keep the Derwent in our sights. The Shatton Moor Transmitter also keeps us company - albeit at a distance for some of our way. Stepping stones across the Derwent provide a challenge, and we avoid being run over by the Manchester to Sheffield Flyer - Northern Rail actually! And so back to Hathersage and - for most of us - the "Deep South". We had nice walks, good weather and, of course, good company!

Hathersage is more or less ahead, ...




... and the transmitter is to our right.




Onwards we tread our way ...




... reaching the bank of the Derwent at this seemingly ancient but pretty bridge.




The Derwent ...




... looks very nice.




Perhaps this is what this - probably retired - horse thinks as well. He (or she!) certainly has the time for peaceful reflection.




Here are the stepping stones which - for once - were not to my liking. Longer legs and a lighter rucksack could have been the answer. Luckily, Nigel (he with the long legs) was able to give a helping hand, and so saved an otherwise longer trek back via Leadmill Bridge. Thanks, Nigel!




We escaped being run down by the Manchester-Sheffield flyer! Level crossings probably save money, but are not really as safe as a footbridge.




As we enter Hathersage, the ghost of Edward VII greets us from this letter box, which, in true Royal Mail style, has seen many layers of regulation red paint over the decades.

And so we get ready for our respective return journeys. It's been another good CLOG weekend away. Thanks Helen, and thanks everybody!