Walkers climb high for cathedral view
A RECENT outing by East Cheshire Ramblers saw the walkers brave torrential rain for stunning views.
They began at Bamford station in Derbyshire where they caught the 9.30am train to Dore and Totley on the south western outskirts of Sheffield for a 14-mile linear return walk led by Colin Park.
Climbing steadily on steep, wooded slopes to enter Beauchief Park, the route skirted around New Totley before ascending onto Totley Moor where the carpet of purple heather was at its best.
On the far eastern horizon, Lincoln Cathedral could be clearly picked out in the fine, morning sun, not that the fine weather was to last, unfortunately.
After a picnic lunch by Longshaw Lodge, the walk continued north below Burbage Rocks and up onto Stanage Edge where the group was obliged to quickly don waterproofs as the skies began to darken and the showers swept in.
Fortunately, the sun returned later in time for an afternoon break below North Lees Hall, a sixteenth century tower house which is believed to have been the inspiration for Thornfield Hall, Mr Rochester’s house in Charlotte Brontë’s famous novel, Jane Eyre.
The final part of the walk was along lanes and field paths, finally crossing Sicklehome Golf Course to arrive back at Bamford.
East Cheshire Ramblers operate more than 250 walks each year, including weekend and midweek rambles and summer evenings.
There are also occasional coach outings to outlying scenic areas, such as the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales, as well as weekends away, coach outings and social functions.
For further information and details of forthcoming walks go to ramblers eastcheshire.org.uk.