Walkers show true grit living life on the edge
WALK LEADER HELEN RICHARDSON
THE Longshaw Estate in the Peak District, to the south east of Hathersage, was once the shooting preserve of the dukes of Rutland.
Following the death of the eighth duke in 1925, Sheffield Council bought part of it which was later paid for by public subscription and given to the National Trust in 1931 for public enjoyment.
Not surprisingly – because Longshaw and the surrounding area contain a wide variety of scenery, ranging from rolling moorland to woodland and verdant farmland – it has become a popular destination for walkers, including a party of seven from East Cheshire Ramblers who met at Longshaw Visitor Centre for a 9.5-mile excursion in beautiful summer sun.
After crossing Sheffield Plantation to reach open grassland and a small pond, we headed towards woodland and followed Burbage Edge southwards, where we descended to a sturdy wooden bridge over a cascading river to take a well-earned refreshment break on the other side.
Soon we reached Nether Padley and walked up the amusingly- named Tumbling Hill, through Hay Wood and along Froggatt Edge – the first of the route’s three gritstone escarpments.
As we followed the path, sometimes clambering along or between enormous, interestingly-shaped, ‘erratic’ boulders, we were rewarded with spectacular views, especially westward towards Eyam and beyond.
At its southern end, Froggatt Edge gives way to Curbar Edge where the outstanding scenery continues.
At the far end of this second gritstone edge, we took advantage of some convenient picnic tables in a clearing to enjoy lunch in the warm sunshine.
Our route then took us northeast to White Edge, with views back across to those we had followed earlier.
Although less dramatic, White Edge reaches the highest point on the route at 372m/1,227ft.
After encountering plenty of boggy terrain, we reached the main road and joined a grassy track that led us back to the Longshaw Estate where we enjoyed pots of tea and scones at the National Trust café.
For further information visit ramblers eastcheshire,org.uk.