Rocky ridge walk is hard going in heat
EAST Cheshire Ramblers chose the hottest day of the year so far to undertake one of our longer walks.
Starting from Longshaw Lodge on the eastern edge of the Peak District on the outskirts of Sheffield, the route took us over Burbage Rocks where we saw many climbers indulging in the local sport of bouldering amongst the rocks scattered below the ridge.
A strange feature on the way up to the ridge is a block of stone which was being carved into a trough before it split and had to be abandoned.
We continued down to Burbage Bridge, from where we ascended to the first trig point on Stanage Edge.
By this time the early morning cloud had dispersed and it was becoming really hot. Fortunately there was a breeze to keep us cool.
We walked along the edge to the second trig point on High Neb looking at the fine views over the Great Ridge and the Kinder plateau.
This part of the walk is very popular with both rock climbers and walkers.
After the trig point there were far fewer people as we descended through an old quarry and across moorland to the main Snake Pass road.
It is difficult to believe that this part of the walk is through the outskirts of Sheffield. We followed quiet country lanes until eventually reaching a brook flowing through woods above the Rivelin Reservoirs.
There was welcome shade on this part of the walk, which continued along Wyming Brook Drive.
Eventually we came out of the shade and reached Houndkirk Road, which took as back to Longshaw lodge.
After 17 miles it was good to get back to some refreshment.
For more details of East Cheshire Ramblers’ programme of weekend and midweek walks, ranging from four to 15 miles in length, go to ramblerseastcheshire. org.uk.