Skirting the southern edge of the Peak District
ASHBOURNE was the start point for this 11-mile midweek linear walk along the extreme southern edge of the Peak District National Park. Parking at Waterhouses, 11 walkers caught the bus to Ashbourne on this fine sunny autumn morning.
The walk set out through Ashbourne, where we were soon on paths to reach the Tissington Trail.
Rather than follow the trail, the walk took a path to the west to cross numerous fields with enough time for a morning break en route to reach the historic church of St Leonard’s at Thorpe.
The church has a notable Norman tower which dates from around 1100 AD while the nave dates from the 15th century.
Leaving the village, the walk continued north with most of the party taking advantage of the fine weather to climb to the top of the shapely hill called Thorpe Cloud. The summit is 942 feet above sea level and affords fine views along Dove Dale.
Much of the area here is owned by the National Trust. A long descent followed, to the popular Stepping stones in Dove Dale which after the recent rain were partly immersed by the high water level.
Heading west, we followed an extremely muddy path to reach Ilam where a longer break was taken to have lunch in the churchyard of Holy Cross Church. The present church dates from the 17th century but there has been a church here since Saxon times.
A path beside the River Manifold was followed afterwards, passing an ancient cross called the Battle Stone which commemorates a battle between the Danes and the Saxons. Soon afterwards we had a long ascent to Musden Low where the views stretched as far as Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire and Cannock Chase.
The latter part of the walk continued via field paths and lanes skirting the village of Calton on its northern side before descending to walk the last half mile along the Manifold Trail.
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.