Hikers head for limestone hills

HALTON Ramblers walking group journeyed eastward to Longnor in Staffordshire. The village in the Peak District sits high on a limestone ridge on the Staffordshire moorlands, with the River Dove to the east and the River Manifold to the west, six miles south of Buxton.

The village once a thriving market town but now a place for tourists commuters and retirees.

Relics of its heyday can be found in its fine old market Hall there is a plaque inscribed with a table of tolls payable by the sellers and buyers at markets and fairs.

For every sheep one half penny, for every pig one penny, for every horse four pence.

The village was bypassed by the railway due to its location – it was not possible to construct the new railway lines across the high ridge, now it is one of England’s smallest market towns.

The group travelled with two coaches via Buxton, taking the A515 out of Buxton to drop off the B group where they started their walk.

Seventeen walkers joined John Cormack on his 11 mile walk, climbing to Staker Hill and past Hill Head Quarry, the open fields laced with a series of paths offered fine views in every direction.

The group descended to Green- sides to join paths walking along Dowel Dale.

The route changed southward and the serrated ridge of Parkhouse Hill came into view, and they followed paths along Dove valley to the small hamlet of Crowdicote.

They climbed again to Pilsbury castle and then to Hill End where they descended to join the Manifold Way, an eight mile long distance path opened in the 1930s. The path took them back into Longnor.

The longest and most strenuous walk of 16 miles with 3,200ft ascent had been planned by Eric Fenney.

The walkers started their arduous climbs with Willshaw Hill and onto High Edge then to the appropriate named hills of the ‘Dragons Back’ Chrome and Parkhouse.

Chrome Hill is a limestone reef knoll containing many fossils and designated a site of ‘Special Scientific Interest’.

In 1997 the writer Jeff Kent discovered that a double sunset could be seen against Chrome Hill from the southern flanks of Parkhouse Hill.

Kent has offered guided viewings of the occurrence from Glutton Bridge on the summer solstice.

The walk continued over High Wheeldon and Sheen, completing the Seven Hills of Longnor, returning to Longnor via the Manifold Way.

The moderate C walk of eight miles was led by Diane Hornby and 20 walkers joined her group.

They took paths to the small hamlet of Crowdicote, an attractive village on the upper Dove river with great views of the Dragons Back.

Then taking tracks passing Broadmeadow Hall with views of Pilsbury Castle to their right, an 11th century earthwork motte and triple bailey fortress.

For their return journey taking paths passed Ridge End Farm, joining the Manifold Way to walk alongside the River Manifold and back into Longnor.

Hannah Bennett also led her D party to the village of Crowdicote, enjoying the scenic countryside and stopping for a break in Crowdicote to explore the village.

Taking an alternative route back to Longnor via farm fields and country paths.

A spokesman said the walkers enjoyed the day and enjoyed refreshments before returning home.

The next venue for the group is to Kirkby Lonsdale Cumbria on Sunday, May 14.

To join, contact the booking secretary on 07842 160 944, from Monday to Saturday, between 6pm and 9pm or visit nmc-ramblers.org.uk