Monday 27 December 2021 - A Lathkill Dale Circuit in Fog

Sunny it was in Manchester.

However, we'd promised to meet Andrew, Sue and David, who were staying at Bole Hill Farm, near Bakewell. It was a foggy journey beyond Disley.

Andrew (waiting for his new knee) was ensconced in his bijou accommodation, but Sue and David joined us for a familiar circuit, heading up Lathkill Dale to Monyash and returning via the Limestone Way path and some muddy fields.

Despite the fog, I took a few pictures that are reproduced here. Click on any one of them to access a slideshow; today's text is minimal.

This must be the remains of an old tramway viaduct leading from a nearby mine

We stopped for elevenses by the bridge that leads up Cales Dale, and chatted to a lady who needed reassurance as to her route.

A little further on, the river disappears beyond where it emerges from the hillside, leaving a relatively dry valley for the final push to Monyash.

Had the cafe been open, we'd probably have sat next to the Village Cross for our sandwich lunch, but as it was closed for the holiday period, we were able to use its picnic bench without fear of being moved on.

This sign ought to be displayed (horror of horrors for the Management) outside the courtyard tea room at Wythenshawe Hall!

The Limestone Way provided a nice path until we cut across muddy fields.

Increasing levels of mud were encountered on the way down to and past Meadow Place Grange, but the visibility improved to the best it had been all day. Shame about the rain!

Finally we dropped through slippery woodland to the paved stepping stones that got us across the Lathkill River to our cars that were parked in Over Haddon.

Our 15.5 km route is shown below. It includes about 350 metres ascent, and it took us a leisurely 4½ hours. We adjourned to Bole Hill for tea/coffee and Lots of Cake.

A fine day out, despite the fog. Thanks to Andrew, Sue and David for the invite.