HARTINGTON - 26th April 2026

 Photo: by Darren

Geoff’s group began their walk in Derbyshire at Buxton, where they took in the famous hot springs before wandering through the beautiful Pavilion Gardens. From there, they made their way up to Solomon’s Temple, enjoying the views before passing the HSE labs and an industrial estate as they headed towards open countryside.

The real climb soon began, and it was broken up with a well-earned lunch stop at an old WWII pillbox. Refuelled and ready, they set their sights on the main objective: the Dragon’s Back hills. The second ridge proved more challenging, with a steep scramble up loose scree—one that Barry wisely chose to bypass.

After the excitement, they descended into the valley and crossed the stepping stones, taking a moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Their route then led tghem up to Pilsbury Castle, adding a touch of history to the day, before easing into a relaxed and nonchalant amble towards Hartington.

The group finished with refreshments at the Devonshire Arms, the perfect end to a fantastic day. With clear skies and glorious sunshine throughout, it was a thoroughly enjoyable walk from start to finish.

Stu’s group of two began their private walk from Hartington's beautiful village green, taking the easily missed narrow footpath southwest across fields to Hartington Bridge. A short road walk to the Raikes, brought them to more field footpaths leading to Hulme End.

And here lay the northern end of the magnificent Manifold Trail, once the terminus of the Manifold Valley Light Railway (narrow Gauge).

They paused here for around fifteen minutes or so to admire the little railway exhibition and some beautifully restored vintage cars, including a stunning Bentley from the 1950's. Then advantage was taken to buy ice creams from the cafe before pressing on southwards along the twisting Manifold trail.

The sun beating down made it an easy decision to stop at Dale Farm Cafe, Wettonmill, again to buy ice lollies. A no brainer!

Suitably refreshed, a short climb over Wettonmill Hill and down again to the trail, allowed them views of Thor's Cave through the trees.

Crossing two bridges over the dry riverbed of the Manifold, brought them to a short steep climb up to Thor's Cave. They found it pretty busy with so many people scrambling up the steep slippery rocks into the cave mouth, so they took photos at the cave's mouth and set off east to Wetton.

In this pretty village, lunch stop and welcome drink outside The Royal Oak pub, readied them for the next leg across to another delightful village, Alstonefield.

Resisting the temptation of The George Inn, they pressed on along narrow footpaths to descend into Dove Dale, crossing the River Dove at Coldeaton Bridge.

Turning north and following the river, they then branched off at Peasland Rocks, walking up Biggin Dale to its northern exit at Dale End.

Highfield Lane bridleway led them north west up and over the final climb, before taking another field footpath down to Crossland Sides and into Hartington.

Just short of 15 miles with 1,500 feet of ascent, a very welcome cold drink and chat with some of the other Club members rounded off what was certainly a perfect day.

Paul C’s group left Hartington in bright sunshine, although they headed into a cool breeze initially. The walk through the Dove valley was beautiful as well as being dry underfoot - clean boots to go home with for once! A lovely lunch spot accompanied by a dipper flying to and fro, a nearby heron, and a mallard pair seeing what they could scrounge from us. For afters the ducks became somewhat amorous with a wee bit of splashing around. The group continued their walk stopping at Milldale to sample the ice creams, but they resisted the temptation for another stop at The George in Alstonefield, and instead enjoyed sitting in the sun with refreshments back at Hartington. 10 miles but only 1,100 ft of ascent.

On arriving at Hartington Keith’s group began their walk by heading straight towards their first peak of Wolfscote Hill. With the sun shining brightly you could see for miles in all directions however the highlight of this walk was definitely the valleys. As the group made their way through stunning Wolfscote Dale, they spent some time exploring different caves whilst marvelling at the gorge carved out by the river. From here they went back to climbing the steep, grassy peaks of Gratton Hill, Narrowdale Hill and Wetton Hill before descending into Wetton for a well-earned pub stop. Next they made their way to explore the aptly named Thor's Cave, before heading back into the valleys along the Manifold Way and Wettonmill valley in order to return to Hartington. Overall a lovely day was had by all with 15 miles and 2500ft ascent completed.

Clare V’s group started later than expected, which resulted in a slight change to Clare’s planned walk with Alison, Wai, Jane, Liz, Garry, 2 Pam’s, Judith, Julie and guests, Phil and Colin. Keeping the walk to the trig on Ecton Hill, which turned out to be a perfect lunch spot with very pleasant views, but skirting around Wetton Hill rather than Sugarloaf to descend to the River Manifold to make sure there was time to enjoy Thor’s Cave without rushing. All those who wanted to managed to ascend the slightly challenging limestone entrance worn to a perfect stainless-steel slide, by a million pairs of boots and trainers. Impressive but busy in the cave, getting out again proved slightly easier using the padding Mother Nature provided and everyone was back on the track with just a few dusty bums. A short stop in Wetton to enjoy the refreshments on offer in the church hall cafe and Royal Oak was very welcome on our first really warm day of walking this year and from there it was easy going back into Hartington. Not overly challenging, it was an enjoyable and varied walk in excellent company. Thanks to Garry for help in managing the group so we arrived back in Hartington before the toilets and the cheese shop closed and well done to Phil and Colin with their map reading on their first, but probably not last, walk with the club. 11 miles, 1,625ft ascent.

Pat G’s group had 2 Pats, Steff and Lorna who started their walk from the delightful village of Hartington on a lovely sunny day. After crossing some fields they reached Beresford Dale with its lovely views and a nice easy path to walk on. They continued along Wolfscote Dale as far as Biggin Dale which is very nice but the path is not as good as previous Dales.

Then it was across fields and minor roads back to Hartington to enjoy tea and cakes and explore the village. A splendid day and the sun shone all day.

Thanks as ever to the leaders of the day - Geoff, Paul C, Clare V, Keith, Stu, Pat G and Mike J. 

And to the many photographers who sent in a fabulous selection of varied and very sunny photos - Geoff, Darren, Michelle, Anne, Jason, Ian, Chris, Eric, Clare V, Wai, Pam B, Dawn, Neil O, Claire D, Howie, Stu and Pat G.

 Click HERE to open the album.

 Click HERE to see Darrens 'Buxton to Hartington' video and HERE to see his 'Dragons Back'   video. 

 Next Walks:

Sunday 10^th May 2026 – Kirkby Stephen

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 38, A685 to Kirkby Stephen. Park in Kirkby Stephen.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 24^th May 2026 – Grassington

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, on to the M65, M65 eastbound to junction 7, via A6185/A678 to the A680, A671 to roundabout N of Whalley, A59 to the Skipton roundabout, B6265 to Grassington. Park in Grassington. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.

Sunday 7^th June 2026 – Shap (via A6) to Sedbergh

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590, A6 through Kendal and northbound to join M6 at junction 39, then southbound to junction 37, A684 to Sedbergh. Park in Sedbergh. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.